How to Think Outside the Box to Scrap Without Photos

Designing a Layout without Photos

Scrapbooking How To by

Michele Ciola, Creative Team Member

What do you do when you want to capture your thoughts about a special event but don’t have the right photo or piece of memorabilia? Well simply create a layout without any pictures at all! Especially if you have that perfect piece of memorabilia or ephemera to go with your theme.

I think one of the hardest things in doing no-photo layouts is just getting started. Here are a few tips that I use when I plan this type of project.

1) Modify an existing template

When I create a no-photo layouts I like to use a template to get my mojo going. Usually I select a one page template and then turn the photo spots into either journaling blocks or places to put some great memorabilia. This makes the journaling and the memory behind it the focal point. This is also a powerful way to create your starting pages for any album you may be working on.

2) Deciding on what type of memorabilia to use

There are all types of items you can use in place of regular photos. In the example below, I happened to surf the web for the posters and cover images for my all-time favorite movie: Somewhere in Time.



I was fortunate enough to find the cover of the DVD release along with two movie posters.

3) Think outside of the box

You can use just about anything in place of a normal photograph when designing your next layout. Don’t be afraid to gather items you wouldn’t normally use.

Here are a few suggestions to help get you started!

Childhood memorabilia

• Fabric from a special baby outfit
• Locks of hair
• Ultrasounds
• Hospital wristbands
• Footprints
• Artwork
  

Vacation

• Receipts
• Brochures
• Texture collages - such as a piece of towel , net, shells etc.
• Postcards
• Passport (expired preferably)
  

Anything You Want (some things you can find on the internet)

• Book covers
• Posters
• Advertising for your favorites - such as restaurants, etc.
• Candy wrappers
• Love letters
  

The layout above, was done recently and would have been perfect for this no layout challenge. I may even redo it in hybrid form as I think having the actual item on the layout would make more of an impact.

So next time you are rummaging through your memorabilia look for something new to use in your next layout without photos. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!


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