With scrapbooking, there’s usually no right or wrong way of doing things. Scrapbooking requires creativity and we are all individuals making our creativity different and unique to each of us.
However, there are a few things you should definitely do, and a few things you should definitely not do, when scrapbooking. Here is a nice list.
Things to do:
- Keep the focus on your photographs. When creating layouts keep the photos the primary focal point, that’s what’s important.
- Check out all adhesives used to attach your photos. It might say acid-free, but some of them do not keep the photos attached over time.
- Journal, Journal, Journal. I assure you will forget the memories. Or they will begin to fade. Keep a pen and pad of paper handy to frequently record information and details from different events.
- When matching up papers for your layouts, coordinate the colors with the photos.
- If you are going to crop a photo into a shape, try to use circles and ovals.
- Always use acid-free, lignin-free paper.
- If you write the details on the backs of your photographs, use a Stabilo pencil. This is the best way to ensure longevity, and no smearing. And they are acid-free.
- When choosing a pen for scrapbooking, always use an archival quality pen. Anything else will yellow or fade over time.
Things to not do:
- Don’t stack albums on top of each other. They need to go on a bookshelf side by side.
- Don’t crop every photo. Certain aspects in a photograph help to date the photo; such as cars, clothing styles, houses.
- It is never wise to cut a Polaroid photo. You can ruin it and you know there are no duplicates! You should color-copy it instead.
- Don’t spend so many hours on one elaborate page. If you look at the page and all you see is the design and not the photos, it’s way too much.
- Keep quality in mind. Don’t purchase “cheap” supplies that are not acid free. The quality is still important!
- Never assume there is a right way or a wrong way to scrapbook. Everyone has their own style and creativity level. Do what feels right for you!
Have fun scrapping!!