Now we can move on to your basic design principles. In a nutshell, I'll walk you through the process of putting together a layout! I even created a layout, and took pictures, step by step, of the process I usually follow to achieve my finished product.
Shall we get started??!
First, there are different 'parts' to each and every design. On the paper you want to adhere your parts to, you'll want to leave room for your photos (no-brainer), a title, your journalling and finally the embellishments. As I am placing the papers where I want them, and the picture, I try and stay one step ahead, constantly trying to visualize where each part will fit the best. Unless you've already got a design dreamed up in your brain before you get started, a lot of rearranging and moving around will occur until something clicks. (Of course, if you choose to use a sketch, that'll take the guesswork out of where to place everything!)
So, to start, I begin by printing out the picture(s) I want to use, then begin thinking about what is already found in the picture that I can use to beef up the theme of my layout.
On a side note, if you find that the embellishments that you pull out aren't to your liking, or don't work as well with your layout as you thought, don't feel like you need to use them! Keep searching until you find something that makes your heart happy!
If there are a lot of pictures that you want to scrapbook, and they're not all going to fit on one page, consider creating a two page spread. In your album, they should lie facing each other, so when you open the album, they are side-by-side. When you create a two page spread, use complimentary patterns and colors, to keep the focus of your subject strong.
When you're choosing your patterned papers, be sure to choose a pattern that reinforces your theme- in my case, it is snowflakes. Also, choose embellishments that reinforce that theme, as well. Multiple patterns are ok to use, but if you do that, make sure you use them in small portions, so that it doesn't overwhelm the eye.
What is journalling? Journalling is the story you want to tell- in your own words- and, that can be what you felt when the picture was taken, what was happening when the picture was taken, it could be a letter to a loved one that's in the picture, or it could be a quote that you found online that sums up perfectly your feelings about that particular picture or pictures. Once again, journalling can be hand-written or computer generated- whichever you're more comfortable with, or whichever your project calls for. If there's a lot that you want to say, typing it out might be the best.
There are different ways you can incorporate journalling into your layout. You can write directly onto the picture, directly onto the layout, you can create a journalling mat, and slip it behind a piece of paper or your photo, creating a 'hidden' journal; or the journal mat can be adhered directly to your layout, and act as an embellishment at the same time.
Notice how the bracket, date tag and title work create a triangle? This helps to move the eye around the page; I tried putting my embellishments in the 'sweet spots'- where those imaginary lines would intersect in my imaginary grid.