Scrapbooking, But Different: A Modern Approach to Memory Keeping

I've been scrapbooking for a long time, long enough to remember when every page had to follow "the rules" for design, color, and layout.

And while I learned a lot from that traditional style, I eventually realized something:

I wanted my scrapbook pages to feel more like me. Pages that used everyday objects, mixed materials, and creative prompts instead of relying on perfect photos or cookie-cutter layouts. Pages that were personal, intentional, and fun.

Embracing a New Approach: The Freedom of Scrapbooking Without Rules

1.  Story First, Supplies Second

Each story I want to tell, sometimes even before I pick the photos, is a personal journey that keeps the focus on the meaning behind the page.

2.  Intentional Materials

Whether it's a ticket stub from a concert, a Cricut-cut embellishment, paint and stencils, or a set of papers from a kit you couldn't resist, I choose elements that enhance the story instead of overwhelming it.

You can absolutely use traditional scrapbooking supplies with this approach — I do!  The key is to allow the materials to support the story, not overshadow it.  And if you have a stash, find ways to whittle it down instead of hoarding it.  (I'm guilty of that too, and this method has helped me use things up.)

3.  Prompts as Creative Sparks

A single prompt can take me from a blank page to a layout I love.  That's why prompts are such a big part of my creative process (and why I designed my own Prompt Deck, coming fall 2025).

4.  No Pressure, No Perfection

I'm not aiming for catalog spreads or being selected for a design team — I'm creating pages that make me smile, that feel authentic to my life right now.

Why It Matters

When you let go of the "shoulds" in scrapbooking, you give yourself space to:

• Tell stories you've been putting off because you didn't have the "right" photo

• Use the supplies you already have

• Make time for creativity without feeling like it's a big production

See It in Action

Check out Scrapbooking, But Different playlist, my YouTube Shorts series premiering today, for quick, inspiring ideas to help you try this new approach.

You'll see:

• How to make pages without photos

• Ways to use prompts to spark creativity

• Tips for mixing materials without fear of "messing up"

• Ideas for turning everyday objects into story starters

You can watch the Shorts here.

This series of 10 videos will be released throughout September. To stay updated, make sure you subscribe to my channel and hit the bell for notifications when new videos are released.  And be sure to "like" the clip, comment, or share it with a friend if it resonated with you.

Want More Ideas Like This?

Join Pages in Progress, my free newsletter for scrapbookers and memory keepers who want to tell their stories their way — with less pressure and more creativity.

You'll get:

• Creative prompts to get you started

• Behind-the-scenes looks at my own projects

• First dibs on new product launches like my Prompt Deck and guided journals

What do you think about this approach to memory keeping and scrapbooking? Let me know in the comments!