Photos should always be the focus of your scrapbook page. Those memories are why you are creating a layout in the first place. Today, I am sharing tips to help you keep your photos as the focus of your layout while maintaining balance with patterns and ephemera. I have also been asked to share how I print on cards and stickers, so I have added a little bonus tutorial for you to try.
These photos of my daughter are perfect for a winter layout, and I chose to use some Echo Park papers and accents to document them. When I select a collection for a page, I look for colors, patterns, and themes that match the photos I am using.
In this collection, I discovered plaid patterns that evoke a feeling of winter and warmth, some feminine florals, and some shades of blue to bring out the color of my daughter’s beautiful eyes.
After selecting the prints, I layered them onto the page. I kept the bold patterns to a minimum and added texture with thread and stenciled snowflakes.
When you start to add your title, stickers, and die cuts, it can get a bit overwhelming as you try to choose the ones that will match the photos. There are always so many fun pieces to pick from, and this Echo Park collection did not disappoint.
I make a rule to not use more than three to five elements in each embellishment cluster. The ephemera needs to draw your eyes to the photo and create balance with repetition, shape, and size.
I placed some flags at the top of the page to add some patterns to the left side of the layout. These prints match other elements on the page and give the needed weight to balance out the designs on the right.
The die cuts are a mix of florals, wood grain, and snowflakes. I repeat color, shape, and pattern to draw your eyes to the photos. In my video, I share how I tried to make a floral element fit the design, but opted for layered snowflakes instead.
I know that you have faced the same predicament. You choose the perfect matching element for your page, and you try everything you can to make it fit. More often than not, your creative brain tells you to choose something else.
I like this layered sticker snowflake so much better than the original flower I chose. It doesn’t take away focus from the photo, and it gives me plenty of room to add text to my journaling box.
I am sure you are wondering how I printed right onto that little card. In my video, I share more tips for making your photo the focus of your layout and show you how I print directly onto tags, pocket cards, and journaling die cuts.
I hope that today’s project taught you how to keep your photos as the focus on the page and how to create balance with patterns and ephemera. Even though most of you probably write out your journaling in your scrapbooks, I know that many of you have wondered how I print on cards and stickers, so I added that little bonus tutorial for you to try.
If you have any questions about the project or the supplies I used, or you just want to tell me what you like about the page, go ahead and leave me a comment below.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. By clicking on those links and making a purchase, you are helping to support my small business. This is at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.