EIGHT FREE IDEAS TO ADD TO YOUR SCRAPBOOK
I get asked all the time HOW in the world I am able to scrapbook (and where to even begin) so I thought I would start simple. This post is full of ideas and inspiration to get you started with nothing but what you already have at home. Scrapbooking for free was the original way after all. Try a few of these scrapbook suggestions so that you can dip your toe into the hobby. Do a spread or two and see how you really like it, before you spend anything. This way you can get a feel without committing anything other than your time.
I am assuming that you have some sort of paper, writing utensil, adhesives, and scissors already.
SCRAPBOOK FOR FREE IDEA #1
Save your receipts. I love using ticket stubs from movies, concerts, fairs and festivals in my scrapbook. You can also grab menus and brochures while you are out and about and use them for memory keeping.
SCRAPBOOK FOR FREE IDEA #2
Simplify your scrapbook by using journaling as your graphic. Write out or draw a large text title and be sure to date stamp it. Give yourself some guidelines and write out your journaling in a fun shape that matches the story. All you need is a pen and a creative idea.
SCRAPBOOK FOR FREE IDEA #3
Cut up books and magazines. This one’s a classic. There’s always great imagery in magazines but I like to use old books sometimes to rip up or wrinkle and add texture to the pages.
You can also clip from vintage books or coffee table photo books to find background and filler photos. (I also like to clip the mini calendars from full-sized calendars — you know the free ones you get from the bank 🙄 and use them in my bullet journal.)Some hate the idea of “destroying” a book, I have those moments myself. I tend to go look for a discarded book or discontinued one from the library or thrift shop.
Check out my last scrapbook here and here.
SCRAPBOOK FOR FREE IDEA #4
Bring in a little nature. Dried flowers pressed between a book would be such a nice memento from a graduation, anniversary, etc. in any scrapbook.
SCRAPBOOK FOR FREE IDEA #5
Draw! I cannot draw, so I use stamps, but I know some of you are super talented. Draw the room you are talking about from your current perspective, or use your designers eye and draw the floor plan from above. Doodle out the snacks you are eating. Sketch the outfit you are memorializing. Sometimes it’s nice to just draw a repeating pattern or some simple stars around your scrapbook journaling. An outline around the edge of the page can also ground the entire layout without much effort.
SCRAPBOOK FOR FREE IDEA #6
Something special. Keep the wrapping paper from your gifts this holiday season. Take the stamps off of the envelopes holding your seasonal snail mail. Handwritten notes can be pasted right into your scrapbook and they’ll look lovely there.
SCRAPBOOK FOR FREE IDEA #7
Use supplies you do have. Paint splashes or stripes directly onto the page with watercolors. If you don’t have paints you can use your hot beverage to tea (or coffee) stain the pages to set a textural background in your scrapbook.
SCRAPBOOK FOR FREE IDEA #8
Pictures, of course. Now, this one may be more free for some than others. Most people have a printer at home or an instant camera or even printed pictures sitting around waiting to be used. Look through them with a different eye, you may be surprised looking back on some photos; they may be more usable than you originally thought. If you just need a few photos printed, a lot of drug stores offer coupons to print just a few 4 x 6 pictures to get yourself started at a discount.
WHAT OTHER IDEAS DO YOU HAVE FOR ADDING SOME INTEREST TO YOUR SCRAPBOOK PAGES FOR ABSOLUTELY FREE? SHARE THEM IN THE COMMENTS IN CASE OTHERS WANT TO TRY TOO!
Want even more ideas? I shared my top scrapbook supply list (under $25) with even more inspiration for your wishlist, too.
