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Here are some helpful hints for organizing and designing a scrapbook pages.  These suggestions are not to be considered all inclusive, but simple helps.  Your own creative juices will guide you in the end.  These ideas are not presented in any order of priority.  We will direct you to some of our articles that go into more depth regarding a particular suggestion.

• Select a Focal Point
• Photographs should be arranged in a strategic manner to draw the viewer to the focus of  your page
• Scrapbook pages should be designed around a visual triangle
• Construct your page using the “Rule of Thirds”
• Everything in its place–arrange items with thought and purpose–for continuity and relationship
• Repetition is beneficial in the design helps provide unity of elements
• Contrast can provide interest and focus
• Embellishments should be consistent and coordinating
• Eliminate white space and voids
• Utilize the “odd number” element

Select a Focal Point.

As you begin the design and layout of your scrapbook page, the first thing you want to do is identify what your purpose is.  What is the pictorial story you want to convey.  What are the most important elements which would help you say what you want to say to the view of your page.  There is only ONE focal point per page, but you can have ancillary or secondary points–just limit them, or your page will loose its purpose with too much busyness.  See our article “Select a Focal Point” for more detailed information.

Photographs should be arranged in a strategic manner to draw the viewer to the focus of  your page.

Photographs are the spine of a scrapbook.  Scrapbook pages are crafted for photographs.  Each page is designed to tell or add to a picture story.  The alignment or arrangement of photos on a scrapbook page should be structured to focus on the theme of the page.  Pictures should be placed to draw attention and to provide a flow of the viewers eye from one picture to another to complete the story in a logical sequence.  See our article “Balancing Your Scrapbook Page Layouts” and “Plan Your Scrapbook Page First“

Everything in its place–arrange items with thought and purpose–for continuity and relationship.

When designing your scrapbook pages everything has it’s place.  Every aspect, from pictures, journaling to embellishments, should be placed in an order that provides fluidity, harmony and continuity to all the other elements of the page.  The placement of items should provide a natural flow from one facet to another in an orderly fashion.  The colors should enhance and augment the theme of the page.  The two articles above should help provide more detail about this continuity concept, and the importance of putting each element in an appropriate place on your scrapbook page.

Construct your page using the “Rule of Thirds.”

The “Rule of Thirds” is an design tool to layout your scrapbook page into thirds–both horizontally and vertically.  This provides you with 9 imaginary boxes.  A companion rule is the “Golden Ratio.”  Both of these rules help you identify areas on your page where you would or could begin placing the focal elements.  These are not a hard and fast rules for scrapbookers, but the give you a starting point.  For more information and detail on these two design tools see our articles: “Scrapbook Layout: “The Rule of Thirds” and “Scrapbook Layout: “The Golden Ratio.”

Everything in its place–arrange items with thought and purpose–for continuity and relationship.

Based on the information provided thus far you can see where everything on your page should be coordinated and focused on the theme you are presenting.  Each element should add to or enhance the pictoral story you are presenting to the viewer.  Like or related items, when grouped together or in close proximity to one another, will help create a stronger visual image.  This process adds emphasis and focus to a specific element on the page.   All related elements should help direct viewers to the primary focus of the created page.

Repetition is beneficial in the design helps provide unity of elements.

Repetition in your page construction process adds to the overall continuity of the page.  This process helps pull the page together.  This technique is especially important when you are creating double or multiple pages on the same theme.  Repeating such items as: color, texture, shapes, sizes, embellishments, etc. will help hold an tie together your page.

Contrast can provide interest and focus.

By varying various aspects and elements of your scrapbook page you create interest through contrast.  You can change or add contrasting features such as: color, size, font type, shape, etc.  Contrast can be over done to the extent the prime focus or theme of your page is lost.  This is one of those areas where “a little goes a long ways.”  Use it, but be judicious in the application.  Start simple and add as needed.

Embellishments should be consistent and coordinating.

Embellishments on your pages should be added to provide or enhance your page’s theme or focus.  Use them consistently and in a coordinated way.  This is especially true when creating double or multiple pages.  The principle here is similar to “Contrast can provide interest and focus.” noted in the previous item.  A reminder, a little goes a long way.

Eliminate white space and voids.

Generally speaking, what you want to do is fill your page with material that adds, or speaks to, the focus of your page.  “white space” (open or blank space) can distract the viewer’s attention to your theme.  You don’t have to have “every space filled with something.”  You want the page to flow from element to element with the least with the least amount of distraction to draw the viewer away for the purpose of you picture story.

Utilize the “odd number” element.

In the art world, artist hold to the element of “odd numbers” (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.).  Scrapbooker’s should hold to this rule as well.  Viewers find odd numbers to be easier and more pleasant to look at–the understanding of this is not fully understood, but it works.  Most pages should not exceed 5 items of point.  This may well be one of those “don’t fix what ain’t broke” sort of things.  Just use it!

An Overview of Basic Scrapbook Materials and Tools

Albums

Scrapbook albums come in a wide variety of sizes and formats.  The 12″ x 12″ is the most common size used, but albums can also be found in 6″x6″, 8″x8″, 9″x9″ and 8 1/2″ x 11″ you choose which is best for you.  Albums are available in a wide array of colours, patterns and prints.  The industry standard is the top-loading postbound album. 

Paper/Cardstock

Cardstock and paper come in a plethora of colors and patterns.  Your primary goal is to be sure the paper or cardstock you use is acid free (see Acid’s Affect on Scrapbooks).  The choice of which paper or cardstock to use is yours to make, but consider the theme you are using and color you want to accent (see our articles: Color Can Enhance Scrapbook Pages and Choosing a Scrapbook Color Scheme for more detailed information).  For scrapbook paper sources see Scrapbook Paper.

Papers: Printed, Patterned, Specialty Papers and Vellum

Because paper is the primary element or ingredient–next to photorgraphs–the selection of a paper is very important to focus on your theme.  Lignin and acid free papers should always be used.  When using handmade (see our article on Making Hand Made Paper)and specialty papers ensure they are lignin free as well as acid free.  Papers come in varied sizes just like album covers.

Adhesives

If you can’t attach your photos and embellishments to your scrapbook pages then you don’t have a scrapbook.  There is broad array of different types of adhesives and glues to choose from in the market place.   Some adhesives have special functions while others have been designed for ease and convience of use.  What works best for you depends on the project you are working on.  For more in depth information on a wide variety of adhesives you can purchase and use see our articles:  Information About Adhesives and Glues and Scrapbook Glue and Adhesive Product Information.

Embellishments

A scrapbook page really isn’t complete without a few touches to add interest and help direct focus on your books’s theme.  Embellishments are the things you add to give your page character and a sense of your personality.  They can be manufactured: metals, rubber stamping, eyelets and brads, machine stitching; fibers and ribbons, stickers, chalk and paints; or they can be elements of memorablilia: locks of hair, ticket stubs, pieces of cloth from a favorite piece of clothing, pressed flowers, etc.  For more information and ideas about embellishments see our articles:  A Scrapbook Sticker Technique to Use or  Using Scrapbook Stickers; Basic of Rubbert Stamping; Chalk It Up or Chalking Technique and Tips; Design Accents and Embellishments; Embellish with Liquid Applique; Machine Stitching Scrapbook Pages.  Each of these articles is filled with helpful information and products you can purchase.

 Pens and Journaling

If you haven’t or aren’t making notations, comments and journaling in your scrapbook pages, you are missing one of the prime objectives of scrapping–telling a story with pictures and words.  Embellishments and other elements are nice touches and add interest to your pages, but the core of the page should be photos and journal or comments written to give clarity and specific notation of identification.  See our articles on Journaling In Your Scrapbook Pages;  Fonts Help When Journaling Scrapbook Pages;  What You Should Do About Lettering In Your Scrapbook Pages and Fonts Help When Journaling Scrapbook Pages for more information on this important task in creating your scrapbook pages.

 Tools

This is a broad heading which covers a miriad of factors.  Tools are implements or instruments used to shape, form or finish an item.  Tools can be those used by hand or they could be machine tools where mechanical assistance is added.  Here are some articles that address some, but by no means, an complete list or treatise on all of the tools available for use in your scrapbook pursuits:

Basic Scrapbook Cropping Tools
Basic Tools for Beginning Scrapbookers
An Embossing Scoring Tool for Making Hinges or Folds  (Scor-it)
Basic Scrapbook Cutting Tools
Bone Folder
Centering Ruler
Folding Scrapbook/Craft Table
Portable Scrapbook or Craft Table
EZView™ – Scrapbook Workspace Desk
EZView™ – Scrapbook Workspace Desk Top
Scrap-N-Stow Portable Scrapbooking/Craft Table
Scrapbook and Craft Work Tables
Finding Used Scrapbooking Tools and Supplies
Fiskars Personal Paper Trimmers
Giant Scrapbook Cutting Board
Gypsy Portable Personal Handheld Design Studio
Martha Stewart Scrapbook and Crafting Supplies
Newest Scrapbook Products
Pazzles Inspiration Electronic Cutter
QuicKutz Letterpress Combo
Scrapbook Cropping Tools
Scrapbook Die Machine – Cut and Embossing
Scrapbook Embossing Using Impression Tools
Scrapbook Self-Healing Cutting Board
Scrapbooking Punches
Slice Cordless Cutter Machine
Tag Curler Tool
Scor-Pal Measuring & Scoring Board

Workspace Organizers and Totes

As you get involved in creating scrapbook pages and books you will find that having order and organization will be a helpful practice.  There are a ton of “small” things you use as you develop your pages.  Keeping them in an appropriate place for ease of access, and having them not mix with other elements is important.  Beacuse this fun paper crafting hobby can be portable, having the right totes and carriers will like wise be a boon to your being able to get your projects done with the least amount of hassel by taking what you need when you need it.  Here are some articles to help you in this important part of your craft efforts:

The ScrapRack
The Craft Box™ – Scrapbooking Workspace
The Original Scrapbox (Storage & Workspace)
Scrapbook Storage and Organization
Scrapbook Storage Drawers
Scrapbook Work Place Organization
Scrapbook Ribbon Box Dispenser
Scrapbook Furniture-Armoire

Scrapbooking is a wonderful craft.  Taking the time along with the useful products and tools available to you today, and you can create masterpieces for your books and pages.  Remember this is not a complete treatise on all of the materials and products available to you, but this information should give you a good start.

Scrapbook creations need the help of a good ruler.  A centering ruler is a plus.

A centering ruler is a very useful tool for scrapbooking use.  The prime benefit of a centering ruler is to quickly and easily figure out centering objects that are in relationship to one another.  Calculation and measuring with out the benefit of a centering ruler can provide uneven results.

Layouts are much easier to handle with the help of a centering ruler.  Little or no guess work is involved.  There are enough other issues to have to deal with than guessing the center points of related objects.  This tool is especially  perfect for centering words on your scrapbook or craft projects.

EK Tools – Centering Ruler Pro

EK Success has a great tool–their Centering Ruler Pro–that was designed primarily for help in your centering tasks.  This 2″ x 15″ ruler offers these benefits:

• Flexible – allows for perfect center alignment on flat and 3-dimensional objects
• 7″ measurement from right or left of center
• Easy to read “black and white” numbers which can be read on both dark and light surfaces
• Has both inches and metric measuring gauges
  
• Has a sticker release surface so you can use the ruler to line up stickers–lettering in particular–for perfect centering

What challenges, damage or affect does acid and lignin present for scrapbooker’s?

Scrappers put in a great deal of time creating masterpieces of scrapbook pages and books.  The last thing these crafters want is to have this effort spoiled over time by the effects of chemical reactions (acids) on their handy work.  While there is sensitivity given to this problem by scrapbook product manufactures and providers, the problem does exist.  Perhaps one of the biggest culprits has to do with using “around the house” items for embellishment.

Scrappers need to be aware of the harmful affect acid can have on the long term preservation problem they can create.  Photographs, in particular, are very sensitive to acid.  So, scrapbook crafters should be wary of using items that they aren’t sure are acid free or neutralized.  By failing to pay attention to this warning, over time, wonderful works of scrapbook art will be accosted by the effects of this issue on their pages, and in their books.

Fortunately, this is a concern not overlooked by most scrapbook supply manufactures.  They have, and continue to be very aggressive at minimizing or eliminating this dreaded problem from the products they produce.

The “Acid-free” and “Lignin-free” Issue

Acid is the chemical reaction brought by the inter-action of factors present in things.  Oxidation is one of the prime culprits in this chemical fight.  Acid, or the lack of it, is measured by what is called pH.  The chart shows the pH level for various items.  The range is from acid to neutral to alkaline.  Both ends of the spectrum can be damaging to scrapbookers work, but the acid issue comes more from the paper we use.  That is why we talk about lignin.

Lignin is generally found between the cells in all vascular plants.  Lignin is what makes vegetables firm and crunchy.  Lignin in essence is the fiber we need in our diet–so it’s not all bad; an essential part of healthy plant life.  Nature provides us with a menagerie of plants with differing amounts of lignin;  paper is one of them.  Lignin is not an acid, but in the inner-action in the deteriorating process it gives off acids.  Thus, we want to use lignin free papers to reduce or eliminate this destructive process which could cause damage to our photographs. (Although some photographs like Polaroid photos carry destructive chemicals with them.)

Using neutral (acid free and lignin free) paper is the best answer for scrappers.  Paper is neutralized by bleaching.  Other elements such as embellishments should be kept from touching items, photos mostly, that would be affected by acid deterioration.  These items can be enclosed in neutral sleeves or covered with neutral coverings.

Most of us won’t be overly affected by acid issues if we use items produced or manufactured by scrapbook products providers.  They have take care of the issue.  Those papers or embellishments not marked as acid or lignin free should raise a flag about their use–especially those things we use from around the house.

As they say, “fore warned is fore armed.”

Let’s face it, taking photographs for inclusion in a scrapbook generally come from the regular snapshots we take a parties, gatherings and candid snaps as they occur.  There are times, however, when you want to have a really good picture of an individual that we might consider portrait quality.  Here are some tips to help you shoot some winning photographs you might consider a step above the regular shots you take at a birthday party.  These tips on lighting, backgrounds, and other important elements will help you take those special pictures.  Your photographs will help tell the story you want them to tell.

Have A Plan Of What You Want To Capture Before You Start

Know what you want to accomplish before you drag you camera out to begin taking your photos.  Ask yourself, what is the story I want to tell with these photographs–or this single snapshot.  This may give you ideas of how to have your subject dress, determine what props, if any, you think will help you tell your story.  You may have to try a couple different props, including familiar toys or objects which help identify who the subject is, and clothing outfits,  to see what works best to bring the beauty and identity of your subject.  Change them to find the one you feel works best for you project.  This extra effort can enhance your images and make them truly reflective of your subject person.

Use A Draped Background

A simple background set 3′ to 4′ behind your subject can help enhance your pictures.  You’re looking to create a photograph of your subject with the backdrop or background to make your subject the focus of your photo.  Use some plain cloth you may have around the house: sheets in various colors, blankets, tablecloths and large sheets of colored paper.  Use props available to you to help create some visual interest: a large easy chair, a sofa (you can drape your background between two chairs and shoot between them–or tack the backdrop material to a wall or in a doorway).  Outdoors you could use a child’s swing set to drape you cloth over, or a low hanging tree limb.

Use Natural Light As Much As Possible

Where possible, use natural light from windows, porches, garage entries, doorways or other areas where there is a sufficient splash of light.  North facing areas are a great natural light source that isn’t overly harsh.  Natural light creates wonderful highlights and special effects on faces.   The changing season also cast light that can provide exceptional differences in shadows and in skin tones on your subjects.   Eliminating the use of your flash can also craft some interesting and useful affects.

Have Your Subject Pose For Pictures

Some of your photo subjects will be “hams” and pose naturally, while others may need to be coached into the position or pose you’d like to photograph.  Simple and casual poses work well in general.  You should be willing to try some other poses–even silly ones to draw-out your subject’s personality.  This is a time and place in your shoot where you can have some fun.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Close-ups

Close-up are the cream in your shoots.  They may show feature flaws, but that is who they are.  Try to fill the frame with as much of the focus you wish to capture: face, eyes, hands, etc.  Close-ups give you the opportunity to capture the strongest features of your subjects.  This is another time when taking snaps of various features would be helpful, and then select the ones that tell your story.

Take Plenty of Pictures

Whether you use a digital or film camera be sure to take plenty of shots while you have your subject, background and light.  Try shooting different angels, poses, light sources (time of day for natural light), distances, and color (black and white or color).  Don’t be in a hurry.  Mother Nature didn’t create her masterpieces in a day, so don’t you try.  As you take your pictures you’ll grow in confidence and ability. . . mistakes afford you the opportunity to learn and grow in your skill.

Epic Six Die Cutting and Embossing Tool from QuicKutz

QuicKutz brings you the newest tabletop die-cutting system.  With the Epic you have everything you need for quality cuts and embossing of  your greeting card, scrapbook, home decor and a myriad other craft projects. Not only does the Epic handle QuicKutz dies, but will also work well with the dies from other leading brands–giving you a very versatile tool.

This fantastic flexible tool is both light weight and portable, and has the important high quality metal parts.  The “work area” is a wide 6″ to accommodate the 6″x13″ embossing platform or cutting mat that comes with this super tool.  These accouterments will give you good size die cuts to meet most all of your cut needs.

Check out these videos to see exactly how this wonderful tool works:

Overview of the Epic Six
QuicKut Cutting Dies
Using Other Brand’s Dies
Embossing with the Epic Six

Provo Craft’s Gypsy Accessories

Silicone Sleeve Set

Now you can help protect your Gypsy device from the normal wear and tear of use.  These stylish silicone protective skins come in five fun colors: basic black, green, gold and black, cherry blossom and pick with white crown.  In addition they come with a matching stylus, lanyard, and screen protector.  A helpful and fashionable addition to this super handy tool.

3 Pack Stylus

The replacement stylus come in a package of 3.  You can select silver, black and green, or  red, pink and gold color packets . . . maybe you want to color code for use on specific things?

AC Power Supply

An AC power supply cord lets you keep your Gypsy machine charged.

Vehicle Power Supply

Don’t let being away from a power outlet keep you from creating.  Now you can use the vehicle power supply to ensure that your Gypsy machine always has enough power.

More and more people are taking to the scrapbook craze of the past decade.  The usefulness of scrapbooking is well documented–saving photos, being crafty and artistic in you efforts.  One of the problems some scrapbook crafters have encountered is the explosion of tools, paper, embellishments, etc. that have come about . . . oh, all for the betterment of the craft.  Unfortunately, not all scrappers can or even want to have every new thing-a-ma-bob that comes along.

So, for those scrapbook crafters who have limited resources, or anyone who just chooses not to be the owner of every little product produced for the industry, you can feel comfortable in continuing your craft–just be more judicious in what you buy, how much you pay for it and how you use it.

Budget scrapbooking isn’t to be looked down own.  In fact, making the most of the resources you have is a true talent any of us would be proud to have.  To get the maximum from your tools and supplies is a gift we could all use.  What are some of the ways to continue your craft and take advantage of the many opportunities to get the most out of what you have?  Here are a few suggestions:

1.  Shop wisely.  Know what you need and purchase only what you need at the moment.  Stocking up may seem worthy, but it may be sometime before you need or can use it again.  Those extra funds could have gone to some other useful purpose.

2. When you do buy, don’t over look purchasing things on sale.  Most craft and scrapbook supply stores are constantly reducing their inventory of certain things.  Because they have an over abundance of something doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t use it.  If it’s what you need or want then get it.  “Last one,” items are equally beneficial, and can save you money.

3.  Don’t overlook purchasing “used” items.  Finding these items could be a real prize.  As they say, “one man’s junk is another’s treasure.”  See our article on “Finding Used Scrapbooking Tools and Supplies.”

4.  Swap surplus items with your scrapbook friends.

5.  Use items you already have available that may seem unconventional. There are no hard and fast rules to what you use in creating you scrapbook pages and albums.

6.  Check with your local craft and scrapbook supply stores to see if they have a rental program for some of the more expensive tools and machines.  You may find it cheaper, and be able to do several tasks for a number of your projects.

The real key to scrapbooking on a budget is to be wise and inventive.  Put away a bit of your pride and go for low cost items–be they on sale, used or given to you.

The true worth of scrapbooking is in the end results . . . not in what it cost you to create it.

Cricut Accessories

Provo Craft’s Cricut Cutting Machine has been a big hit for the scrapbook and card making crafters.  Here are some of the accessories available to expand the value and usability of this fantastic machine.

7-Piece Tool Kit:

This seven (7) piece tool kit comes in a zippered storage case (soft side).  The kit includes the following tools:

• 7″ ruler
• flat strait blade tool with 2 extra blades
• small scoop tool
• hook tool
• bone-like tool
• scissors
• storage space for replacement blades

The bone-like folder is helpful in scoring, creasing and marking paper.  The hook tool helps in the removal of small cuts like circles and cleans small holes.  This handy tool kit comes in the Cricut’s green and white colors–as are the tools–in a zip-up case for ease in carrying and storage.

Spatula Tool:

Cricut’s Spatula tool’s soft touch handle in Cricut’s green color is the perfect tool for helping lift those small intricate and delicate cuts up off the cutting mat. The spatula’s length is approximately 7 1/2″ (the spatula face is approximately 1 1/2″ wide) for comfort and provides for a good secure grip.  The tools end is made of metal and also can help in the placement of your delicate cuts onto your paper craft projects.

Trimmer:

This 12″ trimmer with cutting and scoring blades allows you to both cut and score with the same tool–great versatility.  With the slide out ruler you have a full 12″ x 12″ paper cutting capability, and works great for cutting paper or card-stock  to fit Cricut’s 6″ x 12″ format. This dynamic cutter provides stable and safe cutting when the cutting arm is lifted for inserting or removing your paper or card-stock, and then locked securely in place.

6″ x 12″ Cutting Mat:

The printed rulers and markings on the mat help provide convenient and accurate cutting.  The mat has a tacky surface to keep your paper secure to the surface for best cutting results.  The packet comes with two (2) mats. These mats last from 25 to 40 cuts depending on what paper is used.

Essentials Tool Kit:

This kit, or value pack, is an economical way to purchase all of the basic needs to get you started with maximizing the utility of your Cricut Cutting Machine. Here’s what’s included in the complete package to get you going:

• A Cricut Tool Kit (noted above)
• A pad of Cricut Celebrations Paper and Cricut Rainbow Cardstock
• Paper trimmer (noted above)
• 2 replacement blades
  
• 2 6″ x 12″ replacement cutting mats (noted above)
• Cricut spatula (noted above)

Image by Garry Harrison,
Head, Circulating Collections Conservation,
Indiana University Libraries Preservation Department

The first question that may come to mind is, if you don’t already know, what is a bone folder.  For many paper crafters this will be an easily answered question.  A bone folder is a tool used to assist crafters in scoring, folding , setting a crease and burnishing paper and card stock.  Those who are involved with origami (artistic paper-folding) will be very familiar with bone folders.

Scrapbook and card crafters will find this simple tool to be an imminence help with many of the projects.  A bone folder will help create an elegant looking page or card with folds a more professional look.  Burnishing–putting a glossy or shinny finish on paper rubbed with the a bone tool.

Paper crafters will find the straight edge useful as a folding aid.  By placing the straight edge along a scored line or other defined line on the project, the paper can be folded evenly and then creased with rubbing over the fold if needed.  Crafters should be especially careful with sharp edged bone folders that they don’t cut into, or poke a hole in their project where they aren’t wanted.  For those hard to reach fold and crease areas, the bone folder’s pointed end can

Also, the straight edge portion of the tool can be used as a guide when tearing off excess paper material.  This gives a bit of a bit of a deckle edge look.  be used to work paper in tight areas like squaring off corners.

These folders come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet various crafting needs.  They traditionally have been made from real animal bone, but they can be found out of stone or Teflon.  They may even come with an ornately carved handle.  Which type to use is more a preference of the crafter.  Obviously, cost may have much to do with the selection and purchase of a bone folder tool.

You can find these handy tools at most scrapbook supply, craft or hobby stores.  For those who may favor shopping online here are a couple of links:  Amazon.com, Scrapbooks.com and JoAnn.com.

Additionally, if you are looking for a handy tool for scoring crease guides check out our article on Scor-Pal and Scor-it.