Scrapbook Ideas - Tips And Techniques

Whether you are new to scrapbooking or have been putting your scrapbook ideas into practice for a while, every keen scrapbooking enthusiast welcomes new ideas, tips and techniques so I am going to share a few of mine with you.

by Vicki Churchill

Attaching Ribbon To Your Scrapbook Ideas

Ribbon is a beautiful way to accessorize a scrapbook page. It gives the page a three dimensional look and there are thousands of colors, designs and sizes of ribbon so you are sure to find something to suit the project you are working on.

There are many ways to use ribbon with your scrapbook ideas including ribbon glue which is especially made to adhere ribbon to paper. You could also use eyelets or brads, again these come in a huge variety of shapes and colors.

Attaching ribbon using staples is also a visually impressive way of embellishing your scrapbook ideas. You can use peel off pens or permanent markers to change the color of the staples helping to coordinate them with your scrapbook pages.

Using Chipboard For Scrapbook Ideas

Chipboard is a lot like cardboard but generally it is slightly thicker than cardstock but thinner than cardboard. If you are using chipboard for your scrapbook ideas always check the packaging or use an acid test pen to ensure it is acid free as quite often it is not.

The most common way to use chipboard with any of your scrapbook ideas is to cover it with paper. Cut the chipboard to the size and shape you require then trace the chipboard to the backside of your chosen paper. Simply cut the paper out and adhere to the chipboard. Because the sides will still be showing you can use ink, paint or pens to color the edges.

Using Flat Or Wrinkled Paper For Your Scrapbook Ideas

If your scrapbook page layout is depicts an old era then distressing a piece of paper to use as a background is a really effective way to give an aged look. To distress or ‘age' a piece of scrapbook paper begin by crumpling it up then flattening it out. Brush an ink pad over the raised surface to give a distressed look. You can purchase specialist distress ink that will work really well but generally any ink will do but some may just need longer to dry.

If you need to flatten a piece of paper to use for your scrapbook ideas the best way is to use an iron on a low setting with no steam. I would recommend you also place a piece of scrapbook paper on top for extra protection.

Tips For Framing Photos

Most people matt and layer photos before adding them to a scrapbook page. Matt and layering is basically a technique where you build up layers of paper sticking one on top of the other to form a frame. There are many other ways to frame a photo including using ribbon, photo corners, photo turns, large brackets and ready made metal frames.

How To Attach Pictures For Your Scrapbook Ideas Without Causing Damage

If you are creating a scrapbook page layout and using an original photo that you do not want to cut, stick or damage in anyway there are a few simple techniques to add the picture to your scrapbook page without causing any damage.

The easiest way is to use photo corners however if you want a really effective way try making an envelope and placing the picture inside. Keep the envelope open so the photo can be seen, you can embellish the envelope to match your scrapbook page.

When putting together any scrapbook ideas every crafter will stumble upon new ways and techniques and it is always a good idea to share these ideas with other keen scrapbookers by joining a community or forum, you never no, you may find the answer to a problem that has been bugging you for ages.

Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Scrapbook Ideas providing you with excellent tips and ideas on How To Make A Scrapbook. She also specializes in Card Making.

Originally published on SearchWarp.com for Vicki Churchill Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Article Source: Scrapbook Ideas - Tips And Techniques - Reprinted with permission.

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