The Five Pillars of Feminist Scrapbooking: How to Tell Your Story Your Way

Have you ever thought about how many ways there are to tell a story? A quick photo on your phone, a note in your planner, a collage in your journal—they all say something about who you are and what matters to you. In feminist scrapbooking, we lean into that diversity of expression through a framework I call the Five Pillars of Feminist Scrapbooking: Pictures, Words, Creative Supplies, Bits of Life, and a Feminist Lens.

These pillars give you structure without rules. They help you understand the building blocks of your storytelling so you can focus on what feels good and true—not on what’s “supposed” to look good online. Whether you’re filling a tiny notebook or a giant 12×12 album, the pillars will help you create pages that feel authentic, joyful, and completely you.

Pillar One: Pictures—A Thousand Words in a Snapshot

Images are the heartbeat of a scrapbook. They capture emotion, energy, and memory all at once. And yes, that can mean a selfie, but it can also mean a meme, a screenshot, a magazine cutout, or a Polaroid. Anything visual that connects you to a moment counts.

When you stop worrying about taking “perfect” photos, you make room for more honest storytelling. The camera doesn’t matter as much as what you choose to capture. Whether you’re printing from your phone or your DSLR, every picture adds a layer to your story.

Try this: Choose one photo or image that feels like you right now. Print it, glue it, tape it, or collage it onto a page—no pressure to write anything. Just start with the image.

Every photo, every scrap, every word tells part of your story.

Pillar Two: Words—Your Story, in Your Own Voice

Words bring your pictures to life. They’re how you explain, explore, and connect—even if it’s just a few scribbles in the corner of a page. In feminist scrapbooking, journaling isn’t about writing perfectly; it’s about letting your voice show up.

Your words might be a quote that resonates, a messy free-write, a list of what you’re loving this week, or even a set of letter stickers spelling out your current mood. All of it counts. Words give context to the image and remind future-you what mattered most.

Try this: Write one sentence or phrase that belongs with your favorite photo—even if it’s something small, like “I felt like myself here.”

Pillar Three: Creative Supplies—Crafting with Personality

Creative supplies are where your personality shines. Stickers, washi tape, stamps, markers, patterned paper—whatever you’re drawn to, that’s your visual language. Your supplies don’t just decorate your story; they are part of the story.

Two scrapbookers can use the same sticker sheet and end up with totally different results. That’s the fun of it—your choices reflect who you are right now. Some days you might crave bright colors and bold stamps; other days, a minimalist spread with soft neutrals.

Try this: Grab one supply you love (even if you’ve been “saving it”) and build a page around it.

Pillar Four: Bits of Life—Everyday Ephemera That Holds Meaning

The scraps of your everyday life are storytelling gold. Ticket stubs, receipts, notes, packaging—the stuff that most people toss out can turn your page into a time capsule. These bits of life remind you what life felt like in that moment.

You don’t have to include everything—just the pieces that matter. Even a little thing, like the tag from your favorite tea, can spark a flood of memories later. And if something feels too bulky or fragile, scan it, photograph it, or tuck it into a pocket instead.

Try this: Next time you’re cleaning your desk or emptying your bag, see what small paper treasures you’ve collected lately.

Pillar Five: A Feminist Lens—You, Unapologetically

This is where it all comes together. A feminist lens means centering yourself in your own story—your real, complex, everyday life. It’s about documenting from your perspective and honoring every part of your identity.

When you look at your creative work through this lens, you stop editing yourself for an imaginary audience. You make choices that feel true to you: adding selfies that show your joy, using words that reflect your values, and telling stories that might otherwise go untold.

Your scrapbook becomes more than a collection of pages—it becomes a celebration of your voice.

Try this: Add a selfie or personal reflection to your next page. No filters, no performance—just you.

Your Turn ✍🏻

Pick one pillar that speaks to you right now—Pictures, Words, Creative Supplies, Bits of Life, or a Feminist Lens—and play with it on your next page. You don’t need to hit all five at once. Just focus on one and see what happens.

Then, share your page in the Activity Feed so we can cheer you on and see which pillar you chose to explore!

Keep Exploring

The Five Pillars of Feminist Scrapbooking are at the heart of everything we do inside Feminist Scrapbook School—where creative practice meets personal storytelling and feminist self-care.

If this framework speaks to you, come explore with us. Inside the school, you’ll find classes, live workshops, and a welcoming community ready to help you grow your creative voice.

→ Learn more about Feminist Scrapbook School
→ What Is Feminist Scrapbooking?