Beginners Guide to Scrapbooking

If you're looking for a beginner's guide to scrapbooking, you're not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed by the thought of making a scrapbook album simply because there are so many supplies available. However, you don't need to invest in a room full of papers and embellishments to get started. It's actually quite easy to make attractive layouts using nothing but cardstock, patterned paper, your photos, and some memorabilia from the event.

Stickers are available to fit pretty much any scrapbook theme you can imagine. Many even have quotes or phrases as part of the design, which means you don't need to take the time to create a separate page title.

Tearing scraps of patterned paper to make decorative corners is an easy way to add interest to an otherwise simple scrapbook layout.

When you're searching for a beginner's guide to scrapbooking, look for cute ribbons to add color and texture.

While journaling on your scrapbook pages is always a good idea, sometimes you have pictures you want to include just because they are cute shots. In this case, let a favorite quote stand in for the journaling.

If you want to save memorabilia such as a collection of cards, fold an origami envelope from your favorite patterned paper, then glue it to your page to make a simple pocket.

Digital scrapbooking can be a good way to save money, but many crafters don't like the idea of an exclusively digital album. Creating digital pages in an 8x8, 6x6, or 8 ½ x 11 size and working them in to a 12x12 layout that incorporates your traditional scrapbook supplies can be a nice compromise. For help getting started, please review the layouts in our Digital Scrapbooking Projects gallery.