by Marijane Suttor

Created on: June 22, 2009   Last Updated: October 21, 2011

A common mistake that new scrapbookers make is not giving a scrapbook page a focal point. The result is a page in which the viewer doesn't really know where to look. The page seems to drift with too many elements and too many pictures. These are a few important tips for creating a focal point on a scrapbook page.

Choose One Dominant Photo

When choosing photos for a scrapbook page, consider choosing one photo to center a page around. Other photos that are included on the page should be smaller and used more as a secondary item rather than the major draw of the eye.

Enlarge the Dominant Photo

It is difficult to create of focal point with a small photo. It is better to create a print that enlarges the image to at least a 5 x 7 photo. Also consider making cutting the photo into a shaper other than the traditional rectangle. A large square photo can add a lot of impact.

Crop the Photo

Photos that have a lot of extraneous items in the photo make a much poorer focal point. Do not be afraid to zoom in on a child's face. Also remember the rule of thirds in photography. Having the photo not evenly spaced among the three parts of the image size can create more visual interest.

Use Attractive Matting

Matting can really make a photograph come alive on the page. The use of more than one accent color up to three layers of matting can give the photo greater impact to the eye.

Use Dimensional Adhesive

Another way to add emphasis is to create a raised image. When attaching the photo and the mating consider using double stick foam tape or glue dots that will raise the image up off the base paper. This naturally draws the eye to the image before any secondary images on the base page.

Embellishments

The selective use of embellishments can seriously impact the focal point of the photo. Adding grommets or tacks along the boarder can greatly improve the visual impression of the photo.

Avoid Competing Elements

Avoid adding a lot of visual elements or embellishments that will compete with the focal point. If brads are used along the matt of the focal point, it usually is not effective to use more brads in another location on the page. So if an embellishment is chosen to enhance the focal point, don't use that effect elsewhere on the page.

Heading Size and Placement

Choosing an effective size and placement of the heading can lead to a more successful page. If the heading to too small it can create a sense on the page of unfocus. Use a heading that is too large and that is all that anyone sees visually. Placing the heading in a non-traditional way such as three -fourth of the way down the page with the photo above it can really help the eye to focus on the photo.

Complete a Two Page Spread

Another great way to add focus is to complete two pages together. This way the two separately completed pages do not compete with each other. Planning the page as a two page project with one focal point can give a polished impression to the layout and allow the scrapper to add other smaller elements that will then not compete with the focal point.

Contrasting Colors

Using contrasting colors can add to the emphasis of a focal point. Layering a navy blue matt with a white matt on a light blue page adds more depth than just using a single white matt. Look for putting surprising pops of color around the photo to emphasize the focal point.

Adding a focal point can be a very valuable asset to a scrapbooking page. It can take a page from being an average page to a spectacular page. Use a few of these techniques to create a scrapbooking page that everyone will want to emulate.

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