DIY Network

Retro Pages: Rules of Retro From "Scrapbooking" episode SCB-520

Guest Emily Adams shares techniques on how to create your own Retro Pages using "rules of the decade" techniques. This segment focuses on the design principles of the '60s and '70s.

Project by Emily Adams.

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	Guest Emily Adams shares ideas for creating scrapbook pages representing the '60s...
	and the '70s.

Rules of Retro

Rules of Retro is a simple formula for creating accurate period pages in a snap. Retro design elements draw from a combination of organic shapes and distinct color palettes. Each decade has a distinctive style that can easily translate into your page design.

Color + shape/pattern + font = vintage results.

Since scrapbooking has gained its mass appeal over the last decade, many of us are discovering a wealth of "vintage" pictures--those from our childhood, and those from our parents or grandparents. The term "vintage" is usually associated with older photographs, but by definition vintage deals with any decade that is not the current one.

Each decade's design principles were shaped by the socio-economic and political climate of the times. Knowing the history and identifying the trends of each decade gives you a full understanding of the rules of retro.

	Figure A
	Figure B

Applying the Rules of Retro

• Create color combinations that reflect the fashion of the decade. When using color apply the rule of thirds. Pick only three colors to work with on your layout to avoid overwhelming your photos. Pick a dominant color, a secondary color and an accent color. You can always include neutrals (black, white or ivory) with the colors and patterns of every decade.

• Think texture--macrame, go-go boots, patches, buttons, etc.

• Fonts can be fun (figure A), but limit yourself to three to a layout. Fonts are a fun way to convey the attitude of journaling on a page. Use up to three fonts per layout (following the rules of thirds, proportionately). All of the fonts listed in the categories are available online.

• When using a bold pattern, balance it with a neutral. Choose an accent shape or pattern to repeat throughout your layout. You can repeat the shape or pattern in different colors or sizes to vary the look.

• If your pictures have discolored with age, convert them to black and white.

• Experiment with current pictures and retro design.

Tip: You can use fabric to incorporate into your scrapbooking pages. You can use fabric as a mat or do your entire background with fabric. There are wonderful retro fabric prints on the market, or you could use a piece of treasured fabric from your past. You can use a piece of chipboard or heavy weight cardstock and cover it with a piece of adhesive. Remove the adhesive liner and place the fabric on the chipboard and smooth it out (figure B). Put double-sided adhesive on the back and fold the edges over.

Decade--'60s

• Colors: Brights--aqua, acid green, flamingo pink and black.

• Shapes/patterns: Geometrics, circles, pop art images.

• Fonts: '60s Chic, Action Is, Bachelor Pad, Beatnik, Benguiat Frisky, Dick Van Dyke, Fishbowl, Gilligan's Island, Inkling, Johnny Lunch Pail, Mandingo, Secretarial Pool.

• Style: Chic, rebellious.

• Trends: Rebellion against the establishment, rock and roll, mini-skirts, mod, go-go boots, pop art, op art, the "beehive."

• The Times: With the advent of color television, the world was ready for a change. The Beatles dominated the music scene and their style affected everything from fashion to hairstyles. The Barbie doll was introduced. The year 1969 brought Woodstock and the beginning of the "hippie" movement, which picked up most of its momentum in the 70's as the baby boomers became teenagers and entered their 20's.

Decade--'70s

• Color: Earthy, eagle yellow, avocado, moss green, burnt orange/also psychedelic.

• Shapes/patterns: Organic shapes, ethnic patterns.

• Fonts Aztra, Beamie, Boogie Nights, Brandy, Budmo Jiggler, Chic, Dolphins, Dreamland, Rolloguide, Willy Wonka, That '70s Ding.

• Style: Earthy, ethnic.

• Trends: Ethnic identity, war protests, bell-bottoms, platform shoes, disco, flower power, the folk movement, macramé.

• The Times: After the bright colors of the '50s and '60s there was a return to more natural colors and ethnic fashions. The disco scene transformed America and the way they dressed and decorated. Peace and love were the buzzwords of the decade.

RESOURCES :

Magic Scraps
We apologize no contact information is available.

GUESTS :

Emily Adams
Education Coordinator
Magic Scraps, an Advantus Company
We apologize no contact information is available.