T h e m e  A l b u m s
De-mystified!

The traditional Theme Album is a scrapbook that centers on one theme. Perhaps a recent vacation, your favorite theme park, or your child's birthday. The ideas are only limited by your imagination! These albums are generally smaller than a typical scrapbook. Small not only in the amount of layouts that are in the album, but even the album itself can be smaller. You may find yourself doing a 6 x 6 album or something even smaller! In comparison to ongoing albums,Theme Albums are usually put together quickly and have a definite end, which is appealing to those who like to actually complete a project. These types of albums are perfect to use as coffee table books and gifts.

I enjoy creating a more non-traditional Theme Album. This is an ongoing album that centers on a theme. Pictures are compiled over the course of a year following with a particular theme. At the end of the year, layouts are created incorporating those pictures. An example of this is my Thankfulness Album. Each year I add several layouts to this album that focus on the things for which I am most thankful. My intention is that we will get it out at Thanksgiving and see all that we, as a family, have been blessed with over the years. Although I don't get the enjoyment of completion, I do know that I will have years of fun ahead as I add more pages about these moments that are so special to me.

Getting Started

First you must decide on the format of your album: size, style, and paper. All of these elements together result in continuity that will allow the theme of your album to flow from cover to cover. You also must decide what content to include in the album. Will this album cover different time periods or topics resulting in the need for different sections? Or will you cover everything in one continuous section? Once this has been decided, you can begin working on your album.

Theme Album Elements

The following are elements that can be included in Theme Albums. You may or may not wish to include each of these depending on the type of album you will be completing.

Title Page

The title page introduces your album and, in addition, sets the tone for the pages to come. The style, colors, paper, and embellishments used on the title page can be used throughout to promote continuity, giving your album a consistent look and feel. There are exceptions to this, primarily when creating an ongoing album that will be using different styles spanning several years of content.

Dedication Page

This page is not critical to the completion of your theme album, but it is a nice touch, especially if you are creating a gift album. On the dedication page you would state why you are completing the album, including any special tributes you'd like to make. Be sure to carry over the style, paper, and color selections that you used on the title page as you begin to establish the look of your album.

Table of Contents

If you are creating an album that contains multiple sections you may want to include a Table of Contents. The Table of Contents lists the different sections that are, or will be included, in your album. This is usually the last page that is added, since you never know when you may need to add another section. Remember to carry through your style to this page, as well.

Section Page

This is the page that separates each section of your album. If you have chosen to complete a continuous album these pages will not be necessary. Again, remember to use similar elements of style and color to promote continuity in your album.

Theme Pages (or Filler Pages)

These are the layouts that make up the body of your album. At this point you will be ready give each page a unique look. This can be accomplished without disrupting the flow of your album primarily by mixing elements previously used with one or two new elements on each page.

Theme Album Ideas

Here is a list of possible Theme Album titles. This list is just to get you thinking, I'm sure you can come up with many more wonderful ideas!

When it comes to Theme Albums the possibilities are virtually limitless. They become cherished family heirlooms, they make wonderfully unique gifts, and they are easy to complete. Now you're ready to get started on one of your very own! Schedule a time to work on your album. Designate a space where you can leave your project out, allowing you to work on it as you have time. Most importantly, remember to have fun and let your pages express your own unique style and creativity!

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Lori Springer

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