Beginning Scrapbooking
There are almost as many different reasons people scrapbook as there are people. Some do it for fun, while others find it relaxing. Therapeutic, even. Some just can't throw away that ticket because she knows her children will move out one day, and she wants to remember this particular family outing.
Whatever your reason, there are a few basic principles to remember before you begin.
What you need:
If you're going to use photos, make sure to purchase acid-free paper supplies so those pictures won't be harmed.
Basic Techniques ~
One of the first things many scrapbookers learn is how to mat photos. This can be done by cutting a square or rectangle that is about a half inch longer and wider than the photo you want to mat. Then glue the photo to the center. To make a photo really stand out, double mat it by cutting out a shape a half inch longer and wider than the first mat, and center the matted photo on it. My particular favorite mat template to use is Christmas cards. The straight lines are already there for you and it's already embellished.
Journaling gives scrapbook pages a nice personal touch. Simply write a note about the photos on a page, telling what was happening or share your thoughts on the subject. Use paper that coordinates with the background, and be sure to write with an acid-free pen. Little ditty's and poems are very nice in this instance.
Adding borders to your pages gives them a finished look. You can make them out of strips of coordinating scrapbook paper. You don't have to border all four sides. A strip along the top, side or bottom will do. For easy embellishing, use some stickers. My favorites? Stickers by Jolee. She has it goin' on, but they can be pricey.
The biggest tip? Start small. If you enjoy it, then grow little by little. Add a fancy border punch or corner punch. Then, some grommets. Then there's those cute little tags...
Excuse me. I have to go to the paper store! ;)
Whatever your reason, there are a few basic principles to remember before you begin.
What you need:
- An album - Scrapbooking albums come in all shapes and sizes. The most popular are 8 1/2" x 11" and 12" x 12". They can be found at most craft supply stores.
- Paper - Scrapbooking paper can be found in a variety of solid colors and patterns, but don't get caught up in the mindset that if it's not specifically made for scrapbooking, you can't use it. I actually use pages I've torn out of my damaged books and used these. Be creative. If you like the paper, try to use it!
- Cutting tools - You can easily get by with just a good pair of scissors. But an Exacto knife might make photo cropping easier. And if you're no good at cutting straight lines, you might want to invest in a paper cutter. I've found a Fiskars paper cutter on the discount rack at Walmart. Check around and don't impulse buy.
- Adhesives - There are all sorts of adhesives one could use for scrapbooking. Glue sticks and double-sided tape are quite popular. Some scrapbookers also use rubber cement or glue dots for certain applications. Again, don't be impulsive when you buy adhesive. If you're not sure just how long you're going to be interested in scrapbooking, start small. Then expand if you find this is something you enjoy.
- Photos - People often start out with old photos that they've accumulated over the years. This makes for a nice, nostalgic album, but with the advent of digital photography, you may be somewhat limited. Instead of concentrating on just photos, what about using that ticket stub for Phantom of the Opera you haven't thrown away yet? Or that gorgeous Christmas card your Aunt Gertrude sent you? Still want photos? No problem! Print off a couple of your favorites and apply until your heart is content. Other ideas to use: ticket stubs, first dollar earned, certificates, road maps, business cards, paperback book covers, bookmarks, report cards, etc. Really, the list is endless.
If you're going to use photos, make sure to purchase acid-free paper supplies so those pictures won't be harmed.
Basic Techniques ~
One of the first things many scrapbookers learn is how to mat photos. This can be done by cutting a square or rectangle that is about a half inch longer and wider than the photo you want to mat. Then glue the photo to the center. To make a photo really stand out, double mat it by cutting out a shape a half inch longer and wider than the first mat, and center the matted photo on it. My particular favorite mat template to use is Christmas cards. The straight lines are already there for you and it's already embellished.
Journaling gives scrapbook pages a nice personal touch. Simply write a note about the photos on a page, telling what was happening or share your thoughts on the subject. Use paper that coordinates with the background, and be sure to write with an acid-free pen. Little ditty's and poems are very nice in this instance.
Adding borders to your pages gives them a finished look. You can make them out of strips of coordinating scrapbook paper. You don't have to border all four sides. A strip along the top, side or bottom will do. For easy embellishing, use some stickers. My favorites? Stickers by Jolee. She has it goin' on, but they can be pricey.
The biggest tip? Start small. If you enjoy it, then grow little by little. Add a fancy border punch or corner punch. Then, some grommets. Then there's those cute little tags...
Excuse me. I have to go to the paper store! ;)
Handmade Cards
One of the biggest things I use scrapbooking for is homemade cards.
I love to make these when I have the time. If I don't have a lot of time, I make these for the special people in my life, and the rest, oops, sorry. They get the store bought ones.
Most arts and crafts stores have big scrapbooking sections. This is where you will be able to find the materials to make your own cards. Walk down a few of these aisles and let your imagination go. You may want to go shopping alone, though, as your husband will yank you back into reality after several hours have passed. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, birthdays, anniversarys, you name it, there's going to be something for it.
Let your imagination soar. Check around the internet for inspiration, and remember, don't go big the first time around. Start small and grow your stash. Use up some of those old cards you may still have laying around ~ many of them have some cute little embellishments or pictures that would look great revamped.
Have fun!
I love to make these when I have the time. If I don't have a lot of time, I make these for the special people in my life, and the rest, oops, sorry. They get the store bought ones.
Most arts and crafts stores have big scrapbooking sections. This is where you will be able to find the materials to make your own cards. Walk down a few of these aisles and let your imagination go. You may want to go shopping alone, though, as your husband will yank you back into reality after several hours have passed. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, birthdays, anniversarys, you name it, there's going to be something for it.
- Rubber stamps are widely available and you can buy virtually any color ink to go with the stamps. There are several stamping methods that you can use when making cards including embossing. Embossing is the process of creating a raised image on the card and it can give the card an elegant appearance. This is especially gorgeous for wedding invitations or that very special thank you card.
- Die cuts and die cut machines allow you to punch out a shape with ease. They come in all different shapes and sizes and can be very useful in achieving a layered look. Don't get stuck using just one color, though. It really pops when multiple colors are punched and layered or spread around.
- Scrapbook papers come in all different colors, textures and themes. Patterned paper can be purchased as well as glitter paper vellum, or onion paper. These make gorgeous cards or envelopes that I'm positive the receiver will have a difficult time throwing away. You'll may find card kits as well. This is a great way to become comfortable with making your own cards. These make great bases to begin with. There are many different sizes and colors of card kits to meet a variety of needs. During seasonal periods, such as Christmas, card kits come out with note cards, envelopes and many different die cut shapes.
- Stickers are available, both regular and 3D and come in many different themes. Disney stickers are available as well as licensed characters and many 3D designs. You can further enhance your handmade cards by adding ribbon, grommets, eyelets, and brads. Adhesive ribbon comes in a plethora of colors, shapes and textures, and don't forget the stash of regular ribbon you have in your drawer. Add a few glue dots, and you're good to go! Brads, grommets, and eyelets can be used to hold items such as die cuts on the card without the use of an adhesive.
Let your imagination soar. Check around the internet for inspiration, and remember, don't go big the first time around. Start small and grow your stash. Use up some of those old cards you may still have laying around ~ many of them have some cute little embellishments or pictures that would look great revamped.
Have fun!
