Creating a page layout
can be frustrating, especially when you are new to scrapbooking
. Here are some tips that will help to make your layout cohesive.
- Sort your photos and select a theme
to work on (generally, 5-7 photos fit on a two-page spread and 3-5 photos fit on a single page). Select only the best photos to highlight the event, feeling or moment you want to convey.
- Select 2-3 colors of paper that will complement colors found in the photographs. Experiment with different colors and patterns of paper to find the best combination that enhance your pictures.
- Select a photo that has sharp images, vivid colors and well-lit subjects to be your focal point
for the page.
- Shape
and mat
your photos to add extra importance to your focal point
. You can do this by matting your photo with a wider border than the others, or double or triple-matting it. Keep in mind that simple shapes such as rectangles, ovals, circles and squares are among the most eye-pleasing shapes.
- No page is complete without adding your thoughts, feelings and experiences; even if it is just a few words, a date, or a quote to help convey the emotions that were felt at the time of the event. When journaling
, take a few minutes to write down not only the "who" and "when," but also the "what" and "why."
- Choose a Title. A title should connect the pages together by announcing the event. It can have a title and subtitle and should be limited to 5 words or less. Titles don't just have to be at the top of the page so be creative.
- Arranging your page. As you arrange items, pay close attention to the direction your eye moves. In general, well-designed pages are well balanced and will follow a natural flow that mimics the letter Z, flows in a circle or creates a visual triangle. Once you're pleased with the layout, simply adhere the elements to the page.
- Now that the main ingredients to the page are in place, add a few embellishments. Be careful - you don't want so many embellishments that it distracts from the pictures. Also, try not to mix too many types of embellishments on a page. At most, use 1-3 types that all compliment each other like buttons, eyelets and fibers
.
