There are so many techniques and tools to help you create the perfect scrapbook! Check these out!
21. Photograph Mosaics
An attractive technique for placing photographs into scrapbooks is the photograph mosaic. Mosaics stretch photographs into an artistic rendition of the original photograph. Maps can also be stretched in this way. This method might be employed to create a funky look for a friend scrapbook or as a background for someone who likes computers, GIS, or geography.
A basic cropping technique is used to create a photographic mosaic. Simply cut a photograph into evenly spaced squares. Then, glue the squares onto the background leaving an equal space between each square. A white background or a background matching the background color of the photograph will add to the effect. A background of a contrasting color will reduce the spaced out effect of the photograph.
22. Markers
A marker is a seeming obvious tool for writing and embellishing on scrapbook pages. Markers are easy to draw with and can be used to color in portions of lettering, in borders, or to create accents. Unfortunately, regular markers tend to smudge and bleed through scrapbook pages.
Nonetheless, there are a few brands of markers (Markers Pigma and Color Workshop Blo Pens) available in craft and office supply stores that do not smudge or bleed. These markers are also acid free, fade resistant, waterproof, and available in a variety of colors.
23. Wax Pencils
Another important writing implement for scrapbooking is a wax pencil. Wax pencils are soft pencils designed to write on glass, plastic and photographs. These pencils are easy to draw with and can be used to color in portions of lettering, in borders, or to create accents.
The unique thing about wax pencils is that if they are used on the front of a photograph, the ink will rub off. However, when used on the back of a photograph, the ink will become permanent. Wax pencil ink is acid free and available in a variety of colors.
24. Stickers
Stickers are fun and easy to stick to scrapbook pages. Stickers can be used for captions, thought bubbles, to hide mistakes, or as embellishments. Stickers of your child’s favorite cartoon or television program can add a personal accent to your scrapbook page.
However, not all stickers are suitable for scrapbooking.
Check to see if the stickers are lignin free and acid free.
Furthermore, be careful that the sticker adhesive does not dry out or seep around the edges. Never place a sticker on a photograph as the adhesive may cause irreversible damage to the photograph.
25. Rubber Stamping
Rubber stamps dipped in acid free ink can be used to create various embellishments. Rubber stamps can be used to create cute images for children’s and grandparents scrapbooks. They can also be simple flowers or leaves to create elegant looks for gift scrapbooks.
Furthermore, these embellishments can be used to focus on a certain photograph or memento. Alternately, these embellishments can be used to soften the look of a busy or sharp image. One low cost alternative to the rubber stamp is a cotton ball. This creates a shadowy effect.
Another alternative is to buy the pads and attach them to furniture castors. The thick caster allows you to position the stamp in exactly the right place. Moreover, attaching the stamp to a wider base allows you to press more evenly on the stamp. This creates a complete and evenly balanced stamp every time.
26. Faux Wax Seals
A good way to make your own personal seals is with Crayola Model Magic. Simply, roll out a small ball of the clay. Then, imprint this ball with a small rubber stamp or a brass seal. In this way, you can create whatever stamp impressions you can imagine.
27. Tearing
As the word suggests, tearing is the ripping of paper or tissue paper into various shapes or abstract forms. Tearing creates an artist look to backgrounds, borders, and embellishments.
Be aware however, because tearing does not comply well with all themes. In some more formal themes tearing appears unprofessional.
28. Fraying
Fraying can create extremely interesting and artist border accents. Fraying looks especially good in children’s scrapbooks, as well as pages for your more creative and imaginative friends. Be careful, fraying does not comply well with all themes. In some more formal themes fraying creates an unprofessional appearance.
Just cut your paper border about an inch larger than you need. Then, dampen this border by dipping only the edges of the paper into a shallow dish of water. Then, the edges of the paper can then be easily pulled off.
29. Curled Edges
For a unique look to your background and borders, curl the edges of your border and background pages. Curled edges give depth to a scrapbook page. Furthermore, curled edges can soften and reduce the focus of a busy scrapbook page by directing the eye outwards.
To create a curled look, simply wet one edge of the border or background paper. Next, using your fingers, manipulate the paper into a curl. This curled edge can then be left as is, chalked, or inked for a more dramatic effect.
30. Antique Look
An antique look can increase the dramatic impact of your theme or add a feeling of wisdom and age to your
scrapbooking page. Adding an antique look to your
background or journals can be accomplished in several ways. One way is to simple wrinkle cardstock. Another way is to scratch the paper with an emery board or sandpaper. Your antique page can then be left as is, chalked, or inked for an even more dramatic effect.