artbabe
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,377
Jun 26, 2014 1:59:10 GMT
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Post by artbabe on Jun 9, 2023 14:57:13 GMT
I noticed when I scrap there are rules that I almost always follow. I used to be a yearbook advisor when I was younger and some of the things I learned doing that I apply to my layouts.
Example: -Enamel dots, flowers, etc. must always be in groups of 3 or 5. Never an even number. -All people and animals must look towards the middle of the page. I made one page where I accidently had the person looking off the page and it drives me crazy. I'm half tempted to pull everything up and redo it. -If I do a two page layout it must have a title on both sides so that the pages will work by themselves. I know they are never going to be separated but for some reason my head just wants them to be stand alone.
I have a lot more rules, actually. No wonder I struggle with some pages.
Do you have any scrapbook/design rules you use when you scrap?
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Post by lisacharlotte on Jun 9, 2023 15:10:58 GMT
I have suggestions, similar to those you posted (except a title on both pages of a 2pg layout). But, I have no problem not following those suggestions. Sometimes it’s just not going to work with what I have. Also, I’m the queen of done is better than perfect. I have never contemplated tearing apart a page to redo it. I’ve long since moved on when I’m finished with a page. Less visually pleasing pages still fill the memory keeping job, and make the good pages look even better!!!
I know all the magazines and design team content makes me think that everybody but me are the most creative scrapbookers out there, but I’m just trying to get stuff done while enjoying cutting and pasting. I have always said there are no rules in scrapbooking.
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Post by Linda on Jun 9, 2023 15:38:28 GMT
I know all the magazines and design team content makes me think that everybody but me are the most creative scrapbookers out there, but I’m just trying to get stuff done while enjoying cutting and pasting. I have always said there are no rules in scrapbooking. got room on that bench for me?
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Post by mikklynn on Jun 9, 2023 15:39:59 GMT
My rules are similar to yours, artbabe. I hate when I notice ads or something where people are looking off the page. It looks weird!
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Post by scraphappy0501 on Jun 9, 2023 15:44:04 GMT
I know all the magazines and design team content makes me think that everybody but me are the most creative scrapbookers out there, but I’m just trying to get stuff done while enjoying cutting and pasting. I have always said there are no rules in scrapbooking. got room on that bench for me? Can I join you both on the bench? I used to try really hard to put together my layouts based on what I saw in magazines, online, etc. And then I realized that doing that was taking the joy of scrapbooking away from me, like I was trying to be someone I wasn't. I didn't scrapbook much for several years. A few years ago I decided I wanted to continue scrapbooking, but not feel "burdened" by having to create in a way that wasn't me. So now I just do whatever I like and I'm enjoying scrapbooking again like I used to "back in the day" when I first started scrapbooking.
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Post by lindamh on Jun 9, 2023 16:10:33 GMT
I don't think I follow "rules" but I do believe there are design techniques that make things more pleasing to the eye. I enjoy reading about design and ways to accomplish that. (Yes, I'm weird!)
I don't tell myself that I "have" to do things a certain way, but I do find myself gravitating towards certain techniques. I do use things in odd numbers and have people and objects facing in towards the center of the page. I also like to maintain a balance in the "weight" of a page, and if that won't work, I'll keep the heavier weight at the bottom of the page, especially when I'm working with pocket pages. I think I tend to look at colors in terms of "weight" also. I try to do things that draw your eye across the page.
In life I tend to be very organized and detail oriented so I guess it makes sense that I'd attack my scrapping that way too.
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Elsabelle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,685
Jun 26, 2014 2:04:55 GMT
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Post by Elsabelle on Jun 9, 2023 16:49:55 GMT
I don't think I follow "rules" but I do believe there are design techniques that make things more pleasing to the eye. I enjoy reading about design and ways to accomplish that. (Yes, I'm weird!) I don't tell myself that I "have" to do things a certain way, but I do find myself gravitating towards certain techniques. I do use things in odd numbers and have people and objects facing in towards the center of the page. I also like to maintain a balance in the "weight" of a page, and if that won't work, I'll keep the heavier weight at the bottom of the page, especially when I'm working with pocket pages. I think I tend to look at colors in terms of "weight" also. I try to do things that draw your eye across the page. In life I tend to be very organized and detail oriented so I guess it makes sense that I'd attack my scrapping that way too. I don't really view them as rules. Just some simple design principles that add up to an attractive layout. It's just how I scrap but if I don't do one of these things on a layout it won't bug me and I don't feel like I'm breaking a rule. I like a visual triangle but will sometimes do a diagonal or column design for some variety. When choosing papers I combine different pattern scale. I try to find a small pattern, a medium pattern, and a larger pattern, but not always. I tend to anchor my embellishment clusters and titles with something - a doily, tag, a large shape, or a large embellishment - to make it stand out and have a base so it doesn't have a floating effect. I also add embellishments in odd numbers. So I wouldn't say these are rules. They're just part of my typical scrap process.
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Post by infochick on Jun 9, 2023 16:59:44 GMT
I like to think of the rule of thirds when I am placing things on the page, so I tend to like to place my photos slightly off of centre. Not necessarily a rule, but something I gravitate towards. I am also one who uses odd numbers of embellishments (enamel dots, etc). Also, what I add to one embellishment cluster, I tend to add to the others in terms of colour or texture/weight.
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Post by mrssch on Jun 9, 2023 17:43:03 GMT
not any rules that i’m aware of. i just do what i like. i’ve never noticed where people are looking or odd numbers. i just make what my heart wants to say. my work may not be design team ready, but my memories are recorded and my feelings expressed. i just can’t be bothered to change my ways at this age. i like my stuff or work it until i do.
can i sit on the bench?
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Jun 9, 2023 17:50:50 GMT
Do whatever style I like....don't worry about what anyone else is doing. Use whatever products I like....don't worry about what anyone else is using. It will get done, when it gets done. Ignore all the rude comments. Some comments that have been said to me over the years: "You must have too much time on your hands". "Must be nice, to have that kind of money to waste". "All that stuff takes away from the actual photos". "You're buying more paper....don't you think you have enough paper already?" << this one is a dating red flag....don't tell me how *YOU* think I shouldn't waste more of *MY* money on stuff like that. << Dating that guy didn't last long....that wasn't the only red flag .
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Post by sarahsprettypapers on Jun 9, 2023 18:13:54 GMT
When it comes to my scrapbooking, my motto is I do what I want, when I want. I don't really have rules for myself.
My family has a rule though. If mommy finally found time to scrapbook, please leave her alone for a bit. 😆 My toddler does not understand this one yet. 😉
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Post by grammadee on Jun 9, 2023 22:12:04 GMT
I know all the magazines and design team content makes me think that everybody but me are the most creative scrapbookers out there, but I’m just trying to get stuff done while enjoying cutting and pasting. I have always said there are no rules in scrapbooking.
I don't really think about rules when I scrapbook. I usually start moving the photos around on the background until I have an arrangement I like the look of, then add everything else. I do try to arrange photos so no one is looking off the LO. Each LO (not necessarily each page) has a title, and usually at least some journaling. And most of the time the major elements are anchored to each other or in some other way: very few "floating" elements.
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Post by riversong1963 on Jun 9, 2023 22:13:36 GMT
1. Do what makes me happy. 2. Enjoy my hobbies on my terms and in my style. 3. Don't compare myself to others.
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Post by myboysnme on Jun 9, 2023 22:50:18 GMT
My rules are I must have patterned paper. I did a new years page with foil paper and it still bugs me there is no patterned paper.
I also have a rule that I use as much of a theme from my supplies as I can fit
My last rule is to use photorealistic elements wherever I can to tell the story.
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Post by AussieMeg on Jun 9, 2023 23:41:59 GMT
I try to avoid the use of the word "rules" in scrapbooking, but I definitely have a "preference" in how I like to do some things. Okay, okay, they're rules! But loose rules, and I will ignore them when necessary. Mine are similar to what's already been mentioned. ~ Flowers and dots usually in clusters of three. ~ Three clusters in a rough triangle pattern - I blame Shimelle for this one! I sometimes only do two clusters, and have to stop myself from plonking a third one on the page. ~ People looking to the centre of the page. And if the placement of the photos means that someone is looking off the edge of the page, I sometimes flip the photo horizontally. ~ I try to avoid floating elements, and try to anchor them to something else on the page ~ I put a white border on most of my photos ~ I don't like to have the photos touching - they all have to have at least a couple of mm of space between them. One "rule" that I have learnt to ignore is that every page must have a title. Sometimes I spend so much time trying to think up an interesting title, it sucks the joy out of it for me. So now if I have spent more than ten minutes agonising over a title, I just don't do one. As long as it has a date, and usually a name & location, I'm happy.
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Post by scrappyrabbit on Jun 10, 2023 2:43:20 GMT
I don’t follow the rules, either. I often don’t have a title, I don’t always do groups of 3 or 3 clusters, I don’t care if my embellishments are “looking” off the page. I understand the principles behind these design rules, but in reality, I don’t have time/enough supplies to make each page a masterpiece.
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Post by don on Jun 10, 2023 3:48:10 GMT
When I started this happy journey in 2000, I had a lot of help getting started at an LSS. I was told "The first rule of Scrapbooking is 'There are no rules, the second rule is 'read rule one' ". I think it's fine to have a style, I wish I had some style, it might help.
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Post by 950nancy on Jun 10, 2023 3:48:50 GMT
None. I have none. It is my hobby. I probably tend to do certain things and use clusters of three, but nothing is a rule. And I do ignore all of the rude comments. However I saw this the other day and it made me crack up.
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Post by lindamh on Jun 10, 2023 13:39:25 GMT
I kinda' feel the need to say that just because I enjoy and apply design principles to my pages doesn't mean I'm attempting to create a masterpiece, or that scrapping is a struggle or burden instead of a joy. I scrap strictly for me. I have no family that will see these albums when I'm gone. They are for me, for now, and for the joy that creating brings me. (Okay, and sometimes I think that these will be good to prod my memory as senility sets in! ) I've always seen things in a certain way and I started to understand why when I learned about design principles. I drive my husband crazy when I decorate our fireplace mantel and hearth. I've always balanced things with odd numbers, and groups of three instead of two. I'll put one big thing on one side with a few small things on the other side. I'll balance across and diagonally. He's learned to just leave me alone and let me do my thing. For me, it's part of who I am and how I see the world.
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artbabe
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,377
Jun 26, 2014 1:59:10 GMT
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Post by artbabe on Jun 10, 2023 14:54:07 GMT
I kinda' feel the need to say that just because I enjoy and apply design principles to my pages doesn't mean I'm attempting to create a masterpiece, or that scrapping is a struggle or burden instead of a joy. I scrap strictly for me. I have no family that will see these albums when I'm gone. They are for me, for now, and for the joy that creating brings me. (Okay, and sometimes I think that these will be good to prod my memory as senility sets in! ) I've always seen things in a certain way and I started to understand why when I learned about design principles. I drive my husband crazy when I decorate our fireplace mantel and hearth. I've always balanced things with odd numbers, and groups of three instead of two. I'll put one big thing on one side with a few small things on the other side. I'll balance across and diagonally. He's learned to just leave me alone and let me do my thing. For me, it's part of who I am and how I see the world. I don't think design principles take the joy out of scrapping. Occasionally I will struggle when I'm putting a page together, but when I get done I am much happier with the layout if I do use the rules. My mother was a really good decorator. She didn't know about design rules but she knew what looked good. And when she got done it looked like she followed design rules because she instinctively followed them. I have never contemplated tearing apart a page to redo it. I do that occasionally. Recently I had a 20 year old page that I took apart and redid. I have bunches of layouts that I've added something to. Someone above mentioned their rule was that layouts must have patterned paper. I had some old, just cardstock layouts that I went in and added patterned paper to. Honestly, if I'm flipping through my scrapbook albums and I think "I never liked that page" then it gets redone. Having a less-than-satisfying layout takes away from my experience of looking through my albums.
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Post by cmpeter on Jun 10, 2023 16:11:42 GMT
I don’t think of them as rules, but more preferences. I do like the rule of thirds, odd numbers and no trapped white space.
I guess my one hard and fast rule is to always include a date. Hand written or date stamped.
On layouts I also always write the date, place and names of the people on the back. Even if I journal on the front. I’ve gone thru too many albums and photos from my grandparents where no one has a clue about who or when the picture was taken.
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Post by lindamh on Jun 10, 2023 16:23:03 GMT
My mother was a really good decorator. She didn't know about design rules but she knew what looked good. And when she got done it looked like she followed design rules because she instinctively followed them.
I loved reading that! Thank you for sharing.
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 7,257
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Jun 10, 2023 17:45:11 GMT
I don’t think of them as rules, but more preferences. I do like the rule of thirds, odd numbers and no trapped white space. I guess my one hard and fast rule is to always include a date. Hand written or date stamped. On layouts I also always write the date, place and names of the people on the back. Even if I journal on the front. I’ve gone thru too many albums and photos from my grandparents where no one has a clue about who or when the picture was taken. These are my preferences too. Also: The picture doesn't have to be perfect. If half a couch is the only photo I have of the couch that we had when I was young, than that is ok because it brings good memories. Not every LO has to have journaling. Sometimes the Name/Date is enough.
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angel97701
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,523
Jun 26, 2014 2:04:25 GMT
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Post by angel97701 on Jun 11, 2023 2:40:51 GMT
I wouldn't call them rules but guidelines! Good design has some basic precepts: color theory, rule of thirds, odd number of embellishments, visual triangle, etc. Title (size doesn't matter) and date are also good ideas. Journaling is optional, but usually on most pages.
But I am also with don, first rule of scrapbooking is there are no rules. It is about what you want to create in the moment!
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miascraps
Full Member
Posts: 373
Jun 26, 2014 15:37:58 GMT
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Post by miascraps on Jun 11, 2023 5:51:13 GMT
For myself, while agreeing there are no rules, I have to include the who, what, where, when….the story. Most of the time. Sometimes the story ends up on the back lol. Trying to stay organized and making sure I spend time with my spouse and not always in my scrap space are important too. I’d probably live in my space if I could!
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,940
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Jun 11, 2023 6:10:20 GMT
IMHO there are no rules in papercrafting. However, I gravitate toward certain preferences/practices/principles, including:
- Cardstock base for every layout (even if completely covered) - Heart on every layout in our son's album - Story-focused approach, so journaling (usually extensive) on every layout - Gallon/pint/ounce recipe for mixing patterns - Rule of three - Visual weight/balance - No trapped white space - Grounded elements - Photo placed on layout (& layout in album) so subject faces into the center of the page - Single page layouts facing each other in an album do not match/coordinate (signaling to the viewer that each page documents a different event/moment/etc.)
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,082
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Jun 11, 2023 14:10:12 GMT
I don’t think I have rules - I guess the one I do have is journaling, I like to include quite a bit of info on my pages because I know that’s the thing I go back to (and so do my dds) when we are looking at old pages.
The only other thing I guess would be to carry the design/elements across the page but I don’t even care about rule of three - I place things around the pages (pockets) as I feel they look “right” whatever number that happens to be. I have done four spots of something plenty and smile a little thinking how people are obsessed with “3” but I just do what I think works for that page/s.
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Post by travelscrapper2 on Jun 11, 2023 17:08:59 GMT
Since I have so many supplies to embellish my pages with I have one scrappy rule - use some sort of embellishment on every page. It doesn't have to be a lot, but I always make myself use something.
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Post by joblackford on Jun 11, 2023 17:57:45 GMT
Besides the basic "rules" of design that most of us agree help to give a page a pleasing look (even if we don't follow them consciously I think we mostly have a sense of balance and symmetry, etc that we're guided by) I think the most important rule that I try to follow is to write in the journaling the things I would tell someone if they looked at the page and wanted to know what the story was.
I've heard people talk about pages they made with minimal or no journaling, launching into a hilarious or moving story that said so much about their family relationships or gave the photo so much meaning - for me, that's what I want journaled on the page. It's what I would want to inherit from relatives and what I would want to pass down. Ideally a lot of the meaning is told in the photographs and the design and not every photo has a big story, but if there's one I would tell when I show you the photo I want to make sure it's on the page.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Jun 11, 2023 18:24:12 GMT
I noticed when I scrap there are rules that I almost always follow. I used to be a yearbook advisor when I was younger and some of the things I learned doing that I apply to my layouts. Example: -Enamel dots, flowers, etc. must always be in groups of 3 or 5. Never an even number. -All people and animals must look towards the middle of the page. I made one page where I accidently had the person looking off the page and it drives me crazy. I'm half tempted to pull everything up and redo it. -If I do a two page layout it must have a title on both sides so that the pages will work by themselves. I know they are never going to be separated but for some reason my head just wants them to be stand alone. I have a lot more rules, actually. No wonder I struggle with some pages. Do you have any scrapbook/design rules you use when you scrap? I always thought there were no “rules”. But seriously, I no longer scrapbook, but I do other paper crafts and agree especially with the “uneven number of items” grouping and how people, animals, and others things need to be “leading into the center of the page.” Otherwise, they look like they are leaving and heading off the page. I think it looks weird. This all could be because I am also an avid photographer and photography has a lot of “rules” of composition I just subconsciously practice. Rule of thirds, rule of odds, framing, ratio, contrast, symmetry, golden ratio, etc. etc. etc. Works for me.
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