Just Add Photos Scrapbook

From LoveToKnow Scrapbooking

A just add photos scrapbook is a great tool to help you create an attractive album in just one afternoon.

The Benefits of a Just Add Photos Scrapbook

A just add photos scrapbook is an album that is already decorated for you. All you need to do is attach your pictures to the appropriate spaces and fill in the journaling areas.

Pre-made scrapbook albums are popular for several reasons. For example:

They are quick and easy ways to display your favorite photos.
They are a relatively cost-effective form of scrapbooking, since you're not purchasing entire packages of paper and embellishments to create your album.
For the novice scrapbooker, a pre-made scrapbook is a good way to see if this hobby is the right choice. After adding her pictures and doing some basic journaling, she can move on to more complicated scrapbook projects if desired.

Buying a Pre-Made Scrapbook

Pre-made scrapbooks are widely available in themes ranging from baby's first year and school memories to wedding and vacation scrapbooks. In retail stores, they are usually located either with the scrapbooking supplies or with the photo frames and photo albums. Making Memories, Colorbok, and Creative Imaginations are some of the better known companies that make this type of scrapbook.

Online, there are a number of talented women selling custom pre-made scrapbook albums and scrapbook layouts. Here are a few sites to check out:

Personalizing Your Pre-Made Scrapbook

While a pre-made scrapbook is lovely on its own, many scrapbookers decide to take extra supplies from their stash to give these albums a personal touch. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Replace some of the photo squares with extra journaling blocks or embellishments cut from your favorite patterned paper.
Add rub-on phrases to the blank space on your photos before attaching them to the page.
For a distressed look, lightly sand the edges of your photos before attaching them to the page.
When writing your journaling, use word stickers to replace key parts of the text for a fun "ransom note" effect.
Use scraps of ribbon to make tabs for the different sections in your album.
Fold an origami envelope from your favorite patterned paper, then attach it to the back cover of the book to use as a pocket for memorabilia or a place to keep a CD with your original image files.

If you're looking for even more creative control, consider purchasing a coordinating album kit. For example, SEI makes "Scrapbook in a Box" kits that include all the supplies for an album, plus detailed instructions on how to assemble each page. This allows you to quickly create a very professional looking book, but still gives you the freedom to make adjustments to an individual layout if you desire.

Making a Pre-Designed Scrapbook as a Gift

For the experienced scrapbooker who is eager to share her passion with others, making a pre-designed album to give as a gift can be a fun project. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Stick to standard print sizes as much as a possible. People who don't scrapbook on a regular basis generally don't want to take the time to crop their photos.
Include spaces for both horizontal and vertical photos, since most people have a mix of images.
When leaving room for journaling, remember that lines make it easier for people to write neatly.
Include an acid-free adhesive, a journaling pen, and a sheet of basic instructions with your just add photos scrapbook to help the recipient get started assembling the album.

For more information, please review the LoveToKnow Scrapbooking article Make a Ready-to-Fill Scrapbook as a Gift.

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