Utah Scrapbooking Tips and Techniques

Choosing the Right Paper for Your Project

There is a variety of scrapbook paper available for your scrapbooking needs. Some of the most common varieties of papers for scrapbooking are:

Cardstock, which is a heavy weight paper used primarily for the "backbone" of your page layout. It is also used for photo mats; paper piercing and die cut images too.

B&T (Background and Texture) paper is used for a decorative background on your scrapbook pages. It can be used for a photo mat backgrounds or to accent your stamps, die cuts, stickers, etc.

Gingham (patterned paper) paper is a common "checker board" patterned paper that can be used for background accents on your scrapbook pages, greeting cards or other craft projects. It is pleasing to the eye and a popular, versatile pattern.

Mulberry paper is used for adding a bit of “flair” to your pages. This thick paper can be torn while wet and used for making “tear bears” or other characters. Just tear the paper and the result is chic, fiber-rich edges.

Vellum is a translucent paper that looks very elegant and it can be used for masking an image, embossing and is great for journaling. It is typically placed over a colored paper and it is used to "dress up" your pages and give them a distinctive appearance.

The most important thing to remember when you are choosing scrapbooking paper to go in your memory books is to choose a paper that is memory-safe, meaning it is acid-free. You want something that is going to preserve your photographs not ruin them.

Craft Punch Templates

Craft punches are terrific little tools and they come in so many fantastic shapes. One downfall to the craft punch is its size. The punched shapes are usually only an inch or two in dimension. The figures would make great die cuts, but size is an issue.

Here is a solution:

Use the negative punched out portion of your punches. Punch your shape onto a scrap paper, place it on a copier with a dark sheet of paper covering the punched out portion. Then, enlarge it to the desired size. Next, cut out the black negative punched pieces for templates. Now you have some new templates and some fabulous shapes for your scrapbook layouts.

Embellish Your Die Cuts with Scrapbook Microbeads

Scrapbooking die cuts come in a variety of shapes, colors and styles. Why not make your scrapbooking die cut shapes dazzle with scrapbook microbeads? Microbeads are available in various sizes and rainbow of colors. These tiny beads can add depth and dimension to your die cuts without too much bulk. Using microbeads on a flower shape or on letters will make them “jump off” the page. Clear microbeads can even make colored images have a “stained glass” look.

In order to adhere the microbeads to your scrapbooking die cuts, you should completely cover the area with a strong adhesive and either generously sprinkle the beads onto the die cut or pour the beads into a container and turn over the die cut to press firmly into the beads. Then, flip your die cut back to the front and press again firmly or go over it with a brayer to make sure they are securely embedded. Liquid glue will work best if you are only covering a small area.

Including Quotes on Your Scrapbook Pages

Originality in scrapbooking is essential. You can create original pages with exclusive ideas. Including journaling on your layouts is one way to tell about the photographs and help you remember what was going on during that time period.

Srapbooking quotes for your pages are a wonderful way to add some "elegance" to your page layouts. Famous quotes for your era are fun to have in your books. You can also include quotes from family members about the people in the pictures.

For baby books you can quote your child or record "first words" and funny sayings and phrases.

Including quotes in on your pages will make them unique but make them interesting for others to view.

Scrapbook Matting Techniques: Attaching Photo Corners

Do you have trouble getting photos and memorabilia on straight when you use photo corners? Here is a scrapbooking technique to make the job easier. Using a pencil, lightly draw on your page where you want the photo to go. Place photo mounts in opposite corners on the item, and place it on the page, using the pencil guide. Then apply photo mounts to the two existing corners. Don´t forget - if you are using lick and stick corners, use a sponge not your saliva. Saliva is acidic.

Scrapbook Matting Techniques: Cropping effects

Cropping effects are a great scrapbooking technique to add character and personality to a page. However, try not to go overboard. It is easy to fall victim to wanting the scrapper's high and try new and exciting effects on every page. Remember you want to get your pictures into a safe album with journaling – not waiting in boxes for years while you cut paper into intricate shapes for ever single shot! For a quick and easy photo cropping effect, try using a decorative photo corner.

Scrapbook Matting Techniques: Using Decorative Scissors

There are several different scrapbook techniques you can use to add interest to your photo mats. One way is to use decorative scissors. When double or triple matting with decorative edges, start by cutting the smallest mat first. Adhere the smaller layer onto the next larger before making the next cuts. This makes it easier to evenly cut the second mat.

Scrapbook Size: "What is the best albums size for your needs?"

Scrapbooking albums come in all shapes and sizes. There is no one specific album size that is "best" to use, but here are some tips on the various sizes available:

The 12 x 12 papers are readily available and this particular size seems to be a good size to fit pictures and other memorabilia on the pages without too much crowding. You can also buy ready-to-make pages kits in the 12 x 12 size.
If you want a smaller size book go with a 9 x 9 or 6 x 6 size. These sizes are great for children to start with because they are smaller and easier to work with for tiny hands. The 8 1/2 x 11 size is becoming almost obsolete. There are not many scrapbook papers available in that size anymore and the industry seems to be steering away from the 8 1/2 x 11 size and going to the square sizes instead.

Scrapbook Techniques: Cropping Quickies

One of the most important scrapbooking techniques to remember is cropping your photos. When cropping photos, show only the most important parts of the picture. This makes the page more interesting and allows room to place more photos and for journaling. There are several different scrapbook techniques you can use for cropping photos. You can use scrapbook templates, you can try silhouetting, i.e. cutting around the main subject, or bumping part of the picture out beyond the “frame”. Feet, hands, hats, balloons, are ideal - you are limited only by your imagination.

Scrapbooking Techniques: Mulberry Paper

Mulberry Paper is a fibrous paper which adds a lovely soft touch to a mounted photo, journaling or title. There are several scrapbook techniques to keep in mind when working with this paper. Take care to use only paper which is acid free and lignin free. For best effect Mulberry Paper should be torn. The trick to tearing Mulberry Paper to the desired shape is to moisten it using a paintbrush dipped in water before gently easing apart the fibers. The wider the area moistened, the more ragged the edge. Make sure the paper is dry before mounting.

Scrapbooking Techniques: Sticker Art

Working with scrapbook stickers can be tricky. You want to make your design is laid out properly before you adhere them to the pages. An easy scrapbook technique is to lay out your design on wax paper or plastic wrap. As wax paper and plastic wrap are transparent, you can move it around over the page and get some idea of where the art will look best before having to commit.

Stickers for Scrapbooking

Stickers can be used to "dress up" a simple page layout. Although the scrapbooking industry has somewhat evolved from using this type of embellishment, stickers will always be somewhat of an “industry standard”. There are many types of stickers to choose from including, bubble stickers or 3-D stickers, cardboard cut-out stickers, stickers with glitter and alphabet stickers.

Stickers are great for kids learning how to create their own memory albums. Scrapbooking stickers are available in various themes, colors, characters, etc. You can use sticker letters to create “headers”, write your name and other creative tasks. They are an easy way to decorate pages and are less likely to create a mess. Children love stickers; why not let them help with their own scrapbooks.

You can purchase stickers at any store that carries scrapbooking supplies. Scrapbooking stickers should be acid-free and memory safe. When purchasing stickers for your albums make sure they have these qualities.

Storing your scrapbooking supplies

Keeping your supplies organized is an important task, but one that can seem overwhelming. You can purchase special organizational kits for your scrapbook supplies, including folders, binders and carrying cases. Another idea is to purchase your own plastic containers for storage of your scrapbooking supplies. Store your stickers in zip lock bags and place them in a plastic tote. Make sure to store your paper flat so it does not get wrinkled. Try hanging folders for this.

Turning Self Adhesive Stickers into 3-D Images

There is a wide variety of dimensional stickers available, but if you want to use regular self-adhesive stickers, like die cuts, in order to create 3-D images on your page layouts, there is a trick to getting your stickers not to stick. Use baby powder to take away the “stick” from your sticker. Just dab your finger into the baby powder and rub it on the back of your sticker.

You can use your “sticky less” stickers by adding some 3-D foam on the back to make them stand out on your scrapbook pages. For example, if you have a baseball sticker and want the baseball to be 3-dimensional, use the powder to de-stick the baseball sticker and add some 3-D foam, then your done.

De-sticking your stickers is just one new way to think “out of the box” when it comes to scrapbook embellishments.