Even if we all chose the same page elements and photos to create a page layout, every page created would be different from the rest. No two pages would be exactly the same. The more you scrapbook, the more you will develop your own personal style. There are so many facets to a scrapbooking page. Consider how you use color, your handwriting or use of computer fonts, your paper choices and placement of embellishments. These are just a few ways that help define your personal scrapbooking style.

Your approach to scrapbooking changes as your experience in this hobby grows. Look back at the pages you did years ago. Now look at the pages you did recently. See the difference? Your style has changed perhaps from learning new techniques or experimenting with new products. Your albums reflect your unique personality, and each page shows your personal approach to this craft. There are so many different ways to scrapbook. No one way is correct. We each experience the creative process of designing a page layout in our own way.

Scrapbooking styles can be defined in different ways. Looking through a scrapbooking magazine, you will see a variety of different styles. Some pages will be simple. Others will be complex. Each page sets a different mood. It might be romantic or fun. Here are a few possible labels we could use to define scrapbooking styles.

Traditional

This approach to scrapbooking is usually clean and simple. Nothing fancy on these pages. The embellishments are left to a minimum, and the photos are cropped into standard square or rectangle shapes if they are cropped at all. The pages are sophisticated and classic.

Modern

This style uses lots of contrasting colors with bold patterns and strong accents. Pages elements will have hard lines and geometric shapes. There will be few fancy or decorative page accents.

Romantic

Sometimes this approach might be considered vintage or shabby chic. You'll see a lot of patterned paper and techniques like distressing used to soften the page. The colors usually are pastels, and often floral patterns. Handwriting, script or ornate fonts are used for journaling.

Whimsical

This scrapbooking style uses the newest techniques and mediums. Bold colors used in unique combinations along with playful patterns like dots, checks and stripes. You won't see many fancy page accents. Instead, you might see paper dolls, cartoon shapes and 3D elements.

Conservative

Earth tones define this style. Think of texture and monochromatic color choices. Pages will often have fibers, like jute, and torn paper edges.

Which scrapbooking style shines through in your pages? We may shift between and overlap style at times and even within an album. Sometimes it may just be a result of the theme we are working with or our mood on any particular day. However, for most of us, we will lean toward one style more often than any of the others. For new inspiration for your next page layout, try to apply a new style to your page. Have fun with the creative process and let your personality show in every page you make.