8x8 Scrapbook Layouts

Creating 8x8 scrapbook layouts can be a fun experience for the crafter who finds herself bored with 12x12 scrapbook pages.

Many traditional scrapbookers making the transition to digital layouts prefer 8x8 pages.

Although 12x12 remains the dominant size in the scrapbooking world, there are an increasing number of crafters who are working with the 8x8 page size. Advantages of 8x8 scrapbooking include:

• The 8x8 size is typically less intimidating for beginning scrapbookers than a full 12x12 album, but gives you more room than a 6x6 mini album page. If you enjoy scrapbooking with your children, the 8x8 size is also a very "kid-friendly" option to consider.
• Cutting 12x12 paper down to an 8x8 size leaves a nice scrap you can use for embellishing another layout, making this a frugal choice for scrapbookers on a budget.
• If you like to make hybrid scrapbook pages that incorporate digital scrapbooking freebies, the 8x8 size is easy to create on a standard home computer and printer setup.
• If you're pressed for storage space, 8x8 albums are easier to display on a bookshelf in your home than the larger 12x12 books.

While the general process for scrapbooking is the same regardless of what size of page you choose to create, there are a few tips that should make it easier to design 8x8 layouts you'll be proud to show your family and friends. For example:

• Keep your design simple. A scrapbook page should always make the photos and journaling the center of attention, but this is especially important when working with smaller projects like 8x8 scrapbook layouts. Limit embellishments to a few key items that really reinforce the theme of your page.
• Double page spreads usually work better than single layouts when creating an 8x8 album. This gives you a bit of extra space to play with when trying to tell the story behind your photos.
• Including memorabilia like newspaper clippings, postcards, brochures, and ticket stubs can be difficult when you're making a smaller scrapbook album. However, taking pictures of these items or scanning and reducing them can be a good way to effectively include them in your project.
• If you're using an 8x8 album for a theme project, such as a vacation scrapbook or memories of baby's first year, choose a product line with coordinating papers and embellishments to help give a sense of continuity to all your pages.

Can't decide how to begin your page? Visit the Digital Scrapbook Place Web site to see an assortment of sketches for designs that will work especially well in the 8x8 format.

Stickers, chipboard, ribbon, eyelets, brads, and tags can generally be used on any size of scrapbook page. The only factor to consider is the scale of the embellishment. With the "bigger is better" scrapbooking trend still in full force, there are a number of companies making oversized monograms, flowers, and geometric embellishments that are going to be a bit difficult to fit on an 8x8 layout. If you want to use these items, save them for your 12x12 pages.

While it's true you can simply cut 12x12 paper down to the 8x8 size, sometimes it's helpful to have the correct size of paper already on hand. Die Cuts With a View offers many different options for those who prefer to create 8x8 scrapbook layouts. They have cardstock in the 8x8 size, as well as scaled down 8x8 versions of their popular 12x12 patterned paper stacks. Combine these items with the company's precut 4x6 mat stacks to make a quick and easy scrapbook album.

While 8x8 albums were once rather difficult to find, they are now widely available at Joann Crafts, Hobby Lobby, and scrapbooking supply specialty shops. Making Memories, K&Company, Pioneer, and Hot Off the Press are just a few of the many companies creating attractive albums in this size.

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