Scrapbooking is more than a hobby—it’s a beautiful way to preserve memories, tell stories, and express creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned scrapbooker, exploring different types of scrapbooking can help you find the perfect style that matches your personality and routine.
Let’s dive into the most popular types of scrapbooking and what makes each one special.
The Different Types of Scrapbooking
1. Traditional Scrapbooking
This is the most classic form of scrapbooking—using physical paper, printed photos, stickers, and embellishments to create handmade layouts on album pages.
Features:
- Uses 12×12 or 8.5×11 albums
- Emphasis on photos, journaling, and design
- Lots of paper crafting and cutting involved
Best for: Crafters who enjoy hands-on projects and a personal touch.
2. Digital Scrapbooking
Digital scrapbooking is done entirely on a computer or device using graphic design software or apps.
Features:
- Use digital papers, embellishments, and templates
- Layouts can be printed or shared online
- No physical mess or craft supplies needed
Best for: Busy moms, travelers, or tech-savvy scrapbookers who want convenience.
3. Hybrid Scrapbooking
A mix of traditional and digital, hybrid scrapbooking combines printed digital layouts with physical embellishments or printed photos with digitally designed titles and journaling.
Features:
- Blends both creative worlds
- Great for customizing and saving time
- Can be more affordable and flexible
Best for: Anyone who wants digital ease with a handmade touch.
4. Pocket Scrapbooking (Project Life Style)
Popularized by Becky Higgins, this format uses pocket page protectors to insert pre-cut cards, photos, and journaling into small sleeves.
Features:
- Uses 3×4 and 4×6 cards for fast layouts
- Minimal cutting or designing
- Great for everyday memory keeping
Best for: People who want to scrapbook consistently but with limited time.
5. Mini Albums
These are small, themed scrapbooks often made for a specific occasion—like birthdays, vacations, or holidays.
Features:
- Compact and quick to complete
- Typically handmade with various bindings
- Great for gifts or travel journals
Best for: Scrapbookers who love themed projects or want short-term crafts.
6. Junk Journaling
Junk journals are artistic scrapbooks made from recycled materials like old book pages, tickets, envelopes, or tea-stained papers. They often blend journaling, sketching, and collaging.
Features:
- Highly creative and expressive
- Often messy, vintage, and layered
- Combines art and memory-keeping
Best for: Artistic souls who love upcycling and mixed media.
7. Bullet Journaling with Scrapbook Elements
While bullet journals are typically used for planning, many people add photos, stickers, washi tape, and memory pages to create a scrapbook/planner hybrid.
Features:
- Customizable layouts
- Blends goal tracking and memory-keeping
- Compact and portable
Best for: Moms or professionals who like combining planning with reflection.
8. Faith or Bible Journaling
A devotional approach to scrapbooking where people journal prayers, verses, or spiritual reflections with artistic additions in Bibles or faith journals.
Features:
- Combines scripture with creative expression
- Often includes watercolor, stickers, and handwritten notes
Best for: Those looking to grow spiritually while crafting.
9. Travel Scrapbooking
This style focuses specifically on documenting travel memories. It can be in a mini album, traditional scrapbook, or travel journal.
Features:
- Includes maps, ticket stubs, postcards, and photos
- Often more compact and portable
- Great for storytelling
Best for: Adventurers, vacationers, or family travelers.
🧡 Final Thoughts
There’s no wrong way to scrapbook—just your way! Whether you enjoy cutting paper by hand, dragging digital images into place, or journaling about everyday moments, scrapbooking is all about capturing life creatively.
Tip: Try out a few styles to see which one inspires you most—or mix and match to create a method that’s uniquely yours.
Ready to get started? Check out our Scrapbooking Starter Checklist, browse Budget-Friendly Supplies on Amazon, or read How to Scrapbook on a Budget!