What to Look For When Shopping for a Scrapbook Table

There is no perfect scrapbook table out there because everyone’s needs and wants vary.  Some can afford to spend a lot of money on a table, but don’t have a lot of extra space to put one.  Others want a scrapbook table but have a tight budget.  There are several different things to consider when shopping for scrapbook tables:

Budget and Style

First, take account of how much money you are willing to spend on a scrapbook table.  They range greatly in price.  You can purchase a high-end craft table at a furniture store for over a thousand dollars, or find an inexpensive, less stylish option from a local craft store for under two hundred.  Some things to think about when deciding how much money you are willing to spend are whether you want your scrapbook table to coordinate with your current décor or whether your workstation can be functional but not made of solid, real wood.

Space

Do you have a whole room dedicated to crafting?  Or do you plan to put your scrapbook table in an existing room?  If you have a lot of space to spare, a large table set upon shelves might work for you.  There is also the option of purchasing a scrapbook table that folds up and can be easily stowed away if you do not have the space to keep it out on a regular basis.

Safety

You need to consider the safety of your scrapbooking supplies.  Do you have pets that might chew up your scrapbooks?  Children who might decide to try out your markers on your expensive papers?  Husbands who have a tendency to leave their coffee cups on any flat surface available?  There are scrapbooking armoires and cabinet that lock up for such reasons.

Portability

Are you a scrapper who is always on the go?  Would you like a scrapbooking table that can fold up and go with you?  There are scrapbook tables with the ability to easily move from one location to another.

Also, consider whether or not your scrapbook table needs to move within your home.  Large armoires or hardwood tables often make for permanent fixtures.  Consider a lightweight table with wheels for mobility.

Storage

Possibly the most important aspect of a scrapbook table is its storage capability.  Some scrapbook tables come with their own storage bins and containers that hold supplies in all shapes and sizes.  Others have limited storage capability, but make up for it with their spacious workspace.

Do you want a scrapbook table that is able to hold all of your supplies?  Or just essential supplies such as items for the project you are working on?  If you have additional space outside your table for storage, you can probably save money by buying a basic, sturdy craft table.

If you want all of your scrapbooking supplies in one spot, consider a desk with shelves or a scrapbook armoire.  Some scrapbooking tables are actually customizable, so that you can add storage as you go!

With these basic guidelines, you should have a good idea of what type of scrapbook table will best fit your needs.  You are ready to shop.  Where to go?  Try your local craft store first.  Be sure to see compare prices.

Many major craft stores, like Michael’s and Joann Fabrics, supply weekly coupons that can be used on high-cost products like craft tables.  Check online sites, eBay, Craig’s List, and your local furniture store.

Scrapbooking is a popular hobby.  You will be surprised at the variety of options out there!


Scrapbooking Page Ideas Secrets

Guidelines to Follow When Coming Up With Scrapbooking Page Ideas

The best scrapbooks are laid out methodically, artistically, and thoughtfully.  Though you definitely want creativity to reign king, having a few rules to turn back to when designing an incredible layout for a scrapbook page will keep your design streamlined and eye-catching.

Before going overboard with pictures, embellishments, and a variety of papers, keep in mind these scrapbooking rules, which can be applied to any scrapbooking project.

1)  Have One Focal Point

Give one picture or element a “starring role” in your layout.  When designing the page, think about what you want the eye to be drawn to first.  Using the rules of balance, place that element in a desirable location, be it the center of the page or slightly off-center.

Consider using the Rule of Visual Center.  Artists use this rule to draw the eye to focal point on the page.  Aesthetically, the eye is drawn to focal points that are slightly off-center.  Make sure all other elements of the page complement and support your focal point without being overly distracting.

2) Balance

Your pages will have a professional and unified look if you make sure everything is balanced.  There are a number of layout designs to achieve perfect balance in your layout.  Here are some common ideas:

  • Decide whether you will create a symmetrically balanced or asymmetrically balanced page.  The focal point of a symmetrically balanced page means that you can draw a line down the middle of the page, creating a mirror effect.  An asymmetrically balanced page means the focal point is off-center, so that if you draw a line down the center of the page, the majority of elements will be on one side of the page, and not the other.
  • Incorporate the “Rule of Threes.”  Divide the page by thirds horizontally, vertically, or create a grid by doing both.  Place the most visually important aspects of you page at the intersection of the thirds. This draws the eye to your focal points, making the page more interesting and resulting in a person lingering upon the page.
  • Consider applying “The Golden Ratio” principle.  Grouping embellishments, photos, etc. in groups of three or five is more visually interesting than grouping in even numbers.
  • Make sure all elements (pictures, embellishments, quotes, etc) relate to one another.  Everything should have a shared purpose, creating an aesthetic and narrative balance.

3)  Tell a Story

A great scrapbook layout page tells a compelling story.

Remember, a scrapbook is a record of your memories, of your life.  Pictures and elements should signify specific meaning and importance.  If you truly care about the story you want to tell, your page will be all the better for it.

Be picky when selecting pictures for you page: choose the ones that best reflect the feelings and the narrative you are trying to communicate.  Reflect about how the story can best be told in your layout design.

How much room do you want to leave for journaling?  What additional elements will be the best supporting characters in the story?  What colors reflect the mood of the narrative?  How many photos will it take to form a sufficient account of your tale?

Taking all of these things into consideration will make your page a personal, unique, and purposeful venture.