Many people may not even realize that they are in (at a home) or looking at (on a scrapbook page) what most would realize is clutter. Just like the “clutter” around one’s home with things, so can be a scrapbook page that is over stuffed and no central focal point. But how can you tell the difference between clutter and necessary things? How can you really tell?

Look at your scrapbook page. Take a step back and really look. When you create a scrapbook page there is typically an item like a photo or a memento that you want to highlight. This is what should always remain your focal point. Can you see the main focal point of your page? You can highlight the focal point item with some embellishments, matting, borders and such. However, if you add too many things to a page it will become cluttered. Ask yourself if all those embellishments and other decorations are complimenting or distract your focal point? When you look at the page can you easily see what you’re trying to commemorate or does it get lost in all the other elements? What do you really notice? If you can barely see the photo or the embellishments overwhelm and detracts from the photo, then you can consider having crossed the line to clutter.

Take a look at the following two scrapbook page examples and compare. This illustrates how in one page you can clearly see the focal point more than in the other.

Wanting to add all those beautiful decorations is nice but when it detracts from the main element and the focal point of your page then they lose their purpose. Take away a few pieces and see if that doesn’t make things look more attractive. Remember, you can always add those beautiful decorations to another page so don’t think they’re going to waste!