Scrapbooking -- the art of pasting photos or pictures onto paper and decorating them into creative works -- is a great way to preserve memories and exercise your creativity. Not only will it give you the courage to create designs for your memories, but family and friends will appreciate it for having recordings of fun times and important events. This article focuses on creating traditional scrapbooks using paper, but if you have technical limitations, you can also learn to create digital scrapbooks. Let's talk about what it takes and then start creating a scrapbook.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Materials
Step 1. Choose a scrapbook model
Photo albums come in many different forms, so you have to think about what album will suit you with regards to where to store it and how the inside looks like.
- Three ring volume model. You can use a regular three-ring volume album as a scrapbook. This type of album can fit 21.25 x 27.5 cm pages / paper, which is inexpensive, and can stand well on bookshelves making it easy to store. You can add pages to this triangular volume album at any time and at any place in the album. You can easily slip pages into a standard-size, acid-free, photo-safe protective sheet to prevent damage. The biggest drawback is that there will be gaps in the two-page layout where the rings are, so the display won't be as smooth.
- Postbound models. Post-bound albums are supported by small metal plates that can be attached and opened if you want to add a new page to the album. Just like the three-ring model, you can add pages anywhere in the album; it just takes a little more effort to open and plug it in again to do so. Thus, this style doesn't offer an almost seamless two pages because when the album opens, the pages lie side by side with each other. You can easily insert the finished page into an album cover sheet.
- Permanent volume model. You can buy scrapbook albums with a fixed number of pages - meaning you can't add or remove pages from this type of album. That means you have to plan and work on the page well because you can't just throw the page out if you make a mistake. This album doesn't have a protective sheet, which means it's good or bad. This is an advantage if you want to use heavy/large embellishments or want to glue the envelope to the page and fill it with photos. The downside, of course, is that without a sheet guard, you're compromising on protection and should be sure to take care of your lawn.
Step 2. Determine the size
There are two standard sizes for scrapbooks: 21, 25 x 27.5 cm and 30x30 cm as well as a number of custom sizes. The album style you want can dictate what size you choose.
- Album size 21.25 x 27.5 cm is the most economical choice. Background paper is cheaper than album size 30x30 cm because it is smaller. You can also save money by purchasing a photo sheet protector from an office supply store because these models are standard sizes. Finally, you can use an inexpensive three-ring photo album to load 21, 25x27.5 cm pages or purchase a three-ring volume notebook from an office supply store for an album.
- Album age 30x30 cm. Albums of this size have become increasingly popular, and as a result, there is more decorative background paper in this size than albums of 21.25x27.5 cm. Another advantage of this album, you can also fit more photos on one page.
- Custom size. You can find albums in a variety of sizes from pocket size to ledger size to put on the coffee table. This model is usually associated with non-replaceable pages. This model can be a good choice if you want to dedicate the album to a single event such as the birth of a baby or celebration of a family reunion.
Step 3. Select the paper you want
This is one of the most enjoyable steps in the whole scrapbooking process. There are hundreds of paper types that you can choose from. There are papers with the theme of holidays, sports, hobbies, florals, geometric motifs, and so on. Make your choices based on what appeals to you the most or according to the theme you've set for some of the page layouts in your scrapbook.
- You can buy scrapbook paper in bundles or sheets.
- You don't have to buy paper from a stationery store or from a scrapbook store. If you see something interesting anywhere, grab it right away. Make sure that the type of paper you choose is acid-free because some papers have the potential for acids that can eventually damage the photos and keepsakes you have selected.
- Buy a little more paper than you need -- especially if there's a design you really like and of course you want to have a spare in case you break just one page.
- You may want to store lots of paper so you have at least two papers of the same design. Some people choose to use the same two sheets of paper when creating a combination of pages in an album. Or, choose the same design in two different colors. For example, the snowflake motif in red and green.
Step 4. Prepare the basic equipment
Technically, a scrapbook can take any shape according to your imagination. Do you want to make using newspaper and macaroni? Regardless of what you imagine your scrapbook to be, there are some basic tools you'll need: scissors, glue, and cardboard.
-
Scissors. Buy scissors that are straight-edge, good quality, and sharp in the Rp. 60,000 - Rp. 170, 000 price range. You will use scissors a lot, so be sure to have this essential tool.
- You can also have a paper cutter. Depending on the size and quality, the price range can start from Rp. 12,000 to Rp. 90, 000.
- There are many scissors with decorative edges that you can purchase to make the edges of photos or paper more attractive. These tools are interesting and fun, but they are not mandatory tools to have.
-
Adhesive. There are various ways to attach photos and embellishments to scrapbook pages, but the best is to use glue sticks. It's easy to use, acid free and safe for your photos.
If you want to remove a photo from a scrapbook page, buy a photo corner. Insert the edge of your photo into the corner of the photo and then glue the corner of the photo to the page paper. Then you can move the photo by gently and gently pulling it out of the corner of the photo, where the corner of the photo remains on the scrapbook page
-
Paperboard. Choose a bundle of different colored cardboard, size 21, 25x27, 5 cm. You can use it as a base for photos, create labels, as well as a box for writing on scrapbook pages.
If you are using a 21, 25x27, 5 cm album, then you will use the cardboard as a background for your scrapbook album
Step 5. Complete the decorating tools
You may want some basic tools when you start scrapbooking. Scrapbooking can be an expensive hobby, there is a wide variety of materials out there, which are very interesting to add. But the truth is, you only need a few basic things to make a beautiful scrapbook.
- Plastic Stencil. Get a plastic stencil with several standard shapes (circle, oval, square, rectangle, diamond, etc.). Use this to crop photos and create cardboard shapes to add titles and create text boxes on your pages.
- Whiteboard marker. You will need at least one good black marker to write the body and page titles. If you can, choose a few different colors (stay away from hard-to-read colors, like yellow or pink) of varying thickness.
-
Decoration. You can spend a lot of money on decoration. Bracelets, decorative hangers, engraved paper, beads, buttons - all available. You really don't need store-bought embellishments to create a beautiful and creative scrapbook. Search and select at your local craft store, but don't feel as though your yard would be incomplete without it.
Look around the house for decorations. Images cut out from greeting cards, old jewelry, and ribbons are all you need to put your designs together on a scrapbook k page
Method 2 of 3: Creating Pages
Step 1. Choose a theme or message
You may have a stack of photos and other materials to organize in a scrapbook. Now is a good time to decide what you are going to do with the materials.
- Let the ingredients determine your direction. Examine photos, cards, awards, and newspaper clippings and group the materials according to their relationship to events or events (graduation, summer vacation, Christmas, and so on). Choose a background paper that matches each page design idea.
- Choose a color and theme first. Maybe your previous wedding theme was black and white or your sister just had a baby girl. Take a background paper with a color and model that matches the theme and then collect photos and other souvenirs that will be used on the page.
Step 2. Play with the layout
Before you start gluing materials onto the paper, you should have an idea for the page layout. Some people will design down to the last detail before starting to paste material onto the page; others develop a general idea that also includes basic tools and then let the page layout details develop themselves.
- Take a blank sheet of paper that exactly matches your page. Use a pencil to sketch a plan of what you want the page layout to look like. The image where you will put the photo, title, text, and other images.
- You can drop the photo and start from there or start from a clear direction and plan everything, including the placement of decorations or decorative items. Experiment and do it in a way that is creative and comfortable for you.
Step 3. Think of an album spread design
An album spread consists of two side-by-side pages within an album. Instead of placing designs on a page-by-page basis, consider how the pages would look if the album was opened and if they were side-by-side. Draft a layout for two pages at a time so you can plan out the album spread design.
- When you think of album spreads, it's easier to avoid pages that have designs that contradict each other or appear to be competing for attention.
- You don't have to use the same background paper for the spread, but at least choose a paper that has a similar design or color.
Step 4. Crop your photo
Once you've decided which photo to put on the page, you'll need to adjust the size to fit it. Use scissors, a paper cutter, or a plastic template to create the size and shape of the photo you want.
If you're worried about damaging important photos, make copies of them and use them in your albums. Or take a photo of the original photo and use a duplicate of it
Step 5. Follow the layout plan
Once the photos are cropped, arrange them on top of the album layout as designed. Something that initially looks good when planning, is not necessarily as good as it looks on the page. Then be prepared to move the photos if necessary. Make sure you are 100 percent sure before pasting anything.
Step 6. Add text
You may want to add a title, caption, or short text that summarizes your memory in an interesting way. You may have planned this in the sample page layout, or you could choose to wait and see where you want to place the text after all the photos are pasted.
- Don't write too much. Photos and other images/material will tell the story of your page, so limit the text to a sentence or two that summarizes the interesting experience you want to remember.
- Consider including the date on the page. You may find it hard to believe that you will forget when a moment occurred, but life is full of busyness and experiences will add up, and you may be confused about the date of an event. In addition, scrapbooks can be passed down from generation to generation, and those who enjoy them for years to come will appreciate pages that have dates of occurrence.
Step 7. Add embellishments
Ornaments can create interest, support a theme, catch the eye, and create unity between pages with a common theme. Ultimately, if you decide to embellish your layout, you should do it so that it looks fun and meaningful. There are several ideas for using embellishments for added effect.
-
Group decorations. In the same way that the best collections should be displayed in groups, so should the decorations. Consider grouping decorative elements on the page for added emphasis.
You can create several groups of embellishments on the page, depending on the number of embellishments used. When doing so, follow the three-eyes rule of liking groups of three or at least an odd number
-
Place the decoration in the corner. Place embellishments in the corners of the photo or text box to help strengthen the photo on the page. The embellishments make the image or text a little more “heavy” and stick in place.
You can also place decorations in the corners of the yard. If you have multiple pages that are part of the same theme, using the same decorative elements in the corners of each of those pages will help to bring them together
- Arrange decorations. Glue two or three decorative elements on top of each other. Keep in mind that this will add thickness to the page, so choose your embellishments carefully. If you are using an album with non-removable pages, then there is no plastic protective page covering the entire page, so the pages are slightly thicker.
Method 3 of 3: Advance to Next Stage
Step 1. Take the course
Scrapbooking classes are often held at craft stores, at leisure centers, and with scrapbooking specialists. You can also purchase scrapbooking ideas books and DVDs. If you have the time and money to spare, you can also participate in weekend workshops, camps, or retreats.
Step 2. Network
One of the best ways to grow as a scrapbook artist is to learn and share ideas with other scrapbook lovers. Visit a scrapbook blog, a social networking page devoted to crafts, Pinterest, or join an organization such as a scrapbook and paper crafting community.
If you're taking a class or just spending time in the paper aisles of a craft store or art supply store, you may meet other scrapbook enthusiasts. See if they're part of a club you can join or consider starting your own scrapbook club
Step 3. Visit a scrapbook fair
There are several scrapbook fairs held each year and offer workshops, lectures, and manufacturers showcasing the latest equipment. Visit the Scrapbook Expo or Scrapbook Exhibition held by Lievelicious Scrapbooking Project Yogyakarta.
Step 4. Become a professional scrapbooker
If you enjoy scrapbooking and want to share your expertise with others, consider taking a class and offering your services as a professional scrapbooker.
-
Become a teacher. Teaching someone how to scrapbook means that you are not only good at what you do but are able to explain and demonstrate scrapbooking tools, how to make, and designs. You also need patience in working with beginners and a positive, supportive attitude. Finally, you have to keep up with all the latest trends and materials so you can share them with your students.
Find out at your local craft or art supply store if they need a scrapbooking instructor. If not, consider creating your own space and offering one-day or weekend workshops. Advertise online and spread the word locally
Step 5. Make a scrapbook for someone else
Not everyone has the patience, creativity, and skill to scrapbook, and they're willing to pay someone who can preserve their memories. Advertise your services online or set up a booth at a local craft fair. Bring the best examples of your work along with a business card.
- You can create a website for your business. Publish photos of your best scrapbook layouts or create digital pages so potential clients can see samples of your work
- Work as a scrapbook writer. If you're good at writing, consider becoming a freelance writer. Scrapbooking websites require writers to contribute content, or you can write and sell your own eBook. There are a number of specialized scrapbook magazines, so you may be able to sell articles to scrapbook magazines or journals.
- For article ideas, visit the scrapbook discussion forums to see what kind of questions people are asking and what topics are hotly discussed. Attend conferences and talk to company representatives to see if there is a need for someone to write product-related articles.
- Become an activity planner. If you have strong organizational skills and are predictive of what scrapbook artists want to know and see, you can find a position as a scrapbook exhibition coordinator. You can offer services as an independent contractor or find a permanent job with a company that plans these kinds of activities.
