15 scrapbook layout ideas for beginners
Cutting and sticking just got an adult upgrade
Who remembers the joy of getting into a good cutting and sticking session when the weather doomed your class for wet play? Or snipping up your parents’ old magazines to make your vision board before Pinterest was a thing? We certainly do. And there’s no reason to give up that fun just because you’ve got a big girl job and rent to pay. In fact, leaning into the nostalgia of girlhood and picking up old hobbies that squash your screen time might just be the ticket to living a happier adulthood.
What is scrapbooking?
If a picture speaks a thousand words, then a scrapbook can tell the story of your life. But if you’re unfamiliar with the term, ‘scrapbooking’ involves preserving your fave mems by creatively organising photos, memorabilia and other significant items in a book or card. And with many of us hoarding a host of forgotten memories in our camera rolls, there’s no better way to free up some storage space than printing those snaps and getting creative with some scissors and glue. Crafting and chill, anyone?
How to make a scrapbook
If you’re ready to get cracking but are unsure where to start, follow the steps below to get the ball rolling.
- Gather your supplies (you can find a list of the essentials in the next section)
- Pick your topic or theme (we’ve got plenty of inspo to help you with that coming right up)
- Plan your layout (try sketching it out with a pencil first)
- Print off your pictures and cut them as desired
- Arrange your scrapbook page first
- Once you’re happy with the look, it’s time to start sticking things in place
- Add extras–bows, gems, pressed flowers and paper souvenirs like concert tickets or wristbands are perfect for a touch of personality
Scrapbooking supplies
Depending on the look you’re going for, different layouts will require different crafting materials. However, there are a few essentials every scrapbooking beginner should have on hand.
- A scrapbook or notebook
- A printer
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pens
Still need some inspo? These are our favourite scrapbook layout ideas to get you started.
Vision board
Maybe your vision board is currently made up of pixels or perhaps you’re just yet to make one. Either way, creating a physical version is a great way to really get clear on those manifestations.
Supplies: printed pictures, magazine clippings
Concert
If you happened to attend the Eras tour and have a blank space (see what we did there?) in your scrapbook, fill it with memories of the most iconic night of your year.
Supplies: printed pictures, concert tickets, concert wristbands, friendship bracelet beads
Birthday memories
That special day only comes around once a year is always worth commemorating. Whether you just popped out for a celebratory dinner or hosted a full-on birthday bash, this creative spread is such a cute way to make those memories last forever.
Supplies: coloured paper, sparkly paper, envelope, ribbon, souvenirs from birthday celebrations
Moments of the month
Browse your camera roll for your favourite mems and give your monthly dump an old-school upgrade with this diary-style spread. Didn’t take many photos? Search Pinterest for some aesthetic pics that reflect your monthly shenanigans.
Supplies: printed photos, writing pen, coloured pen
Anniversary
Got a sentimental SO? This super-cute scrapbook idea is sure to make them melt.
Supplies: polaroid pictures, writing pen, coloured pens, envelopes, relationship mementoes.
Current obsessions
A significant part of girlhood is embracing your everchanging monthly obsessions. Put your empty Blank Street cup and Rhode lip tint tube to use by sticking them in your scrapbook. We’ll leave you to figure out the logistics…
Polaroid page
Dedicate your scrapbook to pretty polaroids. Don’t have access to any? Use image frames in a photo editing app like Canva to create the same effect, print them off, cut them out, et voila–you’ve got a set of fake polaroids.
Supplies: polaroid pictures
Girls' trip
Give your girl’s trip a spot in your scrapbook with this lovely layout.
Supplies: printed pictures, map of the city you visited, trip mementoes (receipts, tickets, wristbands)
Visual diary entry
Test your communication skills with this completely visual diary entry and indulge your inner child by adding some stickers for good measure.
Supplies: printed pictures, stickers
Playlist
This layout is perfect for a scrapbook that you intend to give as a gift. The little vinyl records are really giving ‘old soul’.
Supplies: pictures of your favourite albums, writing pen, black paper, white gel pen
A letter to little you
Healing your inner child doesn’t get more creative than this.
Supplies: printed childhood pictures, writing pen, envelope, coloured pencils
Favourite texts
This heartfelt spread is a super-unique way to memorialise your favourite messages… or, create a shrine of texts from your ex to remind you never to go back there again. Both options are equally insightful.
Jazzed-up journal spread
Turn your next journaling session into a crafting extravaganza with this gorgeous spread. Plus, it’s perfect if you don’t have a printer and want to use up the odds and ends in your art box (we all have an art box, right..?
Supplies: washi tape, envelope, coloured paper, patterned paper
Fig tree
Tortured literary souls, stand up. Or, should we say ‘sit down’ so you can lose yourself in maudlin thoughts while you work on this fig tree-themed scrapbook page.
Supplies: picture of a fig tree (bonus points if you can find one in a mag), writing pen, coloured pens, scrap paper
Cocktail club
Handwritten recipes are ever so chic and this cocktail spread is such a sweet way to keep all of your favourite sips in one place.
Supplies: pictures of cocktails, writing pen, coloured pens, coloured paper
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
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