5 Common Scrapbooking Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Scrapbooking is a fun and creative way to preserve memories and tell stories. But it can be easy to make mistakes when you’re starting out. Here are five common scrapbooking mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Not Planning Ahead
One of the most common mistakes that scrapbookers make is not planning ahead. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and start cutting and pasting without thinking about the overall design of the page. Before you start, take some time to plan out the page. Think about the colors, the layout, and the elements you want to include. This will help you create a cohesive and visually appealing page.
2. Not Using Acid-Free Materials
Another common mistake is not using acid-free materials. Acid-free materials are important because they won’t damage your photos or other elements over time. Make sure to use acid-free paper, glue, and other materials when scrapbooking.
3. Not Using the Right Adhesives
Using the wrong adhesives can ruin your scrapbook pages. Make sure to use the right adhesives for the materials you’re using. For example, if you’re using paper, use a glue stick or a tape runner. If you’re using fabric, use a fabric glue.
4. Not Using a Variety of Elements
When scrapbooking, it’s important to use a variety of elements to create interest and texture. Try using different papers, fabrics, ribbons, buttons, and other embellishments. This will help create a unique and interesting page.
5. Not Taking Time to Enjoy the Process
Finally, don’t forget to take time to enjoy the process. Scrapbooking is a creative and fun activity, so don’t rush through it. Take your time and enjoy the process of creating something special.
FAQs
Q: What materials should I use for scrapbooking?
A: You should use acid-free paper, glue, and other materials when scrapbooking. You should also use a variety of elements such as papers, fabrics, ribbons, buttons, and other embellishments.
Q: How do I plan out my scrapbook page?
A: Before you start, take some time to plan out the page. Think about the colors, the layout, and the elements you want to include. This will help you create a cohesive and visually appealing page.
Q: What adhesives should I use?
A: Make sure to use the right adhesives for the materials you’re using. For example, if you’re using paper, use a glue stick or a tape runner. If you’re using fabric, use a fabric glue.
Bottom line folks………… do what makes you happy. Quit worrying what other people are doing.
Yes, I’ve fallen into the trap of buying everything I see on craft channels. And it really doesn’t make you any more creative in the long run. And I’ve tried to copy some of the more complicated layouts with limited success and a LOT of frustration and wasted paper etc.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m going to take a more minimalist approach in future.
Thank you for these tips. I have subscribed.
Great tips- Thanks, But I have an unrelated question. Where did you get the black container / cubby thing that is holding your 12 x12 boxes behind you? (the one holding the 12x 12 clear boxes with the pink clasps)
I'm so glad I saw this video. I'm new to scrapbooking & was thinking how expensive it could get. I've bought a Cricut, a Gemeni Jr, a photo printer and a Cricut Joy so far. I've bought 5-6 stamp & die sets & am now looking at ink. I already have paper. It is getting pricey & good to know it doesn't have to be. I've been trying to match my pages with the professionals, not a good idea. Thx for this. I, too, need to watch this once a week. Bye from NWT, Canada.
I prefer making pretty pages for scrapbooking. Its just so much fun!
Good reminders. Thanks so much.
Thanks Gwen. All good reminders. I know that this year is an expensive one for our family and scrapbooking is an area where I can save money. I've unsubscribed from a lot of scrapbook individuals and companies for the year so I'm not tempted as much! I still love to be inspired but I can't let myself submit to FOMO. I have enough supplies to last at least 10 years, with only the occasional purchase of adhesives and cardstock. I definitely can use my stash and stress less about my pages. As the months get busier, I definitely need to schedule time to scrapbook without distractions – like I should be doing now 😄
I scrapbook for my mental health. I know that my daughter won’t keep all of the layouts I scrapbook and that’s okay.
About buying tools:
I don’t buy a new piece of equipment until I have said to myself, “I really could use that ‘widgeamjigget’.” – at least 10 times or so. That’s when I knew I really would use it long-term.
This was great Gwen! Thank you for discussing this! 😊
Thank you so much for these amazing tips, especially that it's ok to create just to make a pretty page. I feel that is exactly how I create. I make a pretty page and then see if I have a photo to go on it. Tfs x
Thank you for the reminders, I agree with all of them. I bought my supplies and tools slowly as I found a place for them in my creating pages or cards. I buy what I like, use what I have, and have never been big on trends–it is nice to open a box of supplies or stamps and know everything works well together. 😉
EXcellent!!! I just found you and reallllly agree with you!! TYFS
I admit to ignoring all the "rules". I "scrapbook" in a paperback sized filofax using images from all sorts of places, including junk mail. The topics are all sorts of things but rarely family. Today it was the start of the F1 season
I agree with everything you said!
Gwen, I have learned over the years, through making mistakes, the very things you are talking about, however, we all need reminders as it is easy to slip into bad habits. It was a revelation to me how less supplies could actually lead to more creativity. Cutting spending and using my stash is a priority for me this year. Thanks, Jeannine
Hi Gwen, found your channel yesterday and I'm super impressed with your videos/advice. So nice to hear Aussie accent talking about scrapbooking. Cheers from Perth
Thank you so very much for your wonderful tips. I am sure we all make these mistakes. I am afraid I am person who doesn’t follow the latest trends. I like to stick to my own style. I don’t go out and buy all the latest products but I do have a few brands that I find quite irresistible so I am often very tempted to by more than I probably need. I find social media can deflate my confidence a little but I often remind myself it doesn’t matter if each layout is not a masterpiece. I find the layouts I worry less over seem to turn out the best. If it is made with love and enjoyment it will always be a masterpiece even if others don’t see it. 🙂❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hello from Paraguay!!! I need to watch this once a week. One of the best videos of advice I have seen. Thank you!!!
I am with you, Gwen. I love the creative process. I don’t know if anyone will want my scrapbooks, but they make me happy. Thank you for sharing. 😊
Number 2! So me, memories is the by product for me.
Love this Gwen ❤
Hello from Prescott Az. I love your ideas and comments. I scrapbook for the creativity aspect. Yes I too love to scrap the memories but I just love the process of planning and I have learned over the years no one really cares about the details. But if it makes me happy then I am good. I am not artistic but I can most certainly make a page and feel like one. 😂😂. Thanks for your fun and realistic thoughts.