Your First Scrapbook Page

Ok! So here you are, ready to start your first scrapbook page. Some people tend to jump right in and have no problems, while others just dont seem to know where to start. Below are some tried and true tips to help make your first foray into scrapbooking something to be enjoyed!

1. You dont need alot of supplies to start. Just a book and some pages, some photos, you can keep it simple for now.

2. Look through scrapbooking magazines or scrapbook galleries online to get a feel for what pages can look like.

3. Your page doesnt have to be complicated. Getting ideas from the different scrapbook sources is great, but your first page doesnt have to be like the experts!

4. Find a good event to base your page on. Pick out some nice pictures from that event.

5. Look for good quality photos that arent blurred or too dark or light.

6. Avoid the urge to crop your photos too much. Many newer scrapbooking people tend to cut their photos down far too close so that only peoples faces are showing, or much of the background and setting is gone.

7. If you are concerned about cropping too much, crop a little and be conservative. You can always crop more if you need to.

8. Choose up 5 photos max for your page. Many pages tend to have 1-3 photos on them.

9. Think about where the photos will go on your page. Should they go in some kind of order? Does one configuration fit better than others?

10. Large blocks of cardstock work well to help separate and add depth to your pages. Novice scrapbooking people often do not break up the background well and make the page feel like there are just a few photos stuck on a piece of paper.

11. Consider some journaling on your pages. If you return to your page in the future, will you remember the people and the place?

12. Avoid trying to crop those polaroid instant photos. They have chemical layers in them and cutting them can damage the picture.

13. What else other than photos do you have from this event. Ticket stubs, stickers, badges? These kinds of items can add alot to a page.

14. If you get stuck dont worry. Just put your page down and take a break. Look through the internet or some magazines for more ideas.

15. Most importantly, have fun! Bookmark this page so you can return again!