How to Make a Scrapbook from a Photo Album



I remember reading in a Simple Scrapbook Magazine how the editor took a simple photo album and turned it into a scrapbook that she completed in just one weekend. The photo album she used was one of those that you just slip in a 4 x 6 photo into a photo safe sleeve.

Basically you take 2 or 3 related photos and create a journaling block that is 4 x 6 that you can embellish and slip into the photo sleeve. You can crop the photos and mat them, but the basic idea is the same: save time, make a scrapbook!

How to Make a Scrapbook from a Paper Bag

If you can find 3 or 4 paper bags, you can make a scrapbook! There are several ways to bind the paper bags together, but you begin by folding the bags in half. You can bind them by using staples, punching holes in the bags and using brads, eyelets or ribbons to tie it together or you can use black binder clips you can purchase in boxes to clamp the bags together.

Now that you have the bags bound, you can start to decorate the pages! Cut papers to cover as much of the bags as you want and add photos just like you would for a mini album. Paper bag albums are very good for using lots of ribbon to soften up the harsh feel of the bags. Also, you can use the open part of the bags to slide in tags or other memorabilia that you want to include with the album.

Keep in mind that many paper bags are not acid free, so these albums should not be thought of in the same way as traditional albums.

How to Make a Scrapbook from Tags

Using large die cut tags, you can make a fun and unique mini scrapbook. Simply decorate and embellish the tags as you want and then decide how you want the album to be viewed.

If you want it to function as a traditional book, you will need to connect the tags on the sides. Use small strips of paper that are sandwiched between two tags and then fold the tags onto each other in an accordion fashion.

If you want something a little different, you can use a metal ring (like you can use for a key chain) and thread the holes from the tags onto the ring in the order you want! You can also use ribbons or chains (like the kind on ceiling fans) for a different look!

Well, I hope these ideas have inspired you! Now you know how to make a scrapbook 3 different ways!