There is a wealth of information on the internet about scrapbooking, from materials to themes and layout ideas, but for the uninitiated, it may be difficult to find a basic step-by-step guide to getting started with designing pages. Look no further!

Basic Principles of Design:

Balance
Balance is either formal or informal. Informal balance is usually attained by an optical illusion of sorts. For example, putting a small, dark colored item on one side and a large, lighter colored item on the other side.

Gradation
This is simply variation in color according to light used to create interest in an object.

Repetition
Using a pattern to create focus. Conversely, variation can achieve the same thing depending on the look you are trying to create.

Harmony
Using similar designs or shapes or adjacent colors on a color wheel can create visual harmony on the page.

Dominance
Any element added for emphasis. Adds visual interest and breaks monotony.

Unity
This is achieved by creating a cohesive design.

All seven of these principles of design can and should apply to scrapbook design. It takes years of practice to master all of them in any art, but all of the ready-made materials on the scrapbook market will make the process easier for beginners until they are ready to create their own unique designs. Utilize websites and craft magazines for inspiration. There are so many resources available in which professionals can be your guide.

It is easy to believe that scrapbooking is one of the most popular hobbies for woman today. It is apparent when you note the different stores where scrapbooking supplies are now available. In the past you could only find scrapbooking materials in craft and hobby shops or stores dedicated to scrapbooking and other paper crafts. Now you will find in the big nationwide chain discount stores have several aisles dedicated solely to the hobby. Even some grocery stores and drug stores carry a few scrapbooking items now.

Unfortunately, some misconceptions remain about scrapbooking that seem like barriers for those wanting to enter the wonderful world of scrapbooking. Some have inaccurate ideas that prohibit them from preserving their cherished photos and memories in a creative and fun way.

The first misconception is that scrapbooking is just too expensive. Sure, you can break the bank if you go out and buy every cool embellishment and tool out there, but it’s not necessary. A great scrapbooking supply to start with is paper. There is a huge assortment of paper available in many different sizes. While some of the patterned paper costs 25 cents or less economy packs of various colors can be found very inexpensively. You can use a pair of decorative edged scissors to give your paper even more interest. Stickers are another great and inexpensive way to add interest to your pages. (Read on …)