One way you can bring your memories and memorabilia to life while scrapbooking is by DIYing each page to go along with what you’re putting on it. You can use items, like scrapbooking paper, to bring a pop of color to a layout that is otherwise boring. You can cut out custom frames to go around some of your most cherished photos. You can channel your inner artist and paint patterns or a vacation-themed design on a page. You can even use cute stickers to dress up a memory you’re documenting or lettered stamps to write down dates and locations so you’ll always remember them. The options are pretty much endless! To help inspire your creativity, we rounded up 30 scrapbook ideas below. Some are simple and great for beginners and others are a little more challenging to do. That way, no matter what skill level of scrapbooker you are, you can try out some new ideas. Once you get started, you’ll wonder why you didn’t begin this crafty hobby sooner.
30 Scrapbooking Ideas
1. Hand draw circle wreath frames
Get artsy! Cut out your photos in a circle shape. Then grab some colored pencils and freehand circle wreath frames with them. You can add branches, leaves and flowers to make them each unique.
2. Use your photos to make a design
Want to be really creative? Print out 13 winter pictures in a smaller size and arrange them in a Christmas tree shape. Top your photo tree with a star sticker and write the year in it.
3. Say yes to lace
Want a pretty way to dress up a page? Use lace as a page border! Tip: It looks best when the background of the page is a darker color, like black or navy.
4. Play with talk bubbles
Whether you draw them yourself, with a Sharpie, or buy pre-made ones to stick over your page, including talk bubbles is a fun idea for any scrapbook page. You can write random sayings in them or cute things your kids say so you’ll always remember the silly things they told you when they were little.
5. DIY waves
Grab some blue construction paper and cut out some ocean waves that are the length of your scrapbook page. Then glue them on the top and bottom side and use light blue and white paint to DIY the water ripples. It’s the perfect accent to include with summer-themed photos or vacation pics.
6. Add cute illustrations
The trick to making any scrapbook page look good is to have fun with its design. Including adorable graphic doodles will transform any sheet and give it that zest it’s been missing. Earthtone Floral Scrapbook Paper, $0.69, Hobby Lobby
7. Decorate your Polaroids
If you’re into taking Polaroids, don’t put them in as-is. Instead, take some markers and color in their white frames or design a pattern on them. Then use stickers, buttons and other fun decorations to bring their look to the next level. Don’t forget to write people’s names and the dates on each image, too!
8. Use laser cut designs
If you’re looking for more neutral-toned supplies to decorate with, incorporate laser-cut wood shapes. They come in a variety of sizes and patterns so you can choose the best fit for your design. The best part is, you can find ones perfect for girls or boys, like this tool. Laser Cut Treasure Tools, $1+, Etsy
9. Embrace holiday-themed paper
From Valentine’s Day to Christmas, there are so many holidays throughout the year. Make sure you play up all of them in your scrapbooking decorations with holiday-themed paper.
10. Go with a black and white theme
Even if you’re not into bright colors, you can still make your pages look unique by going with a black and white scheme. You can include pages with simple prints, like stripes, as well as ones that have more original concepts, like black and white rainbow designs.
11. Cut out picture slots on scrapbook paper
Instead of gluing your favorite photos down to a simple white page, find a scrapbooking paper you like and cut out a few photo slots in it. Just lay your photos on top of the paper first so you can see how you want to place them, then cut out hearts, diamonds and oval shapes that your picture can peek through.
12. Buy scripted sticker letters
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade the appearance of your scrapbook pages for cheap, use scripted letter stickers. They are the ultimate addition to any page and will help you record dates and places in a stunning way throughout your book.Script Alphabet Letters, $6, Etsy
13. Give your book a vintage feel
If you have old black and white family photos, make the pages you display them on just as charming by incorporating vintage scrapbook paper. You can find ones with earth tones, ones with antique florals and more in stores and online. Earth Tone Floral Scrapbook Paper, $1, Hobby Lobby
14. Experiment with watercolors
If you want to add some vibrant colors to your page, consider including watercolor paint. It’s easy to use and when it dries, it has such a pretty effect. You can create patterns with it, draw shapes or even flowers.
15. Create a gender reveal page
If you’re making a baby scrapbook, don’t forget to dedicate a section to your gender reveal. It’s something you might normally overlook including. However, having a page or spread that’s all decked out in blue or pink with ultrasound baby pictures is a must.
16. Include envelopes
A simple way to pack more memories onto pages that don’t fit all of your photos is to include envelopes. You can store additional photos inside them or ticket stubs, letters, notes and more. It’s even a good way to store things that you don’t want to be seen, but you want as a keepsake.
17. Stamp it up
Besides having tons of cute photos inside your scrapbook, include some of your favorite quotes, graphics and phrases, too. Doing so with stamp letters, stamps that have words on them or holiday-themed graphics really help bring your memories to life. You can even have a stamp customized so it can say whatever you’d like it to. With Love Rubber Stamp, $15, Etsy
18. Cut out designs
This idea will take a little time to complete, but it’ll be worth it! Sketch the outline of a figure, like a train on construction paper in one color. Then, draw another element of it, like the wheels and train accents on another color. Lastly, draw a window on another color of construction paper. You can even draw puffs of smoke and photo frames you want to include as well. Cut all the shapes out and assemble them with glue.
19. Experiment with Washi tape
From using Washi tape to create a border around your scrapbook page, to using it to make background shapes or to frame out photos, there are so many uses. You can find it in all kinds of prints and colors, which is why is so great for scrapbooking.
20. Use two different background papers
Who says you are limited to one background pattern per page? If there are two you like, use them both. Divide the page in half and have each paper cover one side. The secret to making them look nice together is to have them both share a common color.
21. Use a map background
An incredible way to capture a vacation in your scrapbook comes down to using a map as your page’s backdrop. For instance, if you visited Paris, look online and find a map that showcases France. Then glue down photos, plane tickets and anything else from your trip on top of it.
22. Go with fabric numbers and letters
If you have scraps of fabric laying around, put them to good use when you’re scrapbooking. All you have to do is sketch out a year, month, name or word and then carefully cut them out. It’ll add a fun texture to your overall design.
23. Use Scrabble Tiles
Incorporate your favorite board game by using Scrabble-like wood letter tiles to spell out names and places in the pages of your scrapbook. Wood Letter Tiles, $6, Michaels.com
24. Include 3D Flowers
Sure, floral stickers are pretty, but if you really want to go all-out use 3D floral embellishments. They will literally pop off the page. They are especially great to incorporate with spring-themed pages. DIY Crocus Printable, $3, Etsy
25. Sprinkle pages with confetti
We know what you’re thinking, but confetti actually looks amazing when added to page layouts. You can go with traditional colorful confetti, or one that’s a little less traditional, like these small vintage confetti hearts that are cut out of book pages. You can even choose from a variety of sizes. Vintage Book Paper Heart Confetti, $3+, Etsy
26. Combine different prints
Mixing and matching prints within your frames and background paper is a creative way to make a page stand out. Try to stick to 2-3 colors and then find items with those shades to use.
27. Add some rhinestones
A little sparkle is never a bad idea when it comes to decorating scrapbooking pages. Creating a framed border with rhinestone embellishments or adding them as accents to the background of your page creates a glamourous and elegant look. It’s an especially great way to amp up a wedding or prom-themed layout. Flower Flat Back Cabochons, $2+, Etsy
28. Switch up image sizes
Make sure all of the photos you include aren’t the same size. It’s important to print out some photos, like your favorite wedding image in a bigger size and have it on its own page. Doing so will keep your scrapbook interesting.
29. Cut out hearts
Who doesn’t like hearts? They’re the perfect accessory for any scrapbook page. You can cut out big ones and small ones and use them as filler on pages that need a little extra something special on them.
30. Frame it
One easy way to make your photos pop when designing scrapbook pages is to frame them. You can use paper frames with cute patterns, or ones in solid colors. To mix things up, try to include different shaped frames as well, like circles, squares and rectangles. Wcards Scrapbook Frames, $7, Etsy Check out:125 Hobbies to Pick Up100 Crafts for Kids25 Origami Ideas for Kids
