Does the Rule of Three Really Matter in Scrapbooking? Let’s Talk!

Ever feel like your scrapbook layout is almost perfect, but something seems off? You shift things around, add an embellishment here, move a sticker there… and somehow, it still doesn’t feel quite right. I’ve been there more times than I can count. And every time, I come back to one simple trick: the Rule of Three.

Now, if you’re thinking, “Wait… rules? In crafting?”—don’t worry. This isn’t some rigid, must-follow thing. It’s more of a guideline, and honestly, once you start using it, you’ll see why it works so well.

What Is the Rule of Three in Scrapbooking?

Basically, things just look better in threes. It’s a design principle that shows up everywhere—photography, interior decorating, even how food is plated. The idea is that our brains like odd numbers, and three is the magic number for balance and visual flow.

How Does This Work in Scrapbooking?

So glad you asked! Here’s how the Rule of Three can help you pull your layouts together without overthinking every little detail.

1. Three Visual Elements for Balance

Ever notice how a triangle feels like a natural shape to follow with your eyes? That’s the idea here. If you’re using printable ephemera—like tickets, labels, or die-cut florals—try placing three of them in a triangular pattern. It keeps the page from feeling lopsided and makes sure your eye moves across the layout smoothly.

2. Three Main Colors for Cohesion

Picking colors can be overwhelming (trust me, I’ve spent way too much time debating between two nearly identical shades of blue). But keeping it to three main colors makes everything feel cohesive. Let’s say you’re working with a vintage printable background—you might pull in sepia, soft blue, and cream to keep things balanced without it looking too busy.

3. Three Layers for Depth

Flat pages are fine, but adding layers gives your project that extra something. Think of it like this:

• Start with a printable patterned background as your base.

• Add a solid-colored mat or paper layer to create structure.

• Top it off with stickers, stamps, or embellishments to add interest.

Suddenly, your layout has depth and dimension—without feeling cluttered.

But What If I Don’t Like Rules?

Fair question. The great thing about the Rule of Three is that it’s more of a suggestion than a strict law. Some of the best projects come from breaking the “rules” and doing what feels right. But if you ever feel stuck or your layout isn’t quite coming together, give it a try. You might be surprised at how quickly things start to fall into place.

So, what do you think? Have you used the Rule of Three in your scrapbooking without realizing it? Or are you more of a “throw it all together and see what happens” kind of crafter? Either way, I’d love to hear how you approach your layouts!