The fun in scrapbooking is that the creative element is endless. You can give one simple layout to five different people and the end result will yield five dramatically different pages. Why is that? Because in scrapbooking we put our self into our projects--our own opinions, emotions, memories, and perspectives. That's what makes browsing through a scrapbook gallery so much fun is that most of the layouts are things you'd might never think of! Simply, because it's not you. It's not a cookie cutter hobby.

Designing your own layout may be a challenge, but it's a fun challenge with rewarding results. It's like an ever-changing puzzle. How many photos can you have on one page? How many different ways can you arrange them? Where should you put your title? Journaling? Embellishments? Should you include patterned paper or not? Where or what kind? One of the interesting things about designing your own layouts is you'd think that every layout has been done, but not yet. So grab your paper and pencil, let's get started!

Here's a few helpful hints in designing your own layout:

• Don't aim for perfection. Your sketch is not the end all to be all. Just because you've drawn a little something doesn't mean that's exactly the way your page has to look.
• Graph paper is a helpful tool when you're trying to make squares (or rectangles) to resemble your album. When not using graph paper I usually draw a 2in x 2in square to work with.
• Erase and erase again. Be ready to like one thing you've drawn, but not the other. It's okay to move things around or even start over. It's the only way you'll know if you like something.

• Relax. Don't worry that they all might look the same or aren't exactly as you see it in yoru head. There's no scrapbooking police. It'll come with practice.

• Adapt, change, and go with the flow. When you're done designing your layout and you begin to implement your design don't worry if all your elements don't fit as you designed. Do what you can and then adapt. I'm sure you'll come up with something as equally wonderful.
• Enjoy the process of creating. Make sure you have fun with it. If you're not enjoying yourself then maybe it's time to put the project away for a little while until you're ready to go back to it.

Most importantly have fun and let it reflect you!

Have Such a Time Scrapbooking!

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