by Pamela Kay

Created on: June 13, 2009   Last Updated: June 30, 2009

Every scrapbook page has a focal point either intended or unintended, it's the first thing the eye is drawn to and should tell you what that page is about. You should decide the focal point first and add other elements to the page to help explain what is important about the page. Here are several tips for creating a focal point on your scrapbook pages using contrast in color, shape and size.

*Use A Large Photo

You won't need to center the photo if it is a large one, it will grab the eye right away. Select the picture that best tells what the page is about and enlarge it and then give it the star treatment with matting and other scrap booking elements.

*Reduce The Size Of Other Photos

If, you don't have room on the page for an enlarged photo and other photos you want to include on the page, try reducing the size of the other photos which will create the same effect as enlarging a photo. Again, give that photo the star treatment.

*Use Dramatic Matting

You can use a bold mat, a double mat or even a triple mat to draw attention to a photo. Just make sure the color chosen for the mat is the dominate color on the page to capture attention and don't worry about the mat outshining the photo, the eye will go to the center of the mat. Mats don't have to be paper, they can be fabric, lace, plastic, metal or whatever material you choose.

*Change The Focal Point's Shape

The eye is automatically drawn to anything on a page that is a different shape and this is an easy way to create a focal point. Using a different shape for the focal point on each page will help tie your scrap book together. For example, use all square or rectangular mats except for the focal point which can be matted oval or round.

*Make The Focal Point Black And White

If, your focal point is a photo, change it into a black and white print and center it with other photos that you leave their natural color. The eye will seek out the different photo every time. You can also mat the focal with black and the others with white for more contrast.

*Use Embellishments

Show off your focal point by adding scrap booking embellishments. If it's a photo, tie a ribbon it her hair, glue a tiny jewel on her necklace, add silk flowers or create a special jeweled mat for it. For other than photos, try adding some water colors, dried flowers, fancy fonts in neon colors or create a special flap that needs to be opened to view it.

*Use A Close Up

Close up shots usually shine on a scrapbook page because the elements of the photo are larger than those in regular photos. You can crop and enlarge a photo to create a close up if you have none.

Creating a focal point on your scrapbook pages is an important element to scrap booking that is easy to do. Try different arrangements on the page using these tips and see which element of the page grabs your attention first and then you'll have your focal point.

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