Heritage Album

How can I make a really awesome scrapbook?

I want to make a scrapbook of my pets, whats the best way to do it? Are there certain materials that are better used then others?

Public Comments

1. Some of what you would want to do would depend on your skill level, whether you're new or experienced. Do a little planning before you start aquiring the supplies and the book will be a lot more organized. A really good way to get started when you are doing a theme album, such as pets, is to first decide which of your pictures are going to go in the book. Then, I usually figure some where between 2-5 pictures per page, depending on the size of the album. You wont want to do this with all your photos, but if you have a couple photos that are incredibly striking, get enlargements and make them a major focal point of the page (and possibly the only pic on that page). Decide how you want your album to flow, maybe chronologically or maybe it's just a favorite pics album. When you have a rough idea, it's time to go shopping. I highly recommend going to a local scrapbook store (or two) instead of Michael's or Jo-anns. You can find someone to help you there that really knows what they are doing and can help you get started. Don't be afraid to take your photos and pick papers and such that match. When choosing materials, try to stay consistent. If you like cutesy do that through out. If you like elegant, stick with it. It will make your finished themed album really flow well. And lastly, have fun with the process. And tell funny and cute stories in your book about your pets. That's what it's all about...
2. I think you should put a lot of picture in it, it makes it look really pretty and colorful may be you should get your pets to sign it with there paws get creative and different.
3. Yes, you want to look for products that are acid free and lignin free if you want your photos to be safe in the long term. I have been scrap-booking for about 7 years and I find this site: http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/ very helpful. There is a Gallery to look at other people's pages, and a message board with various forums for asking questions. If I was you, I would go look there and see what others have done, and ask a few questions on the Beginners forum. Here is my dog album: http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/album_display.asp?album_id=14795 Here is my cat album:http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/album_display.asp?album_id=6945
4. You may want to go to Michaels or whatever craft store you have by your house. If your just doing pet photo's you may be well off with a 6x6 or 8 1/2x11 scrapbook. As far as paper and embellishments, there are tons of pet items to choose from. After that all you need is some scissors and double sided tape. Theme scrapbooks are the easiest to do.
5. make a scrapbook mini album with tags and stuff.They are the best to make. less time consuming and they don't use up as much product to make. You can even shape it like a paw or some thing funky like that. Pictures + Story = Scrapbook. So make sure you journal in your album. maybe take pictures of and document: -how you met (and how u felt) -What he loves, his favorite hangout, activity, food etc -What he hates - his family (may include your family) - funny stuff he does check out http://www.scrapbook-crazy.com/scrapbooking-dog-quotes.html for some dog quotes. There are heaps of mini album ideas here