8.5 x 11 Scrapbook Layouts Made Simple
8.5 x 11 scrapbook layouts are an excellent size to use in your photo album.
8.5 x 11 scrapbook layouts are a popular size for scrapbookers to create with. Even though it is smaller than the traditional 12 x 12 scrapbook, there is still a ton of ways you can design with the pages.
There are many benefits to using a 8.5 x 11 photo album. First off, they tend to cost less than larger albums since they are of course smaller in size. Not even just the album is cheaper, but the paper and other supplies are too. You can find good deals on 8.5 x 11 scrapbook paper almost anywhere. Secondly, using less supplies means you are also leaving less waste. When creating larger layouts I tend to have a bunch of paper scraps left over. It can be difficult to know how to reuse leftover scraps. This way, you become more intentional with how you design your page layouts. Below are some examples you can recreate in your own 8.5 x 11 album.
Simple 8.5 x 11 Scrapbook Layouts For Creatives
1. Airplane Travel Pages
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Flying on an airplane may be a little scary for some, but the views are absolutely breathtaking! I snapped this photo during this flight with a ton of clouds below us. The blanket of clouds covering the Earth were so fascinating. I created this layout using items from the “Round Trip” collection by Maggie Holmes. I simply cut the “Departure” patterned paper into a banner and decorated the page with ticket ephemera from the same collection.
One thing I love about 8.5 by 11 scrapbooking is how easy it is to make a page look full while using minimal supplies. If you are like me, you do not like to leave large blank areas on a layout. Here, it was easy to fill up all the spaces.
2. Las Vegas 8.5 x 11 Page Layout
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Las Vegas is the city that never sleeps and there so many things to see and do. I made a handmade scrapbook for my parent’s recent visit to Las Vegas. The welcome sign is a famous landmark that can be easily incorporated into any layout. Whether you visit Las Vegas or have another destination in mind, think of well-known landmarks that you can include as a design element onto your pages.
Also, pick colors that represent the city or country you are visiting. Las Vegas is very flashy so I incorporated shiny gold paper along with yellows and reds to compliment. This design layout is great because it can be replicated for any destination you want to document on paper. Just pick significant landmarks and colors that represent the places you travel.
3. Mother Daughter Scrapbook
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My mom is one of the best people I know. I love whenever I can make scrapbook layouts with her in them. One day it will be so special to look back at all our memories. This is a really fun idea for 8.5 x 11 scrapbook layouts that is also pretty simple.
If you have never used embossing folders they are patterns that will create texture on paper material. Compatible with the Sizzix machine, you simply place paper into the embossing folder and slide it through the machine. Once you take it out the paper will have a raised pattern on it! I used a floral embossing pattern that gives the paper some extra detail and dimension. Then, on two of the corners I compiled pastel colored flowers together. These flowers are my favorite element to this page. Lastly, I added in pops of color paint to bring in some added design. Pops of color are an essential to any scrapbooker. You can easily add in color to any page to fill up leftover space.
4. Anniversary
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My grandparents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. It is celebrations such as this that are so important to document and share. This is also an example of how easy scrapbooking can be. You do not have to incorporate a ton of paper or stickers to make a stunning layout. To create this, I used only two pieces of paper to create a border, added a title and minimal stickers. I drew stitches around the inner border to give it a more handmade look.
5. Winter 8.5 x 11 Scrapbook Layouts
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Here is a layout to make while you are snowed in during the Winter months. Punches are a great tool to create fun designs with. There are so many different ways you can use them. In this example, I created a striped pattern inspired by Winter sweaters. Taking 1.5 x 11 inches of paper, I punched out snowflakes making them as even as possible. Using the punched out snowflakes, I then arranged them above the strips of paper creating a fun pattern. By alternating three different colors it creates such a fun background for your page. Lastly, I included sequins and a title to add in some sparkle.
6. Family
If your family is anything like mine you probably have boxes full of family photos taken during birthdays, vacations, and any sort of gathering. It is such a treat getting to document any family get-together to recall all of our fun memories. During the holidays I also like to gift these layouts to my family members.
This picture was taken during our recent visit to Marco Island, Florida. We snapped this photo just in time to capture the vibrant sunset in the background. With how bright the sunset was I thought it would be amazing to scrapbook all the colors as well. on this layout I used watercolor paints to mimic the orange and pink hues from the sun. Watercolor is fantastic because of how easy it is to use and how the colors all blend together. There was not much else to add on this page besides the beautiful paint colors.
7. Sunset Page Layouts
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Here is another layout of a sunset from Key West, Florida. Key West is rumored to have the most beautiful sunset in all over the world. I am not entirely sure how truthful that is but it sure was gorgeous. Each night hundreds of people gather around at Mallory Square to watch the sun go down. Thankfully, I got to witness this magnificent event.
I try to incorporate as many colors from the picture onto the page. In this example, the pops of color paint came in handy to create a dripping effect. You can use any kind of paint you prefer. Additionally, I included a large title that takes up the lower half of the layout. If you have extra space and do not have any more photos to add it is always a good idea to include a significant title that explains your photo. I played around with different colors and textures and end up using a combination of stickers and die-cut letters.
8. 8.5 x 11 Paper Ephemera
Here is another travel layout that I just adore! Super easy and brings in so many bright colors that represent the photo perfectly. This photo was taken in Italy along the Amalfi Coast where hundreds of beautiful buildings sit off of the cliff. When I think of travel I think of postage stamps. If you search for stamp ephemera pieces you are guaranteed to find lots of inspired postage stamp designs to use on your layouts. I cut each of the individual stamps out and adhered them around the entire border. Each stamp has a unique design that everywhere you look your eye notices something new.
Recommended Post: {“10 ITALY SCRAPBOOK TRAVEL PAGES“}
9. Mixed Media Backgrounds
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This is another great example of how to pull colors from your photographs and bring them onto your physical page. If you are a fan of “Vanderpump Rules” or “Real Housewives” then you will enjoy this scrapbooking layout. My mother got to experience the Vanderpump restaurant in Las Vegas and took so many cool photos. As you can see, the ceiling mimics a skyline and there are plenty of florals and plants decorating the restaurant. The background of this page shares the same dark blue and pink color scheme as the décor.
I used this cosmic pink simmer dust to create a mixed media background. If you have never heard of cosmic shimmer it is a powder that mixes with water to create a galaxy-like effect. Simple spray a bit of water on the page and watch the powder transform into stunning shine. (The picture does not do it justice with how pretty it is in person.) I also included many floral elements as well. Such a the notecard and gold foil vines are on the title letters.
10. Springtime 8.5×11 Layouts
Spring is my favorite season. Anytime I get to document springtime flowers and warm sunshine I know it is going to be a sweet scrapbook layout. When coming up with your own 8.5 x 11 scrapbook layouts you will need to decide which type of supplies to use. I love paper ephemera packs for their versatility and fun designs. You can find ephemera packs for just about any topic or activity.
This ephemera pack is all about florists and spring markets. The photograph I took is of this adorable flower cart and I found the perfect ephemera pack to match. I designed a layout that represents a city street with flower carts and markets. This layout brings a lot of happiness and excitement for the changing seasons.
Recommended Post: {“122 SPRING SCRAPBOOK TITLES YOU HAVEN’T USED BEFORE“}
11. 8.5 x 11 Photo Album
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This page is bright, sweet and is the perfect Summer travel project. This is the Venice, Italy water ways while riding through on a gondola. There is nothing quite like riding along the canals of Italy getting to experience their vibrant culture.
This page uses no fancy stickers or ephemera packs, but instead consists of various specialty paper. I had so much fun playing with the different colors and paper patterns. In addition to the paper I utilized various edge punches to bring in more texture. Also, doilies have gorgeous patterns and textures that are great for baking photographs. They are delicate and somewhat transparent to see colors in the background.
12. The Stratosphere Landmark Page
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Wherever my travels take me I enjoy getting to capture some of the landmark attractions that make a place well-known. If you are not afraid of heights this is another cool attraction located in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you go up during the day you can see miles of the buildings situated along the strip. And if you go during the nighttime you can see the whole desert lit up with amusing light shows.
This 8.5 x 11 page layout consists of a cutfile representing the strip in Las Vegas. You can see all the major visitor’s areas that each have a cool backstory to them. Including the Stratosphere. Behind the photos is this neat transparent acetate that also has constellations and stars on the front. Patterned acetate is such a fun material to work with because you get a cool design that is also transparent. Acetate is great if you prefer the background to peek through on the designs. Overall, this page is full of spectacular tiny details that brings the city skyline to life.
This post is all about simple 8.5 x 11 Scrapbook Layouts that you can recreate
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