Simply Scrapbooking – Choosing products for your scrapbook.

This year I began using a simplified color scheme in most of the scrapbooks I design for others and myself.

Here is my formula:
· 3 to 5 solid cardstocks
· 1 to 4 pattern papers
· 1 to 3 types of embellishments or techniques

By limiting the supplies you have to choose from, you can focus more of your time on designing your layout and completing your journaling. Using this formula, I now finish layouts at a faster rate. When supplies are limited to a few sheets of coordinating paper and embellishments your scrapbook tends to have a more uniform feel. This formula is perfect for themed books.

Currently, I arrange my paper choices in two formats: classic and fun. When using the classic format the same color cardstock is used as the background for all of the layouts. With this format the viewer knows what to expect each time the page is turned. Having this expectation the viewer can focus more on the photographs, memorabilia and journaling. The cardstock backgrounds are alternated from layout to layout using the fun format. This format tends to give the viewer a “surprise” each time a page is turned. The viewer would have to evaluate the whole layout because each layout seems different from the last.

Now you no longer have to worry about which shade of pink matches your shirt. :) And you can get a few more pages done.

This article is from the Distinctive Moments Summer 2007 Newsletter. Be sure join our mailing list so you can receive the dM News and other promotions in your email box.