How To Make A Scrapbook!

(10 steps...or so!)

Everyone wants to know...how to make a scrapbook! We'll give you ten steps (or so) to simplfy this task.

We have discovered that many people want to know, how to make a scrapbook! First of all, the art of scrapbooking is unique to its creator. Thus, no two scrapbooks will ever be alike!

Nevertheless, a few basic scrapbooking tips (say ten, or so) wouldn't hurt, eh?

So, once again, we borrowed some advice from our friend in Texas... Linda.

So, without delaying any further, here's Linda's "How to Make a Scrapbook, (in ten steps).

Of course, we will add some of our comments, as usual.

• STEP 1 - Pick a Subject Okay, this sounds easy enough, but let's focus in a little bit here. Try to keep your scrapbook limited to a specific topic, subject, or event. In other words, don't mix 1985 Christmas pictures together with last year's 4th of July Family reunion.

  Sounds simple, but all too often, people mix too many things together...stay focused.

• STEP 2 - Collect Now's the time to collect all of those (relative) pictures and newspaper clippings, awards, etc... Gather up everything, spread it out on a table, and start thinking about possible scrapbook page ideas.

  You might be surprised at what you have on that table. It's better to know now, than to get almost finished with your book and not be able to fit everything in. Get organized! You could always do another scrapbook, if neccessary.

• STEP 3 - Cut/Trim

  

  Grab your scissors and start cutting. No, not everything!

  
  But, you will find that there are several pictures that can be trimmed down considerably. Or that newspaper article - cut out only what you need. Space is limited. Downsize some...

  (Now is a good time to review our scrapbook supplies page. Do you have what you need?)

• STEP 4 - Paper Selection You may have already done this step, or perhaps your scrapbook is already "custom-made." If not, choose your paper now. (Plain, colored, various patterns, etc.)

  

  Don't worry, you can always change your mind as you progress, before you set your pages!

• STEP 5 - Scrapbook Layout Try to lay out your pages, (start to finish, if possible) NOW! This may take some time and deliberation. Experiment with background colored tags, design lines, and other scrapbook stickers/graphics. (Do not apply anything permanently just yet! We're looking for ideas here...)

  This may be the most important step of the "How to Make a Scrapbook" process. Take your time and keep in mind, nothing is in place yet...you can add/change as you go!

• STEP 6 - Stick It! Okay, it's time to start sticking down your pictures and other articles. Use glue sparingly; small amounts usually work fine!

IMPORTANT NOTE! Carefully evaluate whether you want those pictures, permanently placed in that album. If you are not 100% sure, STOP! There are other ways. You can use acid-free corner mounts to protect the picture and display it properly. Or, better yet, scan that precious photo first! Use the scanned image in your scrapbook; save the original! This is especially true with older photo's. You may even be able to improve the image with some careful photo editing.

• STEP 7 - Highlight It! Now is the time to spice things up a little. Use your scrapbook design lines for highlighting special photos or articles. These lines will guide the viewers eye in the direction that you want them to follow!
• STEP 8 - Journaling Many people either "skip or skimp" this step! Some people just prefer not to have a bunch of hand writing on their pages. It's your choice really...

  There are ways to be neat and tidy here! Use a labeler! There are many types and varieties of labelers on the market. Some, work with your computer, giving you a ton of editing choices.

  Or, if you prefer, take a look through your computers software. Most computers have word/image editing capabilities. Play around with it some and simply print it out. Trim it down, and apply it. Once again, the possibilities are endless in scrapbooking albums.

• STEP 9 - Stick It! The fun part! Pull out that box of scrapbook stickers that you have been waiting to use! Use them! ...any way you want... Allow your creative side shine brightly here. Too many, however, will detract from your scrapbook page.
• STEP 10 - Putting it all together! It's time to wrap things up here! This step will vary depending on what type of scrapbook album you purchased.

  

  If you have top loading pages, carefully slide your completed scrapbook pages down into your album.

  Doublecheck the order of your pages to make sure that they remain in the order in which you laid them out. The same rule applies to three ring binder albums as well.

Mission Accomplished!

For those who wanted to know how to make a scrapbook...well, we hope that at least gives you a good start!

We hope you enjoyed our "How to Make a Scrapbook" page. Don't forget to check out our other pages on scrapbooking. Click here (more about scrapbooks!), or on the link below!

Random Notes

Our Advice?

Be creative! Use your imagination and create a "truly" unique scrapbook...all by yourself! Sure, it always helps to follow some of the scrapbooking tips, but please, make your scrapbook your own!

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