If you’d like to start scrapbooking or create scrapbook-style art, but are simply overwhelmed by
vast product choices, let me help you narrow them down and get you going. I view scrapbooking as a highly specialized form of collage. With scrapbooking, not only are you creating artistic arrangements and layers of objects, but you are doing it around an evocative theme. Scrapbook art almost always includes: 1. photos around which theme is developed; and words or “journaling” which evoke, explain and expand on theme.
The words form an integral part of artistic arrangement. Scrapbookers love to play with and combine fonts to give words visual expression. Just as we use tone and volume to add expression to spoken word, scrapbookers use fonts, letter placement and color to express their ideas and form a page that is pleasing to eye. Just as words can be spoken melodically or harshly, softly or loudly, words on a scrapbook page can visually shout, whisper, sing or pray.
I suppose a beginner could “go it alone” artistically, but I found it inspiring and very helpful to view other scrappers’ work in order to appreciate range of possibilities before I began. If you’re fortunate enough to have a friend who scrapbooks, ask if you can look at her work. Also subscribe to a scrapbooking magazine. You get to see all latest and greatest scrapbooking supplies and tools each month, along with examples of beautiful pages submitted by readers and experts.
To begin scrapbooking, it is very valuable to see how varied art can be. No two scrappers will interpret a theme same way. This gave me a sense of artistic license when I started. There is no one right way!
Four artists, given a theme and even a page layout, will invariably provide vastly different interpretations. In fact, such contests are held periodically. The results are omething to behold.
If you still feel overwhelmed after seeing work of experienced scrappers (or maybe due to seeing their work!), start with one of themed kits that are available at craft stores.
For more adventuresome beginner, it’s time to plan your page and make a shopping list!
First decide on size for your page. The most popular size is 12 x 12”. One scrapper explained that’s because you get more “real estate” to decorate. Decide on your theme and select photos for your page. Scrappers frequently use photos from same shoot. This helps, not only as far as sticking with theme goes, but also aids color coordination. Look for colors that dominate or accent photos to decide on colors for your background and trims.
