Five Scrapbooking Tips

First, I want to start out by saying that I don't have an art degree. I was a piano performance major. However, I've been blessed to be surrounded by lots of talent and have picked up a few great tips along the way.

I thought it would be cool to pass along what I've gleaned, just in case you might find it helpful.

1. No need to waste adhesive.
When I'm teaching a workshop, I'm amazed by the variety and sheer amount of adhesive that some folks use. I find that I use many different types of adhesive depending on the job. (I could do a blog or two about that!) But one thing is certain, you typically do not need adhesive around the entire perimeter of every layer on your project. I just put a 1/2" piece in each corner. If the piece is larger, I might add a bonus square at the center of each outside edge. My pages hold together just fine. And if I change my mind about placement, it's a little easier to make a move. Plus, take the money you'll save on tape runner and invest in a Club Scrap membership. Just sayin'.

2. Drop an anchor.
Elements on a page seem well-placed when anchored with something like a border strip or ribbon. Anchors make me happy. Stuff floating around aimlessly makes me sad. Notice the Burgundy strip on the right side of this page giving that photo matte and caption element a happy home? The strip on the upper left page also anchors the embellishment. Anchor your embellies, too! Avoid having lone brads floating around with no place to call home. Nothing worse than a sad 'n lonely brad.

3. Safety in groups.
Three makes a nice number in two different spots on this double page spread. Think of the two largest photo mattes as a spot for your "main characters" of the page, and the smaller groupings as a home for the "supporting cast members." The sets of three smaller photos will serve as a great opportunity to complement the two larger feature photos.

4. Maintain streets and avenues.
Think of the vertical/horizontal spaces between your photos as streets and avenues. I try to maintain equal space on my roads. For example, rather than placing your page elements flush with the outside edge of your base paper, group them together toward the center of the page with about 1/8" space between them. You can see that happening on the left side of this page. Each item is separated by the same amount of space, and it gives the elements a grouped feeling. If those same pieces were shoved to the outside edges, I might cry a little.

5. Beware of dangerous intersections.
Sticking to the streets 'n avenues concept, I try to avoid what would be a "four-way intersection" where the corners of four elements meet in the same spot. I typically move the page elements around until it "feels right" to me. Notice the mattes on the right side of this page . . . you see a lot of "T" intersections rather than the dreaded four-way. I really hope that makes sense. If not, just ignore me.

If you lack a little confidence in this area, enter Assembly Line Scrapbooking. A lot of consideration is given to happy placement of your page elements. You can follow along with the instructions and know that you've been pointed in the right direction! There really is a rhyme and reason behind those carefully constructed layouts! Remember, page assembly instructions are included with each of our monthly kits and all special edition collections, so you can't go wrong.

The sample pages shown above are from our brand new Bookshelves collection. Join and get your kit delivered before it's gone!

I leave you with a scrapbooking blessing. . .
May your pages be blessed with anchors, groups, streets, avenues, and T intersections.

Creatively yours!
Tricia