Great Ideas, Tips & Tricks for your Scrapbook Layouts!
Shabby Chic
All that is needed is very fine grit sandpaper
Gently rub on solid cardstock to achieve the desired look
Be careful not to rub to hard through the cardstock
Should have a very soft feel to it!
Wrinkled
Take a spray bottle and lightly mist your cardstock
Take your cardstock and crumple it into a ball
Flatten out and let dry
Repeat the process till you have the desired look!
Great Way to Preserve your Child's Artwork! Do you have no place to store that precious artwork of your child? Here is a great tip!
Scan the artwork adjust to the size you would like and then print on acid free paper. Now you have wonderful scrapbook paper for their album!
Texture Here are some ideas for adding texture & dimension to your layouts!
Have a great picture where you love your childs outfit? SCAN a portion of the outfit and print it out onto acid free paper to use as a background or just on your photo mats! I have scanned pillows, placements, just about anything to coordinate with my photos.
Tear a pocket off some old denim jeans to add to your layout or even a label!
Ribbon Organizer-this is a great way to organize your ribbon
I usually just hold the distress ink and gently rub on the edges of my cardstock or photos until I create the desired look. You can also use a sponge for a more precise placement of ink. Example of distress inking http://www.scrappinwagon.com/albums/album_image/1667332/544621.htm.
Where I tore the paper I used an antique linen distress ink on the edges of where the paper is torn. I also used a black soot distress ink around the border of my journaling box. These inks can also be used on fabric or ribbon. A wonderful look for any layout!
Embossing Powder Clean Up
Easy clean up for embossingpowder~ I do all my embossing work on a opened file folder that way when I am done I can just lift up the sides of the file folder and easily put the unused embossing powder back in the jar!
Acrylic Paint
Paint is a fun way to give your pages a different look-I use a dry brush when I paint on my pages,tags, paperclay or metal embellishments. If painting on metal be sure to lightly sand first. Try different techniques like crackle or stippling. Use different objects to paint such as a foam brush, straight brush or sponge.
Paper Clay Embellishments
Make your own embellishments and letters using paperclay~ using rubber stamps you can stamp letters on the paperclay and air dry then paint. Make different shapes and sizes-try using cookie cutters too!
Bottle Caps
Bottle Caps are one of the lastest raves in scrapbooking but if you don't like the bulk in your scrapbook but love the look try flattening them. Place the bottle cap on a pounding mat and gently tap the center, once it has flattened flip it over and done. The perfect place for a sticker or cut a circle the same width of the bottle cap and place a letter or photo on it! Here is an example:
Journaling
Journaling is so important in scrapbooking. It tells our life story to generations to come. I remeber years ago my mother had given me a photo album of all my childhood pictures. Unfortuantely, there were so many pictures I didn't know how old I was, who was standing next me or where I was. My children will look at the album and say,"Who is that mommy?" Sadly, I can't tell them. I have many customers that find journaling a chore but it can be fun. Use your creativity to display your journaling in a fun way. Use embellishments to replace letters or words....have fun!
Preparing for a Scrapbook Crop
Preparation is everthing when going to a crop. It always seems when I go the one thing I need I didn't bring. This isn't suppose to be stressful- it's suppose to be fun. For a long time, I stopped going to crops because I had too much to bring. I learned that being organized is the key.
Organizing Paper- I organized my papers in Protect n Stores Pattern, Bazzill, Collection Packs etc.-this all fits in my tote on wheels-it's perfect!
Embellishments- this was the easiest for me to organize. I purchased a tool tote at my local hardware store that held 4 drawers with separaters.It also has a handle so it's easy to carry or it can hang on the wall in my studio.
Stickers-another tough challenge. I purchased an accordion folder and I file them sports, holidays, child, themes etc. Label everything! It will make your search much easier.
Tools- only take the necessities. I usually search out crops with tool tables available so I don't have to bring the bulky stuff like my sizzix, heat gun, rubber stamps etc. I have even went to crops where they provide computers for your journaling!
Stitching Your Layouts
Another great way to add dimension to your scrapbook pages is by machine stitching. Don't be afraid to experiment with different color threads, zig zag stitch, etc. Here are some samples of machine stitching: http://www.scrappinwagon.com/paperpiecing.html Just a note, I use a regular sewing machine to stitch. I have noticed some of the older machine's foot is a little to heavy to stitch on paper.
Mini Albums
Mini Albums are the latest craze-I have made several mini albums just out of Bazzill and I display them in a basket-for some samples see our Photo Gallery . These even make great gifts for teachers, grandma or anyone special in your life.
Old Magnetic Photo Albums
If you still have some of your photos in the old magnetic albums here is a great tip for removing those photos. Your photos might appear to be stuck to the pages in these albums-don't worry-take some waxed dental floss and gently work the floss back and forth under your photo this should help release the photo.
How to use Ribbon in your Scrapbook Layouts
Ribbon is a wonderful way to accent your scrapbook layouts. You can attach ribbon to your pages with adhesive, tie it through an eyelet, brads or even staples. Picture hangers are also a great way to attach ribbon-check out Daisy D's! Here are some samples:
