Scrapbookingcan seem intimidating to beginners, but with a few basic supplies and a good simple plan it is quite simple to start a first scrapbook. There are several books available to assist newcomers in scrapbooking and numerous websites with helpful tips and tricks.
The first step in creating your scrapbook is deciding on a theme. Some scrapbooks are chronological family albums, following the family through the years. Many scrappers center their albums around specific events like ?Baby?s First Year? or ?Summer Vacation?. Once you have decided on the purpose of your first scrapbook, choose two to three colors to use and select the photos you will include.
Next you will need to gather your tools and supplies. Choose an album with a design that will fit your theme. The best albums for scrapbooking are typically either 8 ?? by 11? or 12? by 12?. The album should be archival, meaning it is acid-free and nonmagnetic. You will also need acid and lignin free refill pages the same size as the album. Choose several sheets of printed paper or cardstock in the colors you have decided on using. Scrapbook specialty stores and general craft stores carry a selection of paper in thousands of designs.
You will also need a few permanent, acid-free fine-tipped pens for journaling your scrapbook and a sharp pair of scissors. Pick an acid-free adhesive to mount your photos onto the cardstock. After you have these basic items, you may also want a paper trimmer and a few embellishments like stickers or buttons to compliment your theme. There are lots of other scrapbooking supplies available, but these are the necessities.
Now that you have everything you need to start scrapbooking, it is time to create your first page. Separate the pictures you will be using into smaller topics or themes and decide on a sequence for the scrapbook. Once you have selected the group of pictures to use on the first page, it is time to decide on a page layout.
There are several books and scrapbooking websites that offer ideas and inspiration for different page layouts. For the best results, follow the ?Rule of Thirds?. Divide your page into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Use the four intersections as focal points for placing your photos and embellishments.
Once you have decided on a layout, you can do any needed cropping and matting. Now add your journaling and embellishments. Finally, mount everything to the cardstock with the acid-free adhesive and you have finished your first scrapbook page!
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Richard Greenwood has many years experience of
Scrapbookingand has persued a career at bring new innovations and ideas to the
Scrapbookingmarket.
