Scrapbooking Tip #6: Keep It Real!

Honestly, if I were just starting out with scrapbooking, I would feel so intimidated by the layouts I see in magazines, and even some online galleries, that I might hesitate to even try.  Well, let me tell you that most of the layouts you see in scrapbooking magazines today are done by professional graphic designers who have been designing for years.  Just look at their studios!  Really, how many of us have entire levels of our homes dedicated to crafting?  I'm happy (and lucky) to have my little corner in the dining room!  Until I set it up, I did just fine on my dining room table, on my bed - wherever! 

Don't be intimidated into thinking that you can't measure up to professional standards.  There's nothing wrong with aspiring to improve your techniques and skills, but it isn't healthy to keep bringing yourself down because your layouts don't look like the "scrapbooking celebs'."  I've heard people doing this at crops I've been to and at expos I've attended.  It's very sad when people don't appreciate themselves.

Instead of looking at those magazines and saying, "I can't do that," try using magazine layouts as inspiration.  Find something you like about a particular layout, and use that as a jumping-off point.  It might be the color combination, the layout of the photos, a particular embellishment or technique, or even the title.  Keep your expectations realistic.  Relax, breathe, and enjoy your hobby!  Until next week....