10 Tips For Great Scrapbooking

Here are 10 tips for great scrapbooking!

What you need

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Instructions

1) Use only archival quality papers and materials. Items should be acid free, lignin free.

2) Work backwards. Start with current photographs and work your way backward in time. Start with what you know before you forget!

3) Journal ý a lot of times other people dont know the story associated with your photographs. Be sure to include who, what, where, why, and when in most layouts. Be specific. Can be handwritten, which is more personal. The use of computer journaling has gained tremendous popularity. If you feel you do not like your handwriting then use your computer for you journaling.

4) Focus on your photos, not your backdrop. Don’t put too much into your pages that it loses your actual photos. Coordinate the colors in your pictures with your matting colors and backgrounds. Cropping your photos will remove any unwanted background and bring out the main subject in your pictures.

5) As you get a film developed, sort your pictures according to theme or date depending on the album you are working on. Place them in a photo safe bag with a brief description of who, what, where and when so when you do go to scrapbook these pictures you will recall the event faster. Dates are very important and do not write on the back of a picture include it in the description.

6) Have several albums/projects going at one time. This avoids boredom and allows you to switch back and forth between themes.

7) Don’t necessarily scrapbook in order of event. Work on what you are in the mood for. Don’t do a page because it is chronologically the next one to do. Use albums that you can change around your pages if necessary.

8) Don’t fret about creativity. We ALL have creativity and individual personality. Let your personality shine in your albums. Do what YOU like. Anything goes in scrapbooking, nothing you do is wrong.

9)If you are stumped for ideas, take a look at a friends scrapbook, utilize books/magazines or take classes!

10) Most of all..have FUN! This is your time to reflect on your past by pictures…future generations are sure to enjoy what you have created! Imagine the future generations sitting around viewing the scrapbooks you have created.

This Article was Contributed by Pat Steinmetz