5 Easy Ideas to Make Your Next Layout Awesome

Here are five ideas you can use on your next scrapbook layout to really create a bright fresh page with lots of layering. Learn how to use page digital cut file with patterned paper for layering, and grab a few tips on finding the perfect embellishments for your page.

But first, the story!

I found this picture of Evie Grey and Paul in our front yard. It was summer, she was learning to walk -- you probably figured that out, too. I loved this picture the second I saw it because... I completely didn't remember the moment, or taking it, or anything else about this day. But, this picture was still full of meaning. I built my whole page around that theme: that it was bright and beautiful and she looked like she was ready to run into the world, crashing and thundering the whole way.

1. Build up a background

Use a full page background digital cut file like my confetti hearts background, and layer underneath it. Mix up patterns, or go with a single patterned paper. Try out different colour combos and patterns until you find one that catches your eye!

If you look closely you can see that on this page I used one full 12x12 piece of patterned paper (the back script on white) plus two 8.5x11 floral papers, slightly overlapped and staggered. Even though the patterns and hearts are busy, they all work well together to create a cohesive background. Don't be afraid to try different combinations -- this is a great scrap-buster technique, too! 

TIP: When trying papers to create your own layered die cut background, look for papers that are similar in value to each other, and also to the cut background; here my papers are all pale, and my cardstock is white.

2. Add simple layers that stand out.

Layering on your scrapbook layout can add interest, texture, and add emphasis to focal points, like your photos. And it doesn't have to be complicated or difficult! An easy way to layer under your photo is to start with scraps on your desk, but also consider using journalling cards, frames, old book pages, and tags, too. 

Here I combined different edges to add even more interest to my page: I mixed softly rounded edges of a tag, pointed brackets of a floral frame, and a regular 3x4 rectangular journalling card.

TIP: Use a pop of colour just barely visible under your photo to really make it stand out!

Use translucent vellums or washi tape or both, to create a soft landing place for your photo on your page. I added strips of extra wide washi tape to plain vellum to soften the busy background behind my main photo cluster. 

3. Mix it up: old + new + handmade = you

Use your old stash and new favourites and add in a handmade touch to make your page uniquely YOU! 

Would you be able to pick out the 4 or so different products that are from pre-2010 on this page? (Hint: the script patterned paper in the background, the assorted heart brads, the scalloped green tag to the right of the photo, and the cream tag hanging from the green clover with the glitter bow are all from 10 years ago!). By mixing your new products with old products you still love, you can stretch your stash and make your page reflect your own personal style.

4. Find the unexpected.

Use challenges and creative prompts to add unexpected and delightful finishing touches to your layout. This is a great creative exercise to make you think outside of your box. 

I used some of the Calvinball creative prompts to find fun things to add to this page: vintage lace that has sat untouched in my stash for years; a map journalling card that I would never have thought to add to the page on my own; and a die cut clover that I painted with emerald watercolour and added a vintage button and gold glitter to. 

TIP: Collect scrapbook layout ideas on a Pinterest board or notebook. Challenge yourself to incorporate as many ideas as possible onto your next layout!

5. First thought journalling

Do you get stuck for journalling ideas for your scrapbook layouts? What would happen if you gave up the struggle and just wrote the first thing that came to mind?

That's exactly what I did with this page. It sat for days -- maybe weeks -- as I waited to figure out the journalling. Then one night I realized all I wanted to say about this photo was exactly what I thought when I first saw it: that it was bright and beautiful and she looked like she was ready to run into the world, crashing and thundering the whole way. Wouldn't it have been easier if I had just gone with my first thought to start with?

Tip: If you are unsure of your handwriting, lightly pencil your journalling first, then go over it with a fine point pen or marker. (Although I do use this technique of pre-pencilling journalling, I still managed to write it slightly crooked! Oh well!).

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