How To: Create Your First Scrapbook Page

It’s finally summer! As heatwaves keep coming and holidays get planned, there’s never been a better time to start scrapbooking. If you’ve never scrapbooked before, don’t fear - you’ve come to the right place. From how to choose the right book, to collecting travel memories, and creating beautiful spreads, we’ve put together this handy guide to how to get started on your scrapbooking journey.

Why Scrapbook?

But hang on a second - why do people scrapbook anyway? This is one of our favourite questions! Although it can seem like repetitive cutting and sticking, it's actually so much more. If you've ever collected photos, tickets, or scraps of paper from a trip but didn't know what to do with them, you're in the right place. Scrapbooking is a mindful, creative hobby that allows you to mindfully reflect on your experiences. Some travellers choose to bring their scrapbooks with them on holiday, turning journaling into an everyday ritual to slow down and take stock.

Choosing Your Scrapbook

The start of any scrapbooking journey has to be the book itself. There are a whole range of different scrapbooks on the market, depending on what you want to use it for. The most important thing is that your journal has thick pages that can handle the amount of photos, paper, and glue you'll be using.

• Plain notebooks: these are best for junk journal style scrapbookers. These have a smaller page and are more portable, perfect for taking with you on your travels. The Journal Club's Ultimate Junk Journal is perfect for this.
• Scrapbook albums: you may have seen these traditional scrapbook albums in school, or even at work. For many people this is their first foray into scrapbooking, with larger pages, thicker paper, and maybe even a fancy ribbon binding. Some of our favourites are linked here and here.
• Pre-made scrapbooks: don't worry, this scrapbook doesn't come already filled in! Our pre-made scrapbooks are perfect for a first time scrapbooker. We've got lists of different countries, travel bingos, world maps, sightseeing lists, and so much more. This pre-made scrapbook allows you to record your memories without the fear of getting it 'wrong'.

Scrapbooking Materials

The best thing about scrapbooking is that you really don’t need a lot of materials to get started. For beginners, the essentials include: your paper elements (eg. receipts, tags, postcards), printed photos, an empty notebook, scissors, and glue. If you want to make your spreads fancier, try including elements like dutch doors, ribbons, lace, fabric scraps, washi tape, and pockets. Don’t worry if those feel wildly difficult though. Just start with what feels right for you!

Photos are often the best bit of any spread, as they let you reminisce on your holiday memories. You can try using services like FreePrints to get high quality photos quickly delivered, or use a portable photo printer to get your memories there and then. We like experimenting with black and white photos to change the aesthetic of a spread.

Building Your First Page

So, you’ve bought your notebook, gathered your supplies, and now it’s time to start scrapbooking away! Although staring at a blank page can feel daunting, it’s super simple to start scrapbooking. Either follow the format of our pre-made Travel Scrapbook, or follow our easy steps!

1. Place your paper elements first
2. Add stickers, washi tape, and photos
3. Move everything around until you're happy with the layout
4. Glue the elements down
5. Write your memories or doodle in any blank space

We’ve put together this set of steps, but there really are no rules to scrapbooking. If you want to go completely off piste, go for it! Every page should reflect you and your scrapbooking style. The best part about scrapbooking is that it doesn’t have to be a daily ritual, so it shouldn't feel too overwhelming. Eventually your scrapbook will become a beautiful collection of pictures, stories, and memories you can return to time and time again.

And there you have it! The Journal Club’s 2026 guide to creating your first scrapbook page. If you’re still feeling confused, take it slow, and allow yourself to experiment. You may not find your personal scrapbooking style straight away, but keep at it. We’re sure you’ll manage to find the perfect creative outlet for you. And if you’re stuck, remember you can always try our pre-made Travel Scrapbook to give you more structure for your scrapbooking.

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