Whether you are just beginning to scrapbook or you are an experienced scrapper you may be looking for ways to have a clean, tailored layout in your scrapbook. While some people may feel that simple and clean layouts are boring really the opposite is true. There are many benefits to having a clean layout on your scrapbook pages and some of them are-
1.A clean layout on your scrapbook pages will give your pictures more impact as the focus is drawn directly to them. While there are loads of cute scrapbooking decorations remember that you will want the final impact to be made by your pictures not by your decorations.
2.A clean layout is easier to do. While everyone can admire a complicated page if you do not have the crafting skills to build a page with several different techniques this can be overwhelming. Mounting pictures in a basic format with little embellishment can be done by nearly everyone no matter what their skill level is.
3.A clean layout is much faster to do. If you are pressed for time tailoring your pages is a great way to get them done without having to devote large chunks of time to your scrapbooking. Remember your goal is to put your pictures and thoughts into a format that can be enjoyed for years to come not necessarily to create an art project that consumes your life and leisure time.
4.Simple clean pages can serve as a basis for building an entire scrapbook. If you are hoping to just get on top of your mountain of pictures you can first put the pictures into clean and simple layouts and then return later to embellish if you desire to. This also gives you time to practice and perfect different scrapbooking techniques before applying them into your scrapbook.
5.A clean scrapbook layout is cheaper to do. Since scrapbooking is not a cheap hobby an easy way to save money is to cut back on the number of extras that you use. Streamlining your use of stickers, die cuts and other accessories will help give your scrapbook a clean look and save you money in the long run.
Now that you know why clean scrapbook layouts are beneficial here are some scrapbooking tips for cleaner layouts-
•Always think less is more. Before doing the final adhering of your layout to your scrapbook page try taking at least 3 things off the page. Removing stickers, die cuts or extra lettering will help give your page a more streamlined and cleaner look. The best part of this is you may just like your finished layout a lot more!
•Use color as your impact. Some of the best clean looking scrapbook pages simply have lines or blocks of color to highlight the images in the photographs. Just remember that simple geometric shapes make the biggest impact since you are going for a clean look leave the complicated cutting and shapes for a different project. In addition remember that one or two colors have a cleaner effect than a rainbow of different colors.
•Do not overwhelm your page with pictures. While collages are always fun if you are going for a streamlined clean effect limit the number of pictures you put on a page. In addition make sure that each picture you choose has a strong impact on the theme of the page and contributes overall to the effect you are going for. If you have pictures that are not that great or do not make a strong contribution to your page set them aside and choose another one.