| In scrapbooking, just like in any other job pertaining to | | | | your background with too many elements. Apply the |
| graphic design, there are several rules of thumb that | | | | rule of thirds -- let the design visually separate the |
| can transform a layout from being dreary to being | | | | layout into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) and |
| extraordinary. The main idea in any of these rules of | | | | add elements in thirds (three embellishments, three |
| thumb is to stop and think before jumping in with the | | | | tags, etc.) . Soften sharp angles with a corner rounder |
| photos, patterned papers and embellishments. | | | | or a circular element, and vice versa -- make sure you |
| 1. Conveying a story. Scrapbooking is more than just | | | | ground your layouts when it creates a visual cycle. |
| sticking a bunch of photos on a piece of cardstock. A | | | | 3. Color cohesion. Choosing the right color combination |
| scrapbook is supposed to communicate a story and | | | | for your layout is just another aspect of keeping it |
| record moments in life, document people, destinations, | | | | balanced. Your color choice should correspond to |
| etc. Thinking about the story you wish to tell before | | | | what type of photos you use. |
| you start working on the design has two main | | | | If your photos are black and white or in a sepia tone |
| advantages: | | | | you can go ahead and have some more play with |
| First, it makes you stop your pace and think, therefore | | | | your colors, but balance the color explosion with a |
| making your work more deliberate. | | | | linear design, such as a grid design. |
| Second, it gives much more character to the page | | | | If your photos are very colorful try not to use more |
| design. | | | | than 3 colors on your layout. Going with a natural |
| So consider your story and think how the design can | | | | colored background (white, kraft, gray, black) is usually |
| highlight the story you wish to narrate. Some points to | | | | a safe choice to build color on. Try to keep your color |
| consider are: What elements will convey the story? | | | | trio balanced - not all dark and not all light (unless you |
| How many photos do you need? What space do you | | | | are going for a monochromatic design) - play with the |
| need for your journaling? Etc. | | | | colors hue, tone and saturation. |
| 2. Balance. One of the most important things in a | | | | Make use of the color wheel. Choose complementary |
| design is too maintain its balance. All your elements | | | | colors together analogous colors to insure a good and |
| should have a definite and well scaled relationship with | | | | balanced combination. |
| each other - that includes your white space as well. | | | | Keep those rules of thumb and be amazed by the |
| Don't overload one part of your layout, without | | | | beautiful as well as meaningful layouts you are going |
| balancing it on an opposite level. Refrain from clattering | | | | to create. |