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RULE

Don’t leave empty space on a scrapbook page because it will look unfinished

Empty space on a page can seem scary at first. Your brain tells you to fill, fill, fill. And with all the photos you have and all the fun embellishments at your disposal, filling a page almost seems a necessity. Before you succumb to your mind’s requests, take a moment to decide if it’s really necessary. Empty space—often called white space—can make a page perfectly complete. It gives your design room to breathe and allows for a page that is less cramped, cluttered and overwhelming.

Here, I filled the empty space with subtle patterns. While the patterns aren’t technically “white” space, they work effectively for the purpose of creating a space free of elements. When choosing patterned paper to act as white space, pick patterns that are simple in design and limited in color.

Supplies: Cardstock; patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, Prima, Tinkering Ink); letter stickers (American Crafts); chipboard letters (KI Memories); Misc: adhesive, pen

YOUR CHALLENGE

Create a layout using patterned paper as white space.

Artwork by Erin Derkatz

This layout effectively uses empty space to form a border around the main part of the page. By designing her page like this, Erin directs the viewer’s eye toward the embellished central part of the page. When creating a page with white space, keep in mind that even though the space is empty, it should still serve a purpose.

Supplies: Cardstock; patterned paper (BasicGrey, Crate Paper); digital brush by Jason Gaylor (Designfruit); ribbon (American Crafts); Misc: adhesive, pen, staples, transparency

YOUR CHALLENGE

Use empty space on a page to form a border around the focus of your layout.

The empty space in this design helps the viewer to focus immediately on the photo and journaling. When creating a design such as this, carefully balance any untouched space against the other parts of the page. Here, a wide white strip balances against the empty blue. And a strip of pink felt unifies the elements across the page.

Supplies: Cardstock; plastic letters (Heidi Swapp); letter stickers (Arctic Frog); felt trim (Blueye Dezines); heart (Melissa Frances); staple bar (EK Success); Misc: adhesive, pen

YOUR CHALLENGE

Create a page with at least half of the space on the page empty.