Scrapbook Page Design Tips, Create Movement Using Color

Dynamic scrapbook pages stir emotions and one very simple way to make your scrapbook pages stand out is to create movement with color. The eye naturally starts at the top left of the page and moves right and then down the page. Here are some ways to keep the eye moving on the page by using color techniques.

Color Explosion - One effective way to create movement across your scrapbook page is to use color explosions. Bright colored star punches or stacked neon flower punches distinctly placed on the page not only highlight specific points of interest but also cause the eye to move from one point to the next. Using vivid colors of ribbon tied in bows are another way to add color explosion to your scrapbook pages.

Monochromatic - Monochromatic scrapbook pages are elegant and used properly cause flow and movement across the page. One way to create movement using a monochromatic theme is to alternate between the two colors. This causes the eye to flit from one color to the next. Instead of using a solid background with an alternating color for accents try using both colors across the page in various combinations.

Rainbow Effect - For a visually startling effect give the rainbow effect a try. Strategically place multiple colors on the page where you want to draw the reader's eye. Start with the darkest color towards the top of the page and work your way down the page so that the lightest color is at the bottom. Or visa versa. The shift in color change will automatically create movement on the page.

Contrasting - Contrasting colors can sound a little scary but in truth when you look at advertisements you will see this technique is employed quite often. Use colors that are exact opposites to create movement. Points of interest or focal points such as photos stand out against such contrasts and as the reader looks over the page their eyes will automatically move across the page from one contrast to another. This is also a great technique for making your scrapbook faster to absorb in cases where the scrapbook has many, many pages.

Creating Layers - A scrapbook page is comprised of many layers. There are things that pop out at us and things that recede into the background to be noticed on further inspection. Keep this in mind when you design your scrapbook pages and specifically find ways to create layers in places you want your readers to notice. Triple mount photos on different colors of cardstock or stack layers of multi-patterned ribbon on the page to create layers.

Color is the easiest method for creating movement and flow across a scrapbook page. While you might want your readers to linger over your memories, if you don't give them a reason to turn the page they won't. Once you've mastered these techniques you should find your scrapbook pages moving all over the page. Happy scrapbooking!