Simple Scrapbook Page Layouts

When looking at the scrapbook page layout designs featured in your favorite magazines, it's easy to feel like you need to spend a ton of money to make an attractive layout. However, there are many frugal scrapbooking techniques you can use to easily create your own page embellishments in no time at all.

Paper flowers make easy accents for a scrapbook page with photos arranged in a grid. Simply attach the flowers with small brads to create a design similar to the one pictured here.

Rounded corners are a quick and easy alternative to photo mats. Overlapping photos and journaling covers up empty space in your photo and gives you more room to add embellishments to your layout.

When you're making pages for your child's scrapbook, search through his sticker books for simple embellishments featuring popular toys or cartoon characters. Set your photos at a slight angle to give the page a whimsical feel.

Arrange strips of patterned paper across the bottom of your page for a frugal, yet graphic, background.

Rub-ons are available in many different themes and make it easy to create titles with a lot of impact. When it comes to making simple scrapbook page layouts, you can't go wrong with rub-on letters and phrases.

Page pockets made from patterned paper provide a handy place for storing birthday cards and other memorabilia. Pockets can be created simply by gluing three sides of your patterned paper to a cardstock background. If you have a sewing machine handy, stitch around the edges of the pocket with a decorative zig-zag stitch to give your page a homespun look.

Paper piecing is a great way to make frugal scrapbook embellishments. Use free children's coloring book pages you find online or sketch out your own pattern. To add interest to simple designs like this pumpkin, choose interesting patterned papers for the individual pieces and ink or sand the edges before gluing the design together.

Cut scraps of patterned paper into assorted squares, then top with ribbon bows to make fun present embellishments for a birthday layout. This technique also works well with Christmas scrapbook pages or holiday greeting cards.

Pinwheels made from your favorite papers make a wonderful embellishment for spring and summer themed layouts. Secure the center with a decorative brad to add a touch of sparkle.

Use a die cutting machine, punch, or template to trim two coordinating papers into tag shapes. Line the tags up to make a page border, overlapping them slightly for a whimsical look. Add brads, eyelets, or fibers to the center holes.

Circle shapes outlined with a border of eyelets add a sense of movement to your scrapbook page layout designs. This is a great choice for pages about biking, running, or playing outside.

Do you find yourself drawn to busy patterned papers that are just too pretty to cut up? Arrange them into a grid like formation on your page, then add a few of your favorite photos.

An origami envelope folded from a sheet of patterned paper makes for a decorative yet functional page embellishment. Use it to store cards, a child's drawings, maps, travel souvenirs, and other memorabilia you wish to save.

Choose the best layout size for your needs. A 12x12 layout, for example, is the perfect size for displaying four uncropped 4x6 photos, while an 8 x 8 layout may be better for smaller images. Add border stickers to the top and bottom of the page for a bit of extra embellishment.