Scrapbook Page Ideas

If you're looking for creative scrapbook page ideas, consider making your own embellishments from the patterned paper scraps you'd otherwise toss in the trash. This can be a wonderful way to create frugal scrapbook layouts.

The Importance of Embellishments

A scrapbook page typically consists of photos, journaling, a title, and one or more page embellishments. Scrapbook page embellishments serve several different purposes. For example:

Embellishments help support the theme of your layout, such as using a Santa Claus tag on a page about special Christmas gifts.
Embellishments with words help support your journaling by acting as page titles or photo captions. Accents that feature famous quotes can help you overcome a case of writer's block if you're having trouble deciding what to say about a particular photo.
The color and texture of embellishments adds visual appeal to a scrapbook layout, particularly on pages where the photos are a bit blurry or underexposed.
If you're scrapbooking memories of an event where you have no photos, such as a trip to a museum that didn't allow photography or the day at the beach where your son accidentally broke your camera, embellishments stand in for the missing images.
When you're creating a layout based on a scrapbook sketch, an embellishment can stand in for a photo if you don't have enough pictures to copy the design exactly.

Making Your Own Scrapbook Embellishments

Although it's quite possible to by scrapbook embellishments for any theme you can imagine, these pre-made products can be very expensive. For many people, spending $5 to $10 for each scrapbook layout simply isn't practical. However, frugal scrapbookers can easily find scrapbook page ideas that incorporate handmade page accents.

Patterned paper is a necessity for any scrapbooker and most crafters end up with quite a large pile of scraps leftover from completed layouts. Instead of throwing these pieces away, transform them into customized scrapbook embellishments. Here are a few creative ideas to try:

Use patterned paper scraps to add interest to simple seasonal paper piecing patterns, such as a pumpkin or a Christmas tree.
Trim sheets of coordinating patterned paper with decorative edged scissors, then layer the strips on your page to create a ruffled background. Scallop and wave scissors work especially well for this technique. For a little added dimension, you can try curling a few of the strips.
Thin strips of patterned paper can be gathered to use as a faux ribbon accent. Secure each partially folded loop with a small glue dot, then add small notches at the edge of your strip.
Use a square punch to create a grid of uniform squares from patterned paper. Wrap scraps of embroidery floss or ribbon around the squares before adhering them to your layout.
Create a banner for your layout by cutting small triangles from patterned paper. Ink each shape, then string them from a piece of twine or embroidery floss.
Make dimensional butterflies by punching three shapes from coordinating patterned papers. Score the shapes in the middle before folding up slightly. Secure with a staple.
Transform a paper circle into a 3D flower by cutting it into a spiral shape and rolling tightly towards the center. Secure the bloom with a drop of liquid glue, then add shimmery paint to the edges for extra flair.
Fold a large square of paper into an origami envelope to use as a pocket for including memorabilia on your scrapbook page.
A paper doll chain makes a fun accent for a child's scrapbook page. You can use buttons, eyelets, brads, and ribbon scraps to make outfits for your dolls.