Maintaining, organizing and keeping memories close to your heart is an everyday task. There are plenty of ways to protect and preserve the things that really matter in your life and scrapbooking is one of them. Not only is it a great way to tell your personal story but it is a unique way to tell someone else you care. A handmade or printed scrapbook makes an excellent gift.

There are a few elements to this craft one must know in order to successfully create a collection of keepsakes. Once you are aware of them, the process is much easier. Think of these tips as a guide to inspire, motivate and help carry you down the yellow brick road of scrapbooking.

Imagine
First, you must know why you are creating it. What is this book going to say? What is it about and who does it reflect? Knowing the meaning of the book is the best way to create something honest, personal and meaningful. This will definitely reflect through your work.

{Create interesting pages by combining the use of text, color and imagery}

{Allow the pages to also have enough negative space}

The Main Attraction
Now think of what type of book you want to use. If you are going the handmade route, you have lots of options to choose from from. Deciding on the style and size will send you along to the next step smoothly. If getting the book professionally printed is your preferred method than research companies and pick the one that fits your price range and offers a great product. Some I recommend are MyPublisher, Inkubook and Blurb.

{Experiment with different layouts before you decide on the final design}

{Arrange items so they are readable}

Collect
Gather up all your materials you want to use.  Whether it’s a collection of photographs, various items from a vacation or mixed media, having it all in front of you can allow you to see the bigger picture. This will help you tell the true story and layout the pages much easier.

{Collect all your materials together and get ready to create something beautiful}

Get Crafty
Now think of any extra materials you want to include. Decorative paper, special borders, stickers – there are tons of creative ways to add that touch of flair to any project. Think out of the box and come up with items that are not so traditional. Whatever you choose, remember to carry a theme throughout the book and reflect the materials used. Having it  all make sense and show a cohesive look will help it become a piece of art.

{Add some color or texture to the title page for interest but make sure it matches the theme of the book}

Tell the Story
Layout each page in the order you prefer and play around with some ideas. Think of this as sketching out a drawing. It’s good to design a temporary version before you carve it into stone. Doing this will allow you to make changes as you go and not have to redo something that is permanent.

{Use color to highlight spreads by adding unexpected borders}

{Don’t forget to include a title page}

{Combine imagery and text in fun ways}

If you follow these few essential tips you will be on your way to scrapbooking bliss. I also recommend you do some research to see examples of what other people have done. You can do this on the internet or check out some books on the subject. I always say it’s a vital step to any art form.

Gaining inspiration from the stories of others will help you not only distinguish your own but present it in a way you might have never thought of. Happy Scrapbooking!

{For more inspiration check out my previous projects: custom photobooks}