A Fresh Look at Layouts

If you are a digi-scrapping newbie or even if you think your scrapping technique is a bit jaded and not quite working for you, then here are a few hints and tips that may just breathe some new life into your layouts.

Experiment with new techniques

Don't be afraid to stretch your imagination and try new things. Digi-scrapping is a wonderful way to scrap because there's no mess, no fuss and no waste of expensive paper or elements. If you try something new and you don't like it, just delete it and try something different.

Colours

The best way to choose the colours for your layout is to look at the photo you want to scrap and choose two colours that stand out for you. Then use various shades of those colours to accessorise your photo.

Adding photos

Choose your photos carefully because your photo should be the focal point of your layout and using a photo that is blurred and out of focus can make your layout appear dull and out of sync. So choose the best photo you can, one that sort of jumps off the page at you and shouts "look at me"

White Space

The term "White Space" does not refer to the colour of your background. Rather, it means areas around your photo that are devoid of elements and which allow your eyes to rest and then get drawn back again to your photo, the focal point of your layout.

Journalling

Journalling is a very important part of your layout. It can be as simple as a piece of wordart or as complex as a story, but without it your layout is just another pretty picture on a background with no history. When journalling, think about the fonts you want to use and don't use more than 3 fonts in your layout or you risk making it look fussy. Use something large and bold for your title and one or two others for your journalling

Layouts without Photos

You don't always have to use a photo in your layout. Some of the most effective layouts I have seen are made from just mementos from an event that have been scanned, cleaned up and added to the layout along with some very creative journalling.

Elements

Use your elements carefully and don't over-embellish your layouts as this will spoil the effect and detract from your photo. Just because you have a kit full of elements does not mean that you need to use them all at once.

Printing

Don't just keep your layouts for computer viewing only. Print them out, even if it means taking the files to a printer to get them done. Then add a few three dimensional elements to your layout and pop them into sleeves in a scrapbook.

Viola, you have just graduated from a Digi-scrapper to a hybrid scrapper and you can take out your albums and show off your creativity to friends and family in the comfort of your living room.

I hope you find these tips useful.