Simplicity is sometimes the most beautiful thing in the world. All of us should stand back and just enjoy the simpler things in our surroundings and day to day lives. I think Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said it the best, “In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.” The same holds true for scrapbooking.

The simple style of scrapbooking is just that, simple. This style uses the bare minimum in supplies but when created with it correctly, the layouts have an impacting effect on the viewer. In this style, less is definitely more. Take a look at these lovely designers and see how their creativity blossomed into a simple and beautiful little works of art.

Little Fishy by Pamela Brown

Supplies: Paper: Echo Park, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet Stickers: Echo Park, Stickers: Echo Park, Bling: Me and My Big Ideas, Thread: Coats and Clark, Mist: Tattered Angels. Tools: Other: sewing machine, typewriter.

Design Notes: I originally had sprayed the mist on the cardstock for a totally different page. I didn't use it for that, so when it came time to scrap these pictures and I was looking for cardstock, remembered this piece. So don't just toss things when they don't work...you never know when you could use it for something else!

Journaling: When we first moved into this neighborhood and started swimming in the pool, you would only stay in the shallow end. Eventually you gained some confidence in your ability to swim and you swam to the deep end. Now we can't keep you in any one spot in the pool! You are a little fishy and just like to swim all over the place! July 2010

Hands up! By Agata Pfister

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzil Basics Paper, Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts, Brads: American Crafts Ink: Ranger Industries, Watermark ink: Tsukineko, Embossing Powder: Artemio, Other: paper doily, staples, flowers, ribbon. Tools: Punches: Martha Stewart Crafts, Stamps: myStamp Box, Other: sewing machine. Digital Supplies: Element: grid digital paper from Spring fever kit by Crystal WIlkerson (Two Peas in the Bucket), Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements 6, Fonts: American Typewriter (Adobe).

Design Notes: For this layout I made using a a couple of hybrid techniques. I printed out a digital paper from a digital kit by Crystal Wilkerson. I formatted my journaling under Word and printed in over the digital paper. I also printed pictures at home formatting them as it suited my layout. What I love about the hybrid techniques is that you never run out of your favorite paper! :) I can print it big or small and use it for all kinds of projects. It also goes for brushes and other embellishments. I also love printing out my pictures at home, it's so much more convenient than waiting for them to be sent back. And if I change my mind, well, I can print them again.

Journaling: That's it, you're walking! Now, each and every day, from the morning till the evening, we can hear a soft noise of your steps. You walk with your hands up and nothing can stop you! Not even the toys on the floor, or pieces of wood on the playground. You're up and walking at 14 1/2 months. But that's totally normal, it's all about your survival!

And Pray by Kimberly Kett

Supplies: Paper: Studio Calico, Cardstock: Stampin’ Up!, Alphabet: Studio Calico, Quickutz Metro font, Pearls: BasicGrey, Mist: Studio Calico, Pens: American Crafts, Other: tags.

Design Notes: I sprayed my tags with Mr. Huey's Studio Calico Mist, cut out the birds from some Studio Calico paper and sprinkled some BasicGrey pearls to add a spiritual feel to the page.

Journaling: Chelle's facebook pic and caption, January 26th, 2011. Quote for the title is from a Justin Bieber song.