Scrapbooking is more than just a creative hobby, it’s a meaningful way to preserve your photos and tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re celebrating life’s milestones, capturing everyday moments, or organizing a collection of treasured photos, scrapbooking helps bring those pictures to life. But getting started can feel overwhelming. What supplies do you need? Where do you even begin with all those photos? I will guide you through the essentials, from choosing your first project to creating layouts that reflect your unique style, so you can start documenting your story with confidence and creativity.
How to Choose Your First Scrapbook Project

Choosing your first scrapbook project can feel intimidating, especially when faced with what seems like endless possibilities. My mind has already started creating a list while typing out these words. First step is to grab a notebook, either paper or start a digital document to do a quick brain dump of ideas: memories, events, or moments you’d love to document. This could be a recent trip, a special celebration, or even everyday moments like a favorite hobby or a beloved pet. Once you have a list, choose one that stands out to you.
Next, choose a scrapbook format that suits your comfort level. A 12”x12” layout offers space for creativity and extra photos, while 6”x8” pocket pages provide a simpler, structured approach. To make the process easier, begin with just a few photos and consider using a sketch or a Stampin’ Up! scrapbook workshop kit. Most importantly, focus on documenting a memory that excites you and enjoy the creative process.
Essential Tools and Supplies for Scrapbookers
For scrapbooking, you don’t need a huge collection of tools, a few essentials will get you going! The most important tools include adhesive (such as Stampin’ Seal or multipurpose liquid glue) for securing photos and embellishments, a paper trimmer for precise cuts, a good pair of scissors for both detail and general cutting, and cardstock and designer series paper are used for building your scrapbook layout. Stamps and inks are great for adding creativity to your pages, even if you’re just beginning. These basics will cover most of your needs as you create your first layouts. Starting with high-quality products, such as from Stampin’ Up!, will help your layouts look cohesive and last.
To store your scrapbook layouts, you will need albums and page protectors to match the format of the pages you create. Pocket page protectors are essential for 6”x8” layouts, allowing you to easily slide in photos, journaling cards, and decorative pieces. For 12”x12” scrapbook layouts you will need memory protectors. These are plastic sleeves that will protect your design and photos.
As you progress in your scrapbooking journey, you may want to explore other tools to enhance your designs. Punches and dies are fantastic for creating shapes and borders, while embellishments like stickers, ribbons, and sticky backed gems can add a personal touch to each page. Begin with a few tools, and as your confidence grows, you can gradually add more to your collection based on your style and needs.
Organizing and Printing Photos for Scrapbooking
Scrapbook layouts can be created with or without photos, but you’ll likely want to include them to help tell your story. Photos add depth and detail, bringing memories to life on your pages. Personally, I like to start by gathering my photos first, then choose colours, patterned paper, and embellishments to match. But there’s no single right way, you might prefer to do the same by starting with photos to craft your layout or even create several layouts in advance and find photos that work with that layout’s theme later. No matter your approach, having an organized system for your digital and printed photos will make it easier to find what you need when inspiration strikes.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how many digital and/or printed photos you have. Consider this task of gathering your photos together as a trip down memory lane. Begin by gathering photos in one place and choose a simple organizing method such as sorting by year, event, or theme. You can organize printed and digital photos the same or different.

Think about how you like to scrapbook. Are you a chronological scrapbooker or like to scrapbook by theme? The goal is to make it easy to find the right photos when you’re ready to scrapbook. And this step can take as long as it takes. I still have photos that are in the old sticky photo albums and piles of photos that I would love to scan to have digital copies as a backup.
When selecting photos to use on your scrapbook layouts, focus on the story you want to tell. This might mean you need 1-3 photos, 10, or even more! The number might depend on the theme of the scrapbook, the size of the album, or even your layout design.
Understanding Different Scrapbook Formats (12”x12” & 6”x8” Pocket Pages)
Scrapbooking layouts can be created in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Picking which format depends on your style, project, and what feels most comfortable for you. Currently, I create layouts using either 12”x12” or 6”8” sizing. The 12”x12” layout gives you a large space to work with, making it perfect for storytelling, multiple photos, layering, and embellishments. It can give you the most flexibility in design, but it can take up more storage space, and filling a full page might feel overwhelming at times. On the other hand, the 6”x8” pocket page more structured approach with pre-made compartments, that make it easy to mix photos, journaling cards, and decorative elements. It’s a great option for documenting memories quickly while still adding personal touches. If you’re unsure which format works best for you, try experimenting with both. Or, if you’ve scrapbooked before, consider switching things up with a different size or style!
Layout Basics
A well-designed scrapbook layout brings your photos, journaling, and embellishments together to tell a story. Your scrapbook pages may vary from simpler designers to having more layers or showcase techniques. Some layouts might include a single photo with a large journal section that shares the story that matches the photo. Or the page might be chalk full of photos with very little journaling! Each scrapbook layout typically includes photos, a title, journaling to capture the story of the photo or event, and embellishments like stickers, stamped images, or die-cuts to enhance the design. You can also include ephemera like concert tickets, menus, postcards, etc.
Start creating your layout by choosing a focal point, whether it’s a single photo or a grouping of images. Arrange your elements in a way that guides the eye smoothly across the page, using white space to prevent an overcrowded look. Some popular layout styles include grid layouts for an organized feel, layered designs for added depth, or pocket pages that have pre-made compartments to guide your design. If you’re unsure where to start, try using a scrapbook sketch or workshop kit as a guide to build your page step by step. With practice, you’ll develop a layout style that feels natural and reflects your creativity.
Getting Creative
Scrapbooking is more than just preserving memories, it’s an opportunity for you to express your creativity in a way that’s uniquely yours. There’s no right or wrong way to design a page, and the best way to grow creatively is through experimentation. Try layering patterned paper, using stamps and inks to create custom backgrounds, or mixing different journaling styles to add a personal touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore mixed media techniques like adding paint, stencils, or texture paste to make your pages stand out.
Playing with colour and pattern is another great way be creative. You can draw inspiration from your photos, experiment with bold colour combinations, or mix patterned papers for added visual interest. Think outside the box by incorporating fabric, ribbon, or even stitching for extra texture. You can also add interactive elements like flip-up journaling cards or hidden pockets to make your pages more dynamic. The key is to have fun, try new things, and enjoy your finished layout.
Inspiration and Motivation
Scrapbooking is a creative journey, and while inspiration may come easily on some days, other times you might feel stuck. If you aren’t sure what to do next you can review your camera roll to delete duplicate or blurry photos, start creating one idea off the list you created when deciding what your next scrapbook project would be, or make your own embellishments using stamps, ink, cardstock and either punches or dies to use on future layouts. Searching for scrapbook layouts on Pinterest, Instagram, or YouTube can also provide fresh ideas. If you need a creative boost, try using a scrapbook sketch or joining an online challenge to get started.
Staying motivated is just as important as finding inspiration. Using your list of layout ideas set small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and schedule regular creative time, even if it’s for 10–15 minutes. If you feel stuck, experimenting with a new technique or product can help reignite your creativity. Most importantly, remember why you started. Scrapbooking is about preserving memories, not perfection. Choose a photo, pick a colour combination, a layout sketch or idea, and let your creativity flow.
Resources and Next Steps
Now that you have created a scrapbook layout or planned where to start you may be looking for more information and inspiration than what’s listed above. Next steps could include adding a new product or two to your collection, experiment with colour, or print those pictures! Most importantly enjoy saving your photos and stories for yourself, your family, and for the future.
Resources on where you can find tutorials, how to use products, inspiration, and project ideas:
- Join my email list to receive inspiration and scrapbooking information directly.
- This website. I share how I scrapbook my valued stories and photos here on my website along with how-to use products, tutorials for sale and more. If you have a question, please contact me.
- YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! For process videos, learn new techniques, and product reviews.
- Companies such as Stampin’ Up! share project ideas and inspiration on their website and social media.
- Find layout inspiration, themes, and challenges in catalogues and/or magazines. These can be found in either print or digital versions.