Album Page Elements and Layout Ideas
When I start a new album project, the first thing I do (and recommend you do too) is sketch out the layout for each page. Naturally, there will be some changes and deviations as you create, which is normal in any creative process, but having a sketch to guide you can be incredibly helpful. This way, you won't face any work stoppages, and you'll significantly reduce the time needed for creation because you'll know which parts to prepare and then simply arrange them according to the sketch. Plus, you won't experience those stressful moments of not knowing what to do next, which is especially important if you have a time limit.
To give you some ideas on what elements you could include and how to arrange them, here's one of the first albums I made. It was a custom order for a little boy, featuring blue and white colors with fun summer elements. You can use these layouts and ideas for any other album theme. Here you can watch a video of flipping through the album, showing all the pages.
album cover idea
If you're creating an album with a specific theme, the cover should reflect that theme. For example, my album was supposed to reflect fun summer activities, so I decided to go with sailing and flying and that is why the main cover elements are sea, clouds, a little sailboat, and a rudder. I made the sea using a die-cut wave shape, and the sailboat was created by combining different elements cut with scissors or using a circle paper punch. Since I did not have a rudder die cut or a rudder clear stamp, I've made it myself using circle die cuts and a rolling pin die cut (which I cut in half) to make rudder holders. In the center of the rudder, I wrote a message "May your life be as exciting as the sea and the sky the limit".
first page idea
When creating an album, it's important to make it clear who it's dedicated to, typically on the cover or the first page when the album is opened. I chose to include the boy's name and birth date on the first page, along with a space for parents to add his picture. I think it looks nicer when a photo is mounted on a cardstock base with an interesting shape rather than just gluing the picture directly to the page.
Page elements and layout Ideas
The main elements of this album were created using die cuts, embossing folders, clear stamps, and coloring markers. I used these tools to make album pockets, photo bases, text cards, and decorative elements. The square elements attached to the card base are for pictures, while the rectangular elements are for text and messages. The individual rectangular pieces in the pockets can be used for both pictures and text.
To decorate the blank spaces on the pages and make them more engaging, I used cloud-shaped die cuts and clear stamps. Another method to add interest and interactivity to the album was by including spaces for inserting cards and adding pockets for holding cards. Additionally, I enhanced the album's appeal by adding texture with embossing folders and patterned paper.
The center of the album is designed to highlight the birthday theme. I used birthday-themed clear stamps, cards with festive elements, and a bow to tie a zig-zag card meant for pictures and text, creating a playful touch that resembles a present. This adds to the celebratory feel of the album.
This album measured about 6x6 inches (15x15 cm), and I arranged card elements for pictures and text in various ways:
one big card, square or rectangle
two smaller square cards
one smaller square card for photo and a rectangle card for text
pockets and holders with maximum 3 cards
zig-zag cards (for up to 6 photos or text)
Additional tips
Arrange the elements so that with each page turn, at least one picture and one text are always visible
Leave approximately 1/4" (5 mm) of space between the pages to accommodate pictures and double-sided adhesive foam tape, which require extra width
Use double sided foam tape to make elements pop-up
I hope you got inspired with this post. Now it's time to get creative. Happy crafting!
