It’s the busiest time of the year for scrapbookers. At least that’s what the owner of my local scrapbooking supply shop is banking on.
As we enter the holiday gift-giving season, many crafters are getting ready to design a collection of memory books to present to family members and friends. Scrapbooks are a special way to preserve life’s most memorable moments. However, the process of creating these personalized masterpieces doesn’t have to be daunting.
If you are just getting into the hobby in hopes of crafting one-of-a-kind homemade gifts for Christmas, I would suggest sticking with simple designs. Fortunately, simple doesn’t equate to boring. A basic scrapbook is appealing in that it offers clean, sophisticated, and elegant touches while placing the focus on your family’s photos and special memories. What’s more, by maintaining a simple design you can get more pages done in a shorter amount of time. Simplicity is a smart move for anyone interested in mass producing scrapbooks during the holiday season.
Even if you are a beginner scrapper, you can generally complete a basic layout in about an hour. Just remember to use your best photos to feature on the page (even if that limits you to a single or double photo layout). With a basic design I would skip the photo mats, though I would spurge on patterned paper or nice cardstock for the background. In regards to embellishments, I prefer easy decorations, such as stickers, die cuts, rub-ons, and stamps. Finally, you can add a journaling block and fill it with a typed piece featuring easy-to-read font or simply write it in by hand.
Also, don’t feel pressured to create memory books that feature photos in chronological order. Beginner scrappers often feel obligated to create pages that follow a specific time line. However, there is nothing wrong with creating a simple design that doesn’t require putting all of your photos in order. Rather, use your imagination to come up with a flow that focuses on the feelings and emotions behind the photos you are using. Your goal should be to create an eye-popping storybook, not a timeline of events.