7 Quick Ideas Anybody Can Use to Make Beautiful Scrapbooks
1. Vellum
Vellum is a transparent, translucent material. Vellum can be
used to create a slight shadow or shade change to background or
embellishment colors. This can be used as a softening agent for
baby scrapbooks, as a touch of elegance to gift scrapbooks, or
to create dimension in a boring flat page.
To reduce the cloudiness effect caused by gluing, apply only a
thin line of glue along the edges of the vellum. In this way,
you will see a slight shadow only along the very edge. This will
look like a border to the vellum. Vellum is available in both
acidic and non acidic forms.
2. Shadow Boxes
A great way to add depth to your scrapbook page is to add shadow
boxes. Basically shadow boxes add a shadow to your images.
Shadow boxes are also a great way to make your most important
photographs or text boxes stand out form the rest of the page.
Shadow boxes can also be to emphasis dedications.
To make a shadow box, simply cut a box shape out of paper. Next,
put your embellishment on a larger square of cardstock. Then,
add glue to all four sides of the cardstock square and attach it
to the back of your paper. The embellishment will show through,
adding greater dimension to your page.
3. Patterned Paper
Patterned paper can be used for backgrounds, borders, and
embellishments. Often plain white backgrounds look rather boring
and dull. Patterned backgrounds add a touch of excitement to
your page. The right pattern tailored to your theme and purpose
can also increase that professional look.
Colors and patterns can be used to coordinate with your
photographs or to add dramatic effects. Paper with various
themes and patterns is widely available. For instance, a
birthday scrapbook could have a background made of your favorite
gift wrap. This could add a touch of elegance or a touch of
humor depending upon the patterned paper you choose.
4. Textured Paper
Textured paper can add extra dimension to your scrapbooking
page. Textured paper can be used to highlight focus items on
your scrapbook page. Textured paper can also be used as a
backgrounds or border to give your page an interesting fresh
look.
Textured paper is available in a variety of textures and colors
and is available in most craft and office supply stores.
5. Book Jacket Backgrounds
For an added personal touch and artist flair use a book jacket
as a background. This scrapbook technique looks especially nice
when the book jacket is the reader's favorite book or author,
adding a wonderful personalized touch.
Be aware, however, that the glossy coating on the book jacket
creates an added challenge to sticking objects to this
background. Alternative attachment methods include sewing and
eyelets.
6. Adding Dimension
One good way to add dimension to images is to use double stick
foam tape. Double stick foam tape literally allows items to pop
out at your reader adding realism to items. This technique is
especially useful in children's art and educational scrapbooks.
Simply, cut the foam tape into whatever shape and size you want.
Then, attach to shape onto your scrapbook page. Double stick
foam tape is available at most craft stores in various colors
and thicknesses.
7. Ribbons and Lace
Ribbon and lace are by far the most common, and most beautiful,
border embellishment. The flowing nature of both materials
encourages a touch of softness and elegance. Ribbon and lace are
especially popular in gift and memory scrapbooks.
Moreover, ribbon is easy to glue and attach. Lace requires a bit
more patience.
For an interesting change from ribbon and lace, try using jute
or raffia.