Unless you're creating a scrapbook for an organization or business or for a gift to help tell the story of someone else's life, the biggest rule to never break when making a scrapbook is there are no rules. A personal scrapbook or a family album-type scrapbook is meant to be a reflection of the person creating it. Their thoughts, ideas, dreams and reflections are all important and should be included. A scrapbook without such additions is simply a photo album with words. One that includes personal touches is a book that tells the story of a person - who they are, what they think, what's important to them.

Creating a scrapbook is a very intimate undertaking and shouldn't be dictated by a rigid set of standards. Whatever makes the creator happy and feel the story has been told goes.

That said, it's important for a scrapbook maker to add personal touches, but really, what are these? Anything and everything really, but here are some ideas:
* Journal entries. Make sure words are used beyond mere photo captions. If you're telling the story of your child's first day at kindergarten, include your feelings and his. Don't be afraid to say you cried, you were proud, you cheered him on. While a picture of Johnny's first day at school will mean a lot to him 30 years from now, knowing his mother cried like her heart will break for three hours after she dropped him off will mean even more.
* Poetry. Don't be afraid to use a few lines, an entire poem or just a verse or two. Whether it's poetry you borrow that helps describe your feelings or that you write, it's a great way to show inner feelings in detail.
* Headlines. Use these to add to the story and move it along. They help pull people into individual pages and books, so make sure they reflect the event or person depicted and the tone set by the page well.
* Drawings and doodles. These are great, even if it's just a little heart drawn on a page.
* Stickers and other embellishments. If drawing isn't your thing, these can really help add to a story as well. Don't be afraid to use them. If you're concerned about a book looking too embellished, use them sparingly.
* Paper choice. What you choose to mount your photos and words on can make a big difference. Let the paper help reflect the mood.
* Other additions. If your page covers an event the news may have picked up, include a clipping. Use programs, invitations, birth announcements and other such items to tell the story, too.

No matter how you go about creating your scrapbook, the end product should tell the story you want it to. The pictures, words and additional elements all come into play, working together to preserve memories and immortalize thoughts, feelings and more.