Tips for Beginning Scrapbookers Who Use Complete Scrapbook Kits and Individual Products

by Art Gibb, freelance writer on behalf of Legacy Memories, Inc ( 15-Jan-2013 )

Scrapbooking is a unique and creative way to preserve memories. Photos, ticket stubs, menus, certificates, stickers, and so much more can be used to create a book of memories. Scrapbooks are more than just photo albums; they are a combination of photos, designs and colors to create a memory viewing experience. A few options include buying complete scrapbook kits, or picking out paper and decorations individually is available for beginners.

Getting Organized Is Key

The first step to creating the perfect scrapbook is to get organized. Organizing is an essential task to any project. Keeping all the photos organized in one place will make it easier to choose which ones to use for a particular page. These types of books are not supposed to contain every picture ever taken. Pick a few favorites that will display the event, trip, or situation the best. Photos are the best way to preserve memories, so it’s nice to keep them in good condition. Although certain supplies might seem more expensive than regular craft supplies, it is important to make sure the products used are acid-free. This will ensure that the photos will be preserved and not get brown or yellow with age.

Get Creative

Organizing the layout is the fun part. It is ideal to have a cohesive theme to the book or at least the pages facing each other. Paper and color accents should correlate and accentuate the colors of the photographs. Chronologically arranging photos makes it flow nicely, but arranging around events like holidays or trips is also a fun choice. Don’t be afraid to cut and crop photos, especially if the background isn’t important. Smaller photos means more can fit on a page, and the important aspects are being highlighted. This is where the creativity comes in, with so many colors, patterns and products to choose from, the ideas will flow easily.


Keep the End Goal in Mind

Many crafters find that creating a practice book or project is a good idea for first-timers. Trying things out is half the fun of starting new projects. After practicing, a crafter better knows their own style and can figure out their own techniques. Then, important photos and projects aren’t ruined by inexperience or beginner mistakes. Obviously it’s a difficult task to creatively display years of photos and memories, so start with what is most recent and work backwards, otherwise there is no chance of catching up. There are countless craft products and unlimited ways to arrange them on a page. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of photos, or the add-ons available. Whether you are buying complete scrapbook kits or buying individual pieces, or whether you’re a beginner, or a seasoned expert, it is important to take your time and have fun.

Browse our top cities

Browse cities by state