Scrapbook Tips – Layering

I love being inspired by and learning from my design team members! They are truly scrapbook experts and they share really great tips here all the time! Today we have a wonderful post for you with scrapbook tips for layering and using white space! Details below…

Hey everyone, it’s Kathleen here today on the Maggie Holmes Blog. I have a new scrapbook page idea for you using the Heritage collection.  If you’ve been following me for a while and have seen some of my layouts, you’ll know I’m a big fan of white space and layering! So I thought I would share some of my best scrapbook tips and tricks with you!

Scrapbook Tips and Tricks – Layering:

Let’s talk about one of my favorite scrapbook techniques – layering! You can layer lots of things on your scrapbook layouts: papers, embellishments, tags, etc. Here are some great scrapbook tips for creating layers on your page:

• Layered Photo Mats: You can give your photo more attention by adding various pieces of patterned paper behind it. Try mixing soft or neutral colors with darker ones and small patterns with large ones. This creates contrast so each paper can be seen.
• Add a White Border: To help your photo stand out, give it a white border. You can print it with a white border or add a piece of white tissue paper or cardstock directly behind it. Again this creates contrast and helps your photo to visually separate it from the other pattern paper layers.
• Hidden Journaling: Make use of those layers and slide in a tag between the paper layers. You can use the tag for hidden journaling. Just be sure not to add adhesive to the middle section of the layer you will use, or the tag won’t slide in.
• Add Layered Die Cuts:: Let die cuts or fussy cut pieces peek out from in between and behind the paper layers for even more dimension.
• Repeat the Layered Look: Create a layered embellishment cluster in a different area on your layout that repeats elements from your main cluster (i.e. the photo cluster). See the image below where I made a smaller layered section at the bottom of my scrapbook page.

How to Make Your Own Scrapbook Embellishments:

• Here’s a great scrapbook tip for you: You can create your own layered embellishments for scrapbooking! Maggie Holmes Stamp and Die Set from Heritage is perfect for making layered dimensional embellishments! I made this cute “one of a kind” prize ribbon using the stamps and dies from Maggie’s set! So fun! 
• How to make this cute DIY prize ribbon: I simply die cut the pieces from some patterned papers that fit the colors of the layout and then stamped the wreath and sentiment on top. I also heat embossed the wreath with gold embossing powder. Using foam adhesive I attached the different layers for even more depth and dimension. The stamps and dies are in this set.

Scrapbook Tips and Tricks – Using White Space:

Another one of my favorite scrapbook techniques is using white space on my layouts. This technique might seem simple, but it can be very effective! It also might seem like it is only an artistic choice, but it serves a design purpose as well.

• Balance: The white space helps is a great way to balance things when you have a lot of colors or patterns. It also helps make the layout more harmonious and not too visually overwhelming. Think of it as giving the eye a place to rest when viewing the page. The next time when you feel your layout is too busy, try using white space and see if it feels better!
• Focal Point: When used correctly, the white space brings your eye right to the focal point. Think of it as a photo mat in a picture frame. The extra white space draws your eye right to the art or image. Likewise, white space can do the same thing for your scrapbook content on your pages!
• Be Creative: By the way, “white” space doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be white! You could also say it’s “empty space”, i.e. space where you don’t add any embellishments or photos. It can be any color or even a soft pattern that feels more neutral compared to the embellished area.

I hope these scrapbook tips and tricks for layering and white space help you. Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks a lot for stopping by! Xo, Kathleen

Supplies Used to Make this Scrapbook Page with Layering and White Space:

• Maggie Holmes Heritage Collection/ Also Available Here
• Heritage Pattern Paper – Recollection – Cut Out Paper with tags, titles and journaling cards, Perennial – Pink and Peach Floral Paper, Generations – Vintage Photos Paper and Yellow Polka Dot Paper, Margaret – Pink and Peach Floral Pattern Paper, Keepsake – Floral Pattern and Butterfly, Vintage Book Paper and Botanical Ephemera Paper, Handwritten – Blue Floral and Handwritten Family Phrases Pattern Paper
• Maggie Holmes Crate Paper Heritage Stickers & Clear Stickers
• Heritage Ephemera Pieces
• Maggie Holmes Crate Paper Gold Glitter Butterflies
• Maggie Holmes Crate Paper Sticker Book Vol. 2
• Heritage Maggie Holmes 12×12 Paper Pad
• Maggie Holmes Stamp & Die Set
• Maggie Holmes Heritage Puffy Phrase Stickers Thickers – Gold and Black Family Theme Stickers, Titles, Frames and Phrases for Memory Keeping 

Browse More Posts on the Maggie Holmes Blog with Great Scrapbook Tips:

• Scrapbook Page Idea with a Large Photo
• Fussy Cutting Tips for Scrapbooking
• Easy Watercolor Tips on a Scrapbook Page