How to Quickly & Easily Create Scrapbook and Photo Layouts

Have you been wondering how to start working with your own scrapbook and photo layouts?  The layout is a very important part of any scrapbooking page.  One could spend hours just contemplating how to create the perfect one.  Scrapbook and photo layouts do not have to be complex to be beautiful.  In fact, some of the best layouts are quite minimal and can be created in no time.

There are all sorts of tricks that can help you create a photo layout quickly and easily.  Here are some ways to help you get started.

Pre-printed Layout Pages Make it Super Easy

If you want to do things the easy way, you could always use pre-printed layout pages.  They often have borders that show where the pictures go, and many of them are created around specific themes.  You can find these in most scrapbooking supply stores or online.

Some digital scrapbooking software  also offers ready-made layouts that you can print out to use in a traditional scrapbook.

You should also be able to alter these layouts, so if you find one that’s perfect overall but has a thing or two you would like to change, you can do so easily.  This way you have the convenience of a printed layout with the flexibility to add your own touch.

Make Your Scrapbook and Photo Layouts Classic with Quilt & Checkerboard Patterns

Nice, neat squares work very nicely for scrapbook pages.  If you’re using square pages, it’s easy to divide them up into as many squares as you like to create a quilt or checkerboard effect.

All you have to do is measure the page and divide by the number of squares you want in your rows and columns.  For example, if you want three rows of three squares each, you would divide the width and height of the page (which should, of course, be the same on a square sheet) by three.

This will be the size of your squares.  Crop the photos slightly smaller, and arrange in any pattern you like.  If you’re going for a quilt effect, draw in some stitching for a whimsical effect.

You Can Always Just Wing It With Your Scrapbook and Photo Layout Ideas!

Sometimes it’s fun to just go for it and see what happens.  Who says you have to have a master plan for every scrapbook page you create?  Why not just crop your photos, matte them, and experiment with putting them in different positions and at different angles until you find an arrangement you like?  Add a fitting title and some nice embellishments, and you have a truly unique page.

Scrappers who are accustomed to getting everything organized before even considering adding a picture might not like this idea, but it doesn’t hurt to give it a try.  You can always get out the ruler if you’re not sure that everything is spaced just right.

Sometimes we don’t have that much time to scrapbook.  And if we’re creating a scrapbook for a special occasion or to give as a gift, we may need to get it done quickly.  These time-saving layout ideas can help us get a scrapbook finished much sooner than we otherwise would have.

Try Some Other Methods of Compiling Your Photos into a Beautiful Piece of Art

With the advent of self and online publishing, there are so many ways to create your own photo books.  And because there are so many places offering this option now, this can be done at very cost effective options!

Blurb is one of my favourites.  They have some wonderful creation tools, including photo books, magazines, and coffee table books.  Now, they also offer a creation tool to help you make a book straight from your Instagram or Facebook photos!  Such a wonderful way to capture and save your memories into something tangible.

Have you ever made your own scrapbook or digital book?  If so, how do you like it?  Would you do it again?  I look forward to hearing from you in the comments!