Planning Your Scrapbook Layout

Don’t be intimidated when designing your scrapbook layout. Arranging your elements is one of the most difficult aspects of scrapbooking. It takes a lot of practice and experimentation to get your personal style down, so don’t feel discouraged if your style seems a little haphazard in the beginning.

Here are some ideas to work with:

• Use a grid to organize your photos and embellishments. A grid can help you create balance and harmony in your layout, as well as make use of negative space. You can use a ruler, a cutting mat, or a pre-made grid template to guide you.
• Choose a focal point for your layout. A focal point is the element that draws the eye first and sets the mood for the rest of the page. It can be a photo, a title, a journaling block, or anything else that you want to highlight. You can use contrast, size, colour, or placement to make your focal point stand out.
• Create visual triangles to add interest and movement to your layout. A visual triangle is a group of three elements that form an imaginary triangle on the page. The elements can be similar or different, as long as they are connected by colour, shape, theme, or style. Visual triangles can help you create a sense of unity and direction in your layout.
• Use repetition to create rhythm and cohesion in your layout. Repetition is the use of the same or similar elements throughout your page, such as colours, shapes, fonts, or patterns. Repetition can help you establish a theme and a flow for your layout, as well as reinforce your message and story.

Experiment with different techniques and materials to add texture and dimension to your layout. Texture and dimension can make your layout more appealing and realistic, as well as express your personality and creativity. You can use techniques such as distressing, stamping, embossing, or stitching, or materials such as ribbon, lace, buttons, or flowers to add texture and dimension to your layout.