General design tips for a scrapbook layout: Part 1

1.      Layouts may come in different sizes (in inches): 12x12, 8.5x11, 8x8, etc.

2.      Finished layouts are typically stored in page protectors

3.      Page protectors can be collected in albums. There two main types of albums: three rings and post-bound.

·         3-rings albums are more practical: they hold more (especially if you have lots of embellishments), the pages are easier to move around and you don't have to take the whole album apart to insert more page protector. However, when you use double layouts, there will be a gap between the pages.

·         Post-bounds look fancier and adjacent pages touch each other without any discontinuity. Many come with the capability of expanding the back to add more pages. Adding or moving around pages, however, is a royal pain.

4.      When buying page protectors and albums you may want to stick to a standard in order to have the holes in the page protector matching the album. For example, American Craft albums and page protectors have the same standards of ordinary 3-ring binders. This allow you to insert in your album photo protectors in different sizes, to add some variety and accommodate for more pictures (see below, #7). Wal-mart (where you can find very good deals for scrapbooking and crafting in general) sells CölorBook brand: their prices are significantly lower but they use a different standard for the holes.

5.      You can also frame a particular layout in special frames designed for the purpose and deeper than the usual print frames

6.      The picture should be the main focus: one big, 2 with the same orientation, or up to 4 smalle. 

7.      If you wish to add more pictures there are several options:

• You can add a file folder side (with the tag) as a border or insert a 6-pocket 12x12 picture protector. These hold either 6 landscape or 6 portrait 4x6 pictures (or journaling tags) on each side (available @ Hobbi Lobby and Michaels). Note that 4x6 is the less expensive format to print. There are also (@ Amazon) page protector with mixed pockets (like, e.g. 2 portraits and 3 landscape or vice versa). There is a variety pack available on Amazon (8.5x11 3-Ring Photo Sleeve Refills: 4x6 & 4.75x8.5 Pocket 10-Pack - We R Memory Keepers)    
• In a 12x12 album you could  insert 8.5x11 page protectors, either the plain one (let’s say to accommodate school awards in a graduation album) or a subset of pictures. 
• Another option is to create a fold out page by cutting in half vertically a 12x12 photo page protector (there is a very clear tutorial on You tube called Glitter Girl adventure 005, part one). By cutting it in two you end up with two half protectors holding 6 4x6 pictures each. Besides pictures, you can put there memorabilia, embellishments or journaling. Works only for landscape pictures (unless you crop them and glue them on paper). The half protector with the holder edge still on, is easy to use in between pages. The one without it can be taped (washi tape, mailing tape, invisible tape would cut over time) on the external side of the main paper protector, after adding journaling and embellishments. This will create a flip over half page. You can than use tape on the open side so that the picture do not fall out.
• You can also create accordion-like sequence of pictures (this solution is sometimes called interactive layout, many tutorials available on You Tube). In order to allow access to the pictures once that the layout is inside the page protector, you will have to cut an opening in the page protector.    

9.      Color: your palette can be softer or bold but there should be some rationale, like matching colors in the picture. Typically a quiet back ground works better. If the background is plain, or has lines, can be written on directly, for handwritten journaling. Solid color craft paper can be a great background.

10.  Add title, legends and journaling. Title, especially if long, can be split in two (with a main tittle and a subtitle) and written alternating different fonts, size, dimension, and color. Add punctuation at the end.

11.  You can create pockets behind pictures to insert (with clips or envelops) memorabilia journaling that is meant to be more private

12.  Double layouts: There has to be some connection between the two pages; the simpler way is to use the same background and/or a second smaller piece of paper shared between the two. One page might have just one bigger picture (or two) with people in them, the other more and smaller pictures, maybe with places and objects.You may also cut a photo in two two, to then put each half in a different page, where the to pages touch each other. However, if you are using a 3-ring binder remember that there will be a gap in between.