Scrapbook a Clean and Simple Style

Give yourself permission to switch up your scrapbooking style this year with the ideas we're presenting in a year-long series of articles featured in Creating Keepsakes magazine. Try scrapbooking with a clean and simple look. To get started, check out Stacy Cohen's shabby chic scrapbooking style, followed by her take on a clean and simple layout. She's included some of the challenges she faced, and offers some solutions on how to successfully scrapbook a layout using a clean and simple approach.

Stacy's Natural Style

"I Thank My Lucky Stars for You" by Stacy Cohen, as seen in Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks: Tools & Techniques special issue.

The Challenge: Design a page using a clean and simple style.

I Will Lift You Up by Stacy Cohen. Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Patterned paper: Scenic Route; Stickers: BasicGrey; Rhinestones: Darice; Acrylic paint: Making Memories; Font: Times New Roman; Adhesive: EK Success.

Q. What were you afraid to try about this style and why?

A. My pages don't feel complete until I've added flowers, trim, stitching, paper cutting, and/or dimension. However, because I was going "clean and simple" for this style swap challenge, I didn't want too much stuff cluttering my page. I was a little afraid to scrap a page without any of my scrapping favorites, but I was up to the challenge!

Q. What advice would you give someone looking to try a new style?

A. Don't be afraid to step outside of your box and try something different. Browse Creating Keepsakes or your favorite online gallery for inspiration.

Try a Clean and Simple Style

When creating a clean and simple layout, try these ideas:

* Use a grid or template

* Limit embellishments

* Use patterns sparingly

To see more ideas for swapping up your scrapbook style, pick up the January 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine, on sale now.

Related Link:

A New Style For A New Year: Shabby Chic

Appeared in:

January 2011