The Event

ABOUT SCRAPBOOKING

Scrapbooking is an individual craft fashioned on the traditional scrapbook, for recording memorabilia and moments in life that matter. Today's scrapbooker likewise seeks to creatively record memorable moments from the past, present, and expressing expectations for the future. Preserving these memories is invaluable and achieved through photos, journaling and creative trimmings whilst using archivally safe materials. This way these memories can be kept safe for many years to come.

Scrapbooking pages can range from the very simple to the extremely intricate. The approach depends on the purpose of each page.

There are many different elements to consider for a scrapbooking page:

Photos

Most people once they take up the craft of scrapbooking start to look at their photography in a different light. Types of photos to consider include - portraits, group photos, landscapes, particular themes, close ups of textures and colours.

Photos can be used intact, cropped, cut up or framed to provide a variety of different effects.

Quotations

Many scrapbookers like to quote text from sources other than their own writing. These may include quotations, song lyrics and poems. For some people these texts can enhance their own words. There are a number of web sites which have databases of quotes and lyrics etc. including:

Please note it is important to credit the source or the writer of any borrowed writings.

Personal Recollections

Recording your own account of a situation, feelings, expectations and personal experiences is a valuable way of preserving your memories.

Other Memorabilia

There are so many items that can add value and depth to your story. These could include the use of postcards, tickets, receipts, brochures and maps. It should be noted that most of these items will not bearchivally safe and therefore it is important to protect pages and photos through the use of archival sprays or memory pockets

Embellishments

The use of embellishments has become extremely popular. Various techniques incorporate the use of vellum, wire, eyelets, buttons, fabrics, ribbons, archival stickers, tags, stamping, emossing, special pens, inks, hole punches, chalks and pencils - the list is endless!

Selecting photos

Start by selecting complementary photos with a similar theme e.g. birthday party, event, holiday, person etc. The number of photos required depends on the types of photos. Start with 1 to 4 photos for one page and 4 to 6 photos for a double page.

Planning layout

Assess what you would like to include on a page; number of photos, amount of journalling or writing to be included, headings, photo descriptions, other memorabilia and embellishments. This will indicate how much needs to be included before any photos or paper are cut.

Use a planning sheet to try layouts or fitting the elements together. Alternatively, roughly cut out pieces of paper to represent elements to be included and shuffle them around on a piece of card stock until you arrive at a pleasing design.

Preparing the elements

Select acid free card stock and papers that fit with the theme of the page and complement colours in the photos.

Crop or trim photos as necessary and add mat borders to highlight the photos if desired. Prepare headings in a style that suits the theme of the page. Create journal blocks on suitable paper or card. Decide on extra embellishments if required.

Constructing your page

Once the elements are prepared arrange them in your desired design. Adjust, move or change the design now that all elements are ready.

Attach all elements with acid free and photo-safe adhesives. Completed!

Design considerations

Consider making one photo more prominent than others by the use of larger or multiple mat borders.

Simple uncluttered layouts can be very effective. Limit the number of fonts used on a page unless there is a particular purpose.

The eye naturally follows left to right, top to bottom - consider this guideline when laying out headings and journalling blocks. If something needs to be read in a certain way place them in a logical order.

Embellishments can add meaning to a page but can also detract if used in abundance. Start with less rather than more.

Keep a contrast in depth of colour between journalling and the background. Use an ink which contrasts with the background. Consider subtle papers for backgrounds to journalling as this makes it easier to read.

Journalling tips

Start with the media release principle – jot down who, what where, when, why, how to do with the theme or the facts of the situation.

Consider expressions of feelings, thoughts, expectations and plans.

Journalling may be enhanced through the use of quotations, poems and song lyrics. The source of anyone else's writing must be acknowledged on your page.

Organised by Brindabella Baptist Church