General themes may include: family, children or an individual child, pet(s), and extended family members. Specific themes may include: wedding, birthday, school year, sports season, vacation, holiday celebration, and pregnancy/baby.
Will you tell the stories in chronological order or group them by sub-topic? How many pages will you devote to each story?[2] X Research source
Gather a collection of photos and items that are directly related to your album’s theme. Sit down at workspace with the organized list of stories, your photos, and your memorabilia. Sort the material into categories based on the stories you wish to tell. Place the pictures and memorabilia inside labeled folders or envelopes. Go through each folder or envelope and take out any memorabilia or photos that do not pertain to your narrative. [3] X Research source
To achieve a cohesive look, purchase paper and embellishments, like stickers and stamps, from the same line and color-families. Buy acid-free, lignin-free and buffered cardstock. This paper will help to preserve your handmade scrapbook. Purchase pigment-based ink pads and pens. Search for ink that is waterproof and fade resistant. Pick up reposition-able and removable adhesives. These products allow you to move items around the page with relative ease. Shop for a paper trimmer, several pairs of scissors, and/or cut-out templates, if necessary. [4] X Research source
The most common size is 12 x 12 inches. This size is ideal for anyone who wants to fit several images, pieces of memorabilia, writings, and/or embellishments on a single page. It is also great for general albums. The 8 ½ x 11 inches album is ideal for scrapbookers with slightly less material and embellishments to work with. You can fit one to two pictures per page. This is a great size for vacation, school year, child, or pet themed scrapbook. Other common sizes include 8 x 8 inches, 6 x 6 inches, and 5 x 7 inches. These are perfect to give as gifts or to use for a very specific theme. You can fit 1 picture per page. As you shop for an album, pay attention to the type of binding used. There a three general types of bindings: post-bound, strap hinge, and 3-ring binders, or D-rings. Each binding method allows you to move pages around, remove pages, and add additional pages.
Remove a few pages from your album. Experiment with the position of photos, memorabilia, designated journal spaces, headings, captions, and embellishments. [5] X Research source When you find a layout you like, jot down any relevant dimensions (like photo size) and take a picture of the layout to use a reference.
Since you have not cut or glued anything yet, you can always switch to a new page layout if needed. [6] X Research source
If you need to crop an image or piece of memorabilia, lightly mark your cut lines on the back of the item with a pencil. Use a pair of scissors or a paper trimmer to cut the item down to size. If you want to draw attention to an image or item, consider matting it. Use paper, fabric, ribbon or pre-cut photo mats to create a border. After cropping your items and creating borders, use an acid-free glue to affix the photos or memorabilia to the page. [7] X Research source
Pens Stamps Stickers Stencils Computer and printer Cut-outs[8] X Research source
Captions may include: names, dates, locations, and brief descriptions. Journal entries may include: anecdotes, quotes, poems, lyrics, and longer descriptions of an event. Use your list of stories to help you compose your captions and journals. Before adding a caption or journal entry to a page, plan out what you are going to write. Revise your writing and fix any typos. You may handwrite your captions and journal entries or print and adhere them to the page. [9] X Research source
Stickers Stamps Ribbons and fabric Cardstock paper Cutouts[10] X Research source
Purchase page protectors that match the size and binding type of your album. You may choose between a top-loading or side-loading page protectors. You may select a non-glare or clear finish. [11] X Research source
Do not store your album near radiators and vents or areas of your home that is prone to leaks. [13] X Research source
