One of the best ways to bring your Smash Book to life is by using storytelling as your guide. A strong story makes it easier to decide on colors, composition, and the images you choose, ensuring your pages have a cohesive and meaningful feel!
For example, in my latest video, I worked on a true crime-themed page. The eerie, mysterious vibe of the story influenced my color palette, imagery, and overall layout. But if I were doing a bright, happy theme or a women’s empowerment page, the whole aesthetic would change! Knowing your “story” in advance helps tie everything together seamlessly!
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Using Storytelling In My Smash Book Journal
PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO
- Storing A Huge Ephemera Stash
- Ephemera Storage Box
- Tim Holtz Paper Dolls
- Tim Holtz Pictures
- Chowchilla School Bus Kidnapping
- Nuvo Glue
- Scrapbook.com Medium Envelopes
- Snips Scissors
Here are some things to think about when you are designing a Smash Book page!
1. Color Choices
The mood of your story can dictate your color palette. A cozy fall theme might include warm oranges and browns, while a futuristic or tech-themed page might use metallics and bold blues. If you’re telling a nostalgic story, you might lean towards sepia tones, while a high-energy adventure theme might be filled with bold and vibrant colors.
2. Composition & Layout
The way you arrange your elements can mimic the structure of a story. A chaotic, overlapping collage might represent excitement or spontaneity, while a clean, minimalist layout could suggest peace, reflection, or nostalgia. The placement of elements can guide the viewer’s eye, reinforcing the story you’re telling.
3. Image Selection
Think about what visuals best represent your story. A travel-themed page might feature maps, tickets, and famous landmarks, while a childhood memory spread could include vintage photos, school report cards, or hand-drawn doodles. Choosing images that resonate with your theme helps reinforce the story you want to tell.
4. Textures & Materials
Different textures can evoke emotions and reinforce your theme. Rough, torn edges might enhance a grunge or punk theme, while soft fabric swatches could add warmth to a sentimental story. Using different papers, lace, ribbons, or even fabric scraps can bring a tactile experience to your design.
5. Typography & Fonts
The words you include in your Smash Book matter! A horror-themed page might use jagged, bold fonts, while a love story could incorporate elegant cursive or typewriter text. Handwritten journaling can add a personal touch, making the page feel even more authentic and meaningful.
6. Journaling & Captions
Adding small notes or captions can provide context and deepen the emotional impact of your pages. Whether it’s a meaningful quote, a date, or a funny memory, words help bring your designs to life. A few handwritten lines or printed text snippets can turn a pretty page into a deeply personal keepsake.
7. Thematic Embellishments
Stickers, stamps, washi tape, and ephemera that match your theme can be the final touch that ties your whole page together. Adding embellishments like pressed flowers, old book pages, or metallic accents can further enhance the storytelling aspect of your design.
Bonus: Seasonal Storytelling
For those who use Smash Books to document their lives, storytelling can also be seasonal! Think about how the “story” of the month can guide your designs:
- December: Red and green with Christmas elements, snowflakes, and cozy textures
- July: Red, white, and blue with fireworks, beach themes, and summer adventures
- October: Dark hues, pumpkins, and spooky vibes for Halloween
- April: Pastels, florals, and soft watercolors to reflect the freshness of spring
By starting with a story, you create more than just a visually appealing page—you create an experience. So next time you sit down with your Smash Book, think about the story you want to tell and let it guide your creativity!
What’s a story you’d love to bring to life in your next Smash Book page? Let me know in the comments!
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