Scrapbook themes...made from dreams!!!

 
    Scrapbook themes....what is this craze all about?  Remember those old scrapbooks that had everything in one book?  Old newspaper clippings and bent up photos stuck to some glue page with a piece of plastic covering it? We can now organize all those photos into scrapbook themes!

    Scrapbook themes have evolved over the years and can actually be considered works of art.  Simply put, scrapbook themes are just a grouping together of pictures that pertain to the same event.  They can be a project like School Days or Heritage albums.  Just look at the pictures you already have.  Here's an idea: instead of having your wedding photographer put together your pictures, you could have them put on a CD and create your own beautiful scrapbook.  You could embellish the pages with formal paper and journal some comments next to the pictures.   This is just one of the many scrapbook themes you can use. 

    As you divide up the pictures, you may find that some pictures fit in to more than one stack.  It may take some time, but this will help you pick the theme.  Once you have your scrapbook theme, you will need to decide the type of scrapbook paper and card stock you want.  As with themes, scrapbook papers come in all different styles from formal to child's play. You'll need to determine your backgrounds, embellishments and whether or not you want to include journaling.  

    There is product available for almost any scrapbook theme you can think of.  Some retailers even sell scrapbook kits that match your scrapbook themes.  They match the paper, ribbon and other embellishments so all you need to do is choose which pictures you want in your scrapbook!  In fact, many websites have layout ideas for many types of scrapbook themes.  These are for you to copy or just help you get your creative juices flowing.  Once you get started, you’ll be amazed at the different layouts and scrapbook themes you can use to create the style you like.  It’s like finding scrapbook galleries for your own use.

    Another option to help you get started with your scrapbook themes is to use digital scrapbook software. You can also use PowerPoint.  The only problem with using that program is you need to already have themed paper available to cut and paste in.  Digital scrapbooking is probably best for people who don’t have a lot of room to store scrapbook supplies or layout your photos.   I like creating digital scrapbook software pages when I am doing large projects or gifts.  Creating calendars for everyone for Christmas is a big hit!  I like the fact that each page has a different theme.  I feel I can be more imaginative and have many different pages while also keeping consistency between the same scrapbook themes. Remember, whatever pictures you have, there are many scrapbook themes to choose from.

    I suggest if you are a beginner, you need to choose whether you want to create digital or handmade scrapbooks.  Either way, I suggest you start with a small occasion or even one special page to be put in a shadow box.  You might find you prefer one way over the other, or even like creating both! The possibilities are endless!!

    Scrapbook themes have matching albums that can also be used to help give your scrapbook a finished look. They make wonderful gifts!  I have a group of friends that meet once a month and scrapbook together.  That’s a great way to spend the day and learn new techniques from your friends.  You’ll be amazed at how others look at your pictures and come up with scrapbook themes you never thought of. There are even national scrapbook expos and “Cropping Events”.  When you are finished you will have a beautiful scrapbook perfectly displaying your chosen scrapbook themes.