Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking Ideas: Tips On Using Photographs To Tell The Story

2007-07-16T11:42:00Z

To scrapbook layouts you first need to create interesting photographs. Think of it in terms of telling a story. Your photographs photograph’s should include the character(s), plot and setting. While we make certain to include the "who, what, where, and when." We often forget the small details that add emphasis and focus important details in the story.

A few key photographs can fill in the unspoken details. Here are a few examples to help you find the details:

birthday cake will tell of the parties theme
table settings for a dinner celebration
heaps of wrapping paper after a holiday celebration
candles burning during winter holidays
a diploma tells of the work and accomplishment
close-ups of flowers native to the geographic location of a trip or a season
medals or trophies from a competition
ski’s leaning against the chalet
sports gear piled up at the playing field
architectural detail of a historic building

In taking these photos, keep in mind how they might be used on your layout. If you want to use it as a tiny element or accent, it is easier to stand some distance back, so that the photo can easily be cropped to the size desired.

This effect is used repeatedly in shelter magazines--the close-up photos of a small and meaningful aspect of a place speaks to the story. So take a close up and tell your own story.

Finding the right words

2007-07-12T02:08:00Z

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am rarely at a loss for words. However, it never fails that when I sit down to journal I get writers block. It is on these occassions that I turn to songs, stories, movies, jokes, or my bible for inspiration. It is also the reason why I have decided to add "Tid Bits" to this blog.

"Tid Bits" is a category where we will store quips, antidotes, verses, quotes or any other such inpiration to find the right words.

The first Tid Bit:

Summer sky of blue and white, Winter sky of grey: Pink and orange in the dawns light, and red at close of day.

Scrapbooking Ideas: Tips creating “singled word” titles

2007-07-09T15:15:00Z

Usually single-word sentiments assume the title position on a layout and set the mood for the layout. Single-word titles aren't a new concept in scrapbooking. Single-word titles can be very effective and make a powerful statement.

However, picking the right word can be challenging. Here are some tips for finding the right “word” for your titles:

Look closely at the subject in your photograph. What expression do they have? Is it curiosity, frustration, surprise, and excitement are just a few powerful descriptive words that would work well for a title.
Use words that describe the relationships shown in your photographs. Friends, siblings, teachers, and relatives are all important relationships that can be captured in photographs. Words like companion, brotherhood, mentor, and family all help to emphasize relationships.
Determine what words describe the events of the photograph. Does it display calm, chaos, comfort, or adventure?
Translating a word into another language can be an interesting and effective.
A thesaurus can help you eloquently portray the perfect sentiment. For example, rather than "excited", use animated, charged, delighted or frantic.

While a picture maybe worth a thousand words, sometimes a “single-word” can paint a colorful picture and when paired with an expressive photograph. Take some time to find that perfect word to make a statement that leaves a creative impression.

Scrapbooking Ideas: Tips on using repetion

2007-07-08T14:58:00Z

Simply design an element for your page, create it, and repeat. Repetition on your scrapbook pages creates a consistent look for your layout.

Next time you're creating a layout, take a few minutes to evaluate your design. Add in a few repeating elements and see how your layout goes from good to great .

Shape. Rectangles are repeated to create the border effect for this layout.

Motif. Different stickers are used throughout the layout. Notice the patterned paper choices.

Type. Opting for handwriting or switching the style of writing to create interest.

Size. Match large elements with other large ones, or small with small. Remember balance is still important!

Weight. Did you use a heavy, bold title? Consider adding another heavy element in the opposite corner.

Color. When you chosen the primary color for the layout, for example a blue layout, try adding a few splashes of a contrasting or complimenting color like green or purple. Then rather than using your accent color only one time, repeat it three or four times.

Line. Whether you're working in a linear or curved design, repeating the way you use lines will add flow to your layout and make it more pleasing to the eye.

It's easy to see how a little repetition can make your layouts instantly stronger. One of the most important things to remember when working with repetition is to maintain balance. A few well-placed elements will do the trick.

You've already learned that when creating great scrapbook pages, balance is key and you can use the element of contrast to create a stunning effect. Now add the use of repetition to tie it all together.

Scrapbooking Ideas: Tips on using pattern paper

2007-07-07T12:37:00Z

Paper manufacturers have made it easy to pulled-together a look by creating paper packs with coordinating patterns. However, using patterned paper effectively on a scrapbooking layout can be challenging. If not used proportionately, it can upstage a photo and create a look of confusion. After you choose several pieces that were designed to mix and match you can create a cohesive look with little effort and confusion

Here are some tips to help you make an interesting layout with pattern paper:

1. Where you would typically use a solid-colored cardstock, instead try a pattern. Patterned paper with a subtle, textured background can be just what you need to add interest to an otherwise typical journaling block.

2. If you are working with pictures from the zoo, try using animal skin themed paper. Combining competing themes, such as using a flowered pattern on a zoo theme page, can create a confusing message.

3. A little patterned paper goes along way. A small border of bright color may be all a layout needs. Too much patterned paper can overwhelm the photos or dominate the theme.

4. The larger and bolder the pattern of the paper, the larger and more eye-catching your photo should be for a balanced look. The same holds true for smaller patterns, the smaller the photos will retain their prominence.

5. Tear or distress patterned papers to create a softer edge to the pattern and create character.

Scrapbooking Idea’s: Tips for an exciting double truck

2007-07-03T11:24:00Z

Often times you will be faced with a large number of photographs from a single event. This may mean instead of trying to fit the story on to one page you will be faced with creating a double truck. This is a marketing term in developing advertising layouts for two pages in a magazine. Next time you are faced with a pile of photographs, have lots of journaling or find yourself wanting to work in a larger space, consider these scrapbooking ideas for designing two-page layouts and you will create exciting double trucks.

To make two pages flow well, consider keeping the elements consistent from one page to the facing page. Repeating fonts and embellishments will create flow and consistency within the two pages. In addition, using similar color and patterned papers will unify the layout.
One technique in working with two pages is creating contrast. For example, a large photograph on one page can provide focus and contrast for a two-page layout. The remainder of the photographs can be balanced through the rest of the layout.
A symmetrical design breaks the layout into two similar halves. Each half will correspond to one another in relation to size, shape, and position of the parts. A symmetrical design creates the same weight on both sides. Consider a template on one page and the reverse or “negative” on the other. The result is a formal symmetry and a clean, organized design.
While trying to unify two pages, you may want to keep the pages from appearing too busy. Try to balance the material and the white space. White space can help create balance, flow and maintain a clean neat, easy to read appearance.

By placing a photograph, title or other element in the middle section or “gutter”, the two pages are instantly connected. Effectively using the middle section of a layout can disguise the "gutter" and provide flow or even join the two pages.

While a one-page layout may work nicely, I often find two pages can communicate the message more effectively, save time and save space.

Scrapbooking Ideas: Journaling Techniques

2007-07-01T16:19:00Z

When journaling your handwriting is distinct and unique as your fingerprint. Though it may be a challenge creating your own signature style, it can be satisfying and with a little practice, artistic and fun. The goal is to capture our own personality in your journaling technique and combine with your photos that tell a story for your scrapbooking projects.
Anyone can do it! Use it occasionally throughout your scrapbook instead of computer generating journaling or for titles.

First, scraplift journaling ideas that use handwriting and identify what styles you like. Then, get some scratch paper and try to replicate it by hand. Practice with different letters, words and sizes until you feel comfortable.

Just like in kindergarten when you leaned how to write your name. Focus on letter formation and smooth hand movements. Take a comfortable grip and let your writing flow. It will not take long before you are mastering the technique. As with anything, the first step is simply to practice

Next, when you are ready to attempt handwriting on your layout, there are a few things to consider:

1. Textured cardstock and paper will be harder to write on than a smooth surface.

2. If you use a wide pen or marker you will have to be more conscious of your letter spacing.

3. Use a template to draw journaling lines by lightly drawing a pencil line. For best results you may want to draw your lettering with a pencil and then finalize it with your pen when you are pleased with it.

Lastly, relax and don't be too hard on yourself. It won't be perfect at first, but that's the best thing about it - it doesn't have to be. It is uniquely yours! Everyone has access to the same papers, albums and embellishments, but you possess one thing that is as unique to you, so if you want to add something unique to your journaling, give yourself a hand!

Scrapbook Ideas: Die Cut Techniques

2007-06-30T11:38:00Z

Using die-cut shapes can be fun and creative. Get out your old shapes, dust off your die-cutting machine, or try create some of your own for ideas that will look fresh new.

Add texture to flat shapes of die cuts. One way to accent your die cuts is to add some dimension and texture. Consider embossing or run a shape through a crimper (or the texture plates). After you have added the texture, add ink or paint to create highlights and shadows in the paper to further enhance the texture.

Some different ways to ad texture your die-cut shape are layering, folding, crumpling, sanding, or tearing. Also consider using foam tape or dots to add dimension to the shape.

Mix with other embellishments that you can use to accent your die cuts. Try fiber, brads, buttons, ribbon, clips, glitter, wire, charms or beads. Use an embellishment in place of a part of the die cut. For example, if you are using a balloon die cut, use fiber for the string..

Use material other than paper. Pull out some foam, shrink plastic, aluminum foil, fabric, or other materials. You will have to experiment with your die-cutting machine to see what will work in it. I have found that I can at least make most of the cut, and then I take scissors to snip the remainder of the shape.

Combine with new techniques that are popular right now. Try stamping, computer-generated text, doodling, patterned paper, sewing and rub-ons. For example, try stamping a piece of paper with a background stamp, then cutting your shape. Cut a shape, then hand cut an outline around the negative for a whimsical outline shape.

In addition to all these wonderful ways to enhance your die-cut shapes you can create your own borders. Don’t have the die cut you want? Make your own! Simple lady bugs to more challenging embellishments can be free hand. Just experiment and have fun!

Scrapbooking Tips: Getting your photographs organized

2007-06-29T04:03:00Z

If you’re like me you have shoe boxes full of unorganized, unlabeled photos still in the original envelope that they were picked up in from the store or developer. It can be a little daunting to decide how to get your arms around organizing this over whelming task. So, where do you begin? First, do you want to place them in photo sleeves and store in a binder album or in an organizer until you are ready to implement a scrapbooking project? Once you make this decision you can follow some recommendations to sort and create a system of photo (or negative, or cd or e-file) organization:

Chronologically

This is the simplest and works well if you have a huge box of photos. Start by sorting your pictures into piles by year. If the photos in each pile remains high, consider subcategories of seasons or months.

Event or Theme

If you have the tendency to take a lot of pictures for one event, it will be easy to sort your photos by event in the envelopes that come from the developer. This works well for vacations or school years. Write the date and activity on the outside of the envelope so you can identify them easily when you are ready to start scrabooking. Then store them chronologically, alphabetically, or by subject.

Person or Group

You can also sort photos by people or groups of people, depending on the style of scrapbooking project. For example, you may want to sort your photos by school or extra curricular activities (lessons, sports etc), church groups, teams, leagues etc., or you may have duplicates produced for your children’s own scrapbooks or for their grandparents. Another example, if you have an album or a section in an album for each of your family members (pets, children etc.), when you get a layout idea about something specific you’ll know exactly where they are!

Portraits

Individual and family portraits are easier to locate because of their size. You may want to sort these either chronologically or by family member..

So now that you have cleaned out the closet and emptied the shoe boxes it is time to rescue your other photos from the old magnetic albums so they can be scrapbooked and preserved for years to come. You’ll also waste less time searching for things and spend more time scrapbooking!

Scrapbooking Tips: Photographing Babies

2007-06-27T03:06:00Z

Amazing newborn photographs can be taken with any type of camera. Whether in the hospital or in the home, the location area should be in front of a window where there is even light.

Other than your camera, the other items you can use will be found within the room your working in. These common things can be used in your photographs:

Pillow(s) - These will be used to prop up the baby, or lay the baby on. A Boppy pillow is a c-shaped pillow made for holding a baby or for nursing. When covered with blankets the baby can be placed in the middle.

White sheets for background, as pillow covers or as light reflectors.

Babies blanket or onesie for the fresh, new look of a newborn.

If the baby is sleeping let him or her continue to sleep. Chances are they will wake up before your finished photographing. Try some of these ideas to pose a baby:

Wrapped in a blanket
Laying stomach down with the head in the parent's elbow or straddling a parent’s arm.

Refrain from propping up infants in a sitting position. Let the newborns do as they would naturally do and they will look as soft and peaceful as they are.

Scrapbooking Tips: Protect your photographs and memorabilia.

2007-06-25T11:38:00Z

If you take care of your photographs and memorabilia they will stay in good condition for years. However, if you ignore the following storage and preservation tips, the results may be disastrous:

Keep all photographs and memorabilia out of direct sunlight, which could eventually diminish photograph or album quality.

Liquid will destroy photographs and memorabilia. To avoid spills, store your scrapbook and photographs in a dry place. Avoid storing on shelves under house plants or near water sources. Keep all drinks off your work area.

The oil on your skin can leave fingerprints on photographs that may become visible over time. For prevention handle photos carefully. Wash hands before scrapbooking and use cotton cloth to clean photographs before storing in the sheet protector.

Handle and store your photographs and memorabilia carefully. Improper storage increases the risk of scratches, tears, and bends. Store your photos and negatives in a sturdy container. Your completed layout storage should be protected first in sheet or page protectors, then in appropriate albums.

Paper purchased at your local craft store may not necessarily be acid-free unless so stated on packaging. If you are unsure consult the store personnel.

Not all sheet protectors are alike. Do not buy materials containing PVC or PVA, which can damage your memorabilia more than if you did not used plastic protection at all. Instead, look for acrylic or polyester protectors. Again, if you are unsure consult the store personnel.

Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage photographs and memorabilia. Store all albums in cool dry place.

These tips that will help you keep your photographs and scrapbooking albums in good condition for years to come.

Scrapbooking Techniques: Adding punch to your layout!

2007-06-23T21:33:00Z

You may want to consider a few new ways to add a little PUNCH to your scrapbooking! Layering punches together can create a more interesting scrapbook layout by adding dimension to the page! For example, simple circles can be much more interesting by layering two or more different sizes of circle punches together. Add an embellishment such as stickers for extra color.

Other materials that you can punch shapes from include:

craft foam
tag board
cardboard
corrugated paper
wax paper
photographs
gift wrap
contact paper
aluminum foil

Other ideas you can try are:

Use the negative space of punches versus the punch itself.
Ink around the punched piece to make a negative image.
Create a custom background paper by adhering punched shapes to a 12" x 12" sheet of cardstock. Add even more interest by stamping or doodling on the shapes.
Have a favorite punch? Use it as a template to cut a piece of foam in the same shape. Attach this foam shape to a small piece of wood to create a custom stamp. If your foam is too thin add another layer using rubber cement.
Use small punches to create a shaker box.

So pick up that old familiar punch and punch and punch and punch!

Scrapbooking Techniques: Using Vellum

2007-06-22T13:02:00Z

Vellum can add a unique appearance and texture to your scrapbooking layout. It can create an image that adds reality or soften the appearance of a photo for a nostalgic look. Hear are a few creative ideas to help you add this element to any page:

Emphasize a special feature on a picture. Put plain vellum either under or over the photo to emphasize. Vellum over the picture would create a soft focus but allows the image to be visible.
Journaling in fancy lettering either by hand or on the computer onto plain vellum and put it over a photo creates an elegant appearance and photo shows softly through the vellum. Keep in mind smudges and creases show up very easily on vellum. Creases will appear as a white "scar" (so handle carefully) and smudges are difficult to remove.
Use your punches on vellum to add interest to your pages.
Trace your alphabet templates for a creative touch to your page and layer cardstock or sticker letters over them to create depth.

Vellum is transparent, so most adhesive will show through. Consider looking for ways to use disguise the glue, such as photo corners, ribbon, punches, die cuts, stickers and journaling. There are also ways to avoid glue from showing through the vellum. Try applying adhesive sparingly and rather than applying adhesive to the vellum, apply it to the paper your mounting to. Lastly, there are also adhesives available for use with vellum.

Make These Items From Vellum To Add A Special Accent To Your Page:

Bubbles 2. Clouds

3. Critters: snakes, frogs etc. 4. Flowers

5. Frosting 6. Glass: windshields, oven door or lenses

7. Ghosts 8. Leaves: Colorful fall or spring folage

9. Sand 10. Snow: man, balls, flakes

11. Smoke or Fire (flames) 12. Water: waves, raindrops or puddles

13. Wedding veil or gown 14. Wings: bugs or angels

Experiment with different ideas and see what appeals to you!

Scrapbooking Technique: Embellishing with tags

2007-06-20T11:08:00Z

There are so many kinds of tags that can be used to embellish and enhance your scrapbooking layouts!Here are just a few creative ideas:

Use tags as journaling boxes.
String multiple tags with jute, raffia, or wire along the bottom or side of a layout as a border.
Add punch pieces, die-cuts, stamps, or stickers to tags to use as embellishments.
Layer tags with vellum or matte tags with card stock.
Use large tags as picture mattes or as titles.
Tie tags together with ribbon and use as a title.
Attach tags to enhance die-cuts such as suitcases and gifts etc.

There are many styles of tags, which can be found at your local craft or office supply store. Some of the more popular styles used for scrapbooking are listed below:

1.Round Tags – Have silver metal rims and strings for ties.

2.Shipping Tags –Some have angled or round corners and available in a variety of colors.

3.Handmade Tags – This is where your creativity comes in! You can make tags any shape, any size you want!

If you are going to add ties to tags, they will need reinforcement. Most pre-made tags come with reinforcements, but for handmade tags you can use buttons or eyelets, or make your own reinforcement by using cardstock and a small circle punch. Punch a small hole in the center of the circle and then attach it to your tag and add a tie.

Some tags come with ties, but if not, you’ll need to draw or add your own! Here are some ideas for creative ties:

Wire or Paper Clips
Fiber
Ribbon
Jute or Twine
Thread
Yarn
Raffia
Pipe Cleaners

If you choose to use tags to embellish your layouts, be creative and use your imagination! Tag Your It!

Scrapbooking Tips: Power Cropping - Ready, Set, Go!

2007-06-19T11:38:00Z

Everyone wants to get more scrapbooking projects completed. I am always trying to convert my “unsafe” albums over to “safe” scrapbooks, while trying to keep up with this years events!

You can get an album done in a week or two by power cropping. Once you have SET your theme, you’re READY to organize photos, papers, accents and tools so you can GO crop with a plan. Set your goal to finish an album in a specific time frame. Being prepared and focused makes your scrapbooking time more productive.

Focus your time using these quick tips.

READY

Plan and focus on one album.
Decide on a theme. Does this scrapbook cover a specific year, vacation, or event? This can help you limit the paper colors or embellishment choices.
Sort your photos. Most albums are chronological within the event theme. Arrange photos in the order you want them on layout pages. Using a template for placing photos will help you save time. Place 4-6 photos into each file pocket zip bag or page protector. Accordian folders work well to store everything for a layout until you can actually scrap the page.
Plan the layouts. Look through web pages, magazines etc. Print or mark the pages and place them with the photos in your file for reference.

SET

Embellishments should be simple, even consider using the same embellishment style or product line throughout a whole album. It looks elegant and keeps the focus on your photos.
Simplicity also saves you time. Minimize your template shapes, corner treatments, and decorative scissors. Keep fancy cutting and matting treatments down to two photos or less per layout. This also puts more emphasis or adds more punch to that particular photo.
Limit your paper. Use two colors of solid cardstock and two types of patterned papers. There are unlimited numbers of layout kits available as a tool to cut your design time down. In addition, pre-cut paper packs are available to save cropping time.
Journal from the heart. Pick only one or two pen colors for journaling. Keep your journaling simple using the 5-W’s or “lists” to describe the event.

GO!

1. Going to a crop? Find a big sturdy accordion file, tote bag, or organizer that fits what you need just for this album. You can grab it and go!

2. Allow yourself the time to give the project your undivided attention to meet your goal. Whether it’s a weekend get away or one hour a day, it will be easy to get on a roll once you have attained a little momentum.

With a simple system like this, your album will be done in no time!

Scrapbooking Tip: Creating a layout using simple blue prints.

2007-06-17T22:18:00Z

Like every building project, a scrapbooking layout begins with a concept, idea and blueprint that becomes the plan. If you want to learn a method of faster layout construction then a blue print might be just what you're looking for! They will assist you in creating a balanced presentation.

The blue prints can be easily made into a template by cutting out the “white space”. Place your photos underneath to determine how much cropping, if any, is necessary. Remember it is a guide, feel free to change the shapes of the white space from rectangle to squares, circles, ovals or a combination to change the look and interest to your pages.

The blue prints below give a variety of choices based on the number of photos or support material that will be used on the page and allow for titles and journaling to complete your scrapbook layout.

With these blueprints, paper, adhesives and your photos, you can be scrapbooking beautiful layouts in less than an hour.

Scrapbooking Technique: Let ‘em rip

2007-06-16T16:22:00Z

Paper Tearing is a technique that adds texture, dimension and interest to your scrapbooking pages. It requires no tools, it is fast and it is easy. Paper Tearing can be used in a variety of ways, to create shapes, mats, titles or borders.

Paper is made from fibers, so when it is torn the fibers are broken. Different types of paper will create looks You will also find that some paper will be easier to tear than others. Printed paper will reveal the color of paper it was printed on, while solid color paper has the same color fiber through out. Tearing makes a "rough" side to the edge of the tear (the front) and a "smooth" side (the back). Just decide which look you like best for your scrapbooking project and tear accordingly.

Before you begin your project you may want to practice first. Lightly draw your tear lines onto the back of the paper (later you maybe able "freehand" your items just by eyeing it). While grasping the paper, pull with your thumb and forefinger to create a torn edge. While you are tearing, note how easy or difficult it is to tear. Until you get the hang of paper tearing, make slow pulls in the same direction along your tear lines. Guide your pulling with your thumb and forefinger of your holding hand. If you aren't happy with the final product, you can "edit" by making tiny tears along the finished edges.

The beauty of this technique is that it is not perfect and irregularity is encouraged!

Scrapbooking Tips: Photo Basics

2007-06-15T11:29:00Z

You don't need to be a professional photographer to capture picture-perfect moments, but interesting photos will make your scrapbooking layouts more interesting! Here are some helpful tips:

Keep your camera handy
Keep the camera handy and be prepared to capture the moment. Also remember to keep extra batteries and film, memory sticks or discs on hand so you wont miss recording life”s memorable events for your scrapbooking. Lastly, include cleaning solution keep your lens clean of debris that might mare your images.

Approach with care
Think about what you want to remember from the scene and capture it by taking a moment to study the subject and the background as different angles as light will change how the subject and scenery will look through the lens.

A rule thirds
The rule of thirds works well as you set up your shots. For example, for a landscape configuration focus on the subject being a third from the top and a third from the bottom of the viewfinder. When taking a portrait configuration place the subject to the left one-third or the right one-third depending on the scenery.

Try a new angle
Instead of taking all of your photographs in a horizontal format, turn your camera to capture some shots in a vertical format which will add variety to your scrapbookikng layouts.

Get close to your subject
Eliminate distractions by getting close to the subject. For example, when photographing children get down to their level.

Life is like a camera: Simply focus on the important things.

Scrapbooking Technique: Sticker Style

2007-06-14T10:57:00Z

Stickers can be fun, quick, and easy embellishments. There may be just as many ways to scrapbook with stickers as there are stickers available. It is amazing the new and wonderful variety. There are embossed, metallic, and alphabets stickers in all sizes. Not to mention a sticker for almost any season, activity or theme you can imagine.

Keep in mind, if you don’t like the often bright or glossy appearance of stickers, you can tone them down and give them an aged look. Just use a little sandpaper! Here are a couple of ideas for your stickers:

Sticker Borders An obvious way to use stickers as page borders! There are dozens of sticker borders in dozens of themes just ready to be applied to a page. In fact, many paper companies also sell coordinating stickers to serve as borders and page accents.

Sticker Tags With pre-made tags available in so many shapes and sizes, it’s not hard to find tags to fit the stickers you want to use on a page. Just apply stickers directly to tags to make quick, cute page embellishments! Or, to make a tag for a layout, apply two stickers to white cardstock. I then cut the cardstock in a rectangle around the stickers and cut the upper two corners of the cardstock rectangle to create my custom sized tag.

Sticker Titles There are lots of fun ways to use letter stickers as page titles. A huge variety of colors, sizes, and styles of alphabet stickers are available. There are also wonderful stickers that are basically pre-made titles.

Letter stickers can be used to make great letter “tiles.” Stick the letters onto cardstock, leaving plenty of room around each letter. Use a square or round punch in the desired size to punch around each letter. (Hold the punch upside-down so you can see the letter sticker through the punch opening.) Add variety to the “tiles” by carefully using a pen to outline the cardstock edges.

Sticker Shaker Box You can put all sorts of things into shaker boxes, even stickers! Mount the stickers to paper that matched the background patterned paper of the shaker box so you can cut loosely around the edges of the stickers and any paper showing under the clear edges of the stickers will blend into the background.

Don’t get stuck in a rut, scraplift or experiment with ideas and soon you will have your own sticker style!

Scrapbooking Techniques: Back to Basic Stamps

2007-06-13T11:07:00Z

There are a huge variety of products for your scrapbooking needs. It can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Every once in a while, I like to get back to the basics to clear my mind and “start fresh” again. I usually do this by taking out a piece of cardstock that matches my pictures, choosing my favorite shape stamp and creating my own patterned paper.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Themed Make themed paper. By using the latest foam stamps such as Halloween or Christmas, you can make a great background for your holiday pictures.
Duplicate Create the same pattern out of stamped shapes on two different colors of cardstock. Then, layer the cardstock in whichever way you choose creating the impression that the patterns aren’t homemade.
Layer Overlap the stamped images on the background, especially if they’re stamped in different colors of paint.
Circles Reach for those circle stamps and create your own background paper for a fun layout. By stamping circles (both hollow and full) in different colors and patterned textures, you can make an interesting and fun pattern that will be easy to use with your pictures.
Letters For a fun pattern, stamp with foam letter stamps in random succession onto a piece of cardstock. Let some of them fall off the page, which gives the impression that the pattern continues elsewhere.
Share and Share Alike Ask your scrapping friends to swap hand-made patterned papers. You’ll be delighted how unique they end up!

I hope this will give you some ideas to rejuvenate your love for those basic shape stamps. They are so versatile, but they sometimes get lost in all the other products. It’s always refreshing to start over and go back to the basics.