This one’s for the magic makers and memory keepers! Do you hear our call, PNA scrapbookers?

Are you ready to take a trip down memory lane while looking forward to the crafting trends of the future? We’ve got something exciting in store for you today. Scrapbooking might have been a beloved hobby for generations, and you know what they say: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Well, we won’t fix it; we’ll just give it a fresh coat of paint and a modern makeover! There’s always a new trend in crafting, and it’s no different when it comes to scrapbooking.

At PNA, we’re all about keeping the past alive and making it shine in the present. So, put on your creative hats and let’s dive into the art of contemporary scrapbooking. From considered colour palettes and minimalist designs to typography and negative space, we’ve got all the ingredients to make your 2023 scrapbook seriously cool! You’ll thank us when your scrapbook spreads are the envy of all your crafty buddies.

The History of Scrapbooking

Before we jump into the fabulous world of modern scrapbooking, let’s take a moment to appreciate its roots. After all, you need to know where you came from to understand where you’re going. Scrapbooking has a rich history, dating back to the early 15th century when “commonplace books” were popular. These books were filled over time with a collection of miscellaneous recipes, poems, quotes, and mementoes – sounds a bit like scrapbooks, doesn’t it?

Fast forward to the 19th century, and scrapbooks evolved into what we recognise today. People began preserving photographs, letters, and other cherished items in albums. The love for scrapbooking continued to grow, and it became an essential way to document memories. Now, it’s a pastime enjoyed all over the world, by people of every age, technical ability and crafting aesthetic. It’s versatile, affordable, fun to do and oh-so-customisable, so what’s not to love?

Scrapbooking Essentials from PNA

Now that we’ve paid homage to the past, let’s explore the scrapbooking essentials that will set the foundation for your contemporary masterpieces. At PNA, we’ve curated the perfect collection of supplies to ignite your creativity. From high-quality papers and embellishments to cutting-edge tools, we’ve got your back! This is what we believe should be the essentials in your beginner’s scrapbooking kit:

1. Display album
2. Scrapbooking paper (patterned and solid-coloured)
3. Scissors
4. Adhesive (double-sided tape, glue sticks, or adhesive dots)
5. Pens and markers (archival quality)
6. Photos
7. Page protectors
8. Embellishments (stickers, die-cuts, chipboard shapes, etc.)
9. Stamps and ink pads
10. Cutting tools (paper trimmer or craft knife).

2023 Scrapbooking Trends

1. Freshen Up Your Scrapbook: Consider Colour Palettes

One of the most important aspects of scrapbooking is choosing the right colours. In 2023, let’s take colour coordination to a whole new level. Carefully considered and selected colour palettes are all the rage, and they’ll give your scrapbook a polished and cohesive look. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a colour expert for this! Start by selecting a primary colour – your main focus. Then, pick a few complementary shades to support it. For instance, if your primary colour is a soothing blue, you can pair it with soft pastel pinks and greys for a dreamy vibe. You can use this fun online tool that uses AI to generate pleasing colour palettes!

2. Embrace Minimalist Design

Simplicity is key, PNA enthusiasts! Minimalist design is about letting your memories shine without overwhelming distractions. Embrace ample white space and clean lines to create a contemporary look.

Keep your embellishments to a minimum and let each element stand out. Remember, less is more! You’ll be amazed at how powerful a single photo can be when surrounded by negative space and subtle accents. Your central message is the star of the show, so eliminate extra visual noise to make it “shout” even louder.

3. Experimenting with Typography

Typography isn’t just for books and websites; it has a special place in scrapbooking too! Adding interesting fonts can elevate your pages and add a unique touch to your stories. Play around with different font styles – bold, script, handwritten – and mix and match to find the perfect combination.

Use typography to emphasise meaningful words or phrases, and let your journaling become an integral part of your design. You can even play with the form of typography to turn it into a graphic element in its own right – providing both information and adding significant visual interest to your project.

4. Including Negative Space in Scrapbooking

Negative space might sound like a negative thing, but it’s quite the opposite! Also known as white space, it’s the area around and between your elements. This design technique allows your eye to focus on what matters most.

By thoughtfully incorporating negative space, you can create a sense of balance and harmony in your scrapbook layouts. It’s like giving your memories a little room to breathe, and the impact is remarkable! Space can be cleverly used to add meaning, too. Think of a page where two long-distance besties are at opposite ends, joined by an old-timey tin can phone to show their connection.

5. Get Innovative with Materials

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, colour palettes, minimalist design, typography, and negative space, it’s time to sprinkle a few more modern techniques into your scrapbooking mix. Think about using washi tapes for fun borders, creating interactive elements with hidden pockets, or incorporating mixed media for added texture.

There’s no law saying you can’t add faux fur or even fake grass to your funkier scrapbook pages. You get to create precisely what YOU want, which we bet is why you’re so into rafting in the first place.

It’s Scrapbooking Time!

Congratulations, you’re clued up on the trendiest scrapbooking methods in 2023! Exciting, right? Now you’re armed with all the knowledge and PNA essentials to create contemporary and on-trend scrapbooks your audience will love. It’s time to bring your memories to life and tell your unique stories through this flexible craft.

So, let’s get scrapping! Grab your PNA supplies, dive into the world of considered colour palettes, minimalist design, and experimental typography, and embrace the beauty of negative space. Don’t forget to explore other modern techniques and make your scrapbook a true reflection of your creative spirit. To stock up on the supplies you’ll need to bring your newfound vision to life, find your nearest PNA outlet using our handy store locator.