Scrapbook Paper Tips
Read these 19 Scrapbook Paper Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Scrapbook tips and hundreds of other topics.
Don't Throw Away Your Scraps!
Paper scraps from your scrapbook layouts can have many uses. You don't have to waste your scraps; use them for other projects and pages. Here are some ideas for using up your scrapbook paper scraps:
Use your scraps to cut out shapes with hole punches. Hole punch shapes are typically no larger than 2 inches, so you don't need a lot of paper to create these cute little paper embellishments.
Depending on the size of the scraps, the paper can be used in die cutting machines to make adorable die cut shapes. Typically die cut machines require the paper to be slightly bigger than the size of the die cut you are creating. Square pieces of scrap paper are perfect for making die cut shapes.
Beautiful borders and backgrounds can be created from scrap papers. Use 2 inch-thick scraps from a 12 x 12 page and cut the edges with decorative scissors to make a fabulous page border. You can also use long strips of paper to create striping or weave the paper strips to construct a raised page background.
Use your paper scraps to cut pages for mini albums. Cardstock scraps make great mini album page bases. You can also use the scrap paper for journal blocks.
Never throw away your scrap paper; there are so many uses for these paper scraps. As you create your layouts you will come up with more and more ideas for these otherwise useless pieces of paper.
Scrapbooking paper and supplies can get expensive and paper is an essential part of your scrapbook layouts. Organize your paper into drawers or binders, so you have it on hand to use on your scrapbook pages.
Specialty Scrapbooking Paper
Specialty scrapbooking papers include handmade paper, mulberry papers, cork and many more. These types of scrapbooking papers tend to be more expensive and a little more difficult to work with. Specialty papers are mostly used for background or accents on scrapbooking layouts.
Handmade scrapbooking paper tends to be heavier than your typical scrapbooking paper. These papers are made from pieces of other papers and materials. Handmade paper is available at many scrapbook supply stores.
Mulberry paper is a fibrous paper that feathers when it is ripped or torn. This paper is popular for making fuzzy embellishments like tear bears and other “tear” animals. You can buy mulberry paper at almost any craft supply store.
Specialty scrapbooking paper can help you decorate exquisite layouts for your scrapbook albums.
Paper Distressing Techniques
Scrapbook paper is more versatile than you may think. There are several techniques you can use to turn smooth, plain paper into textured backgrounds or embellishments. Here are some techniques for adding texture by distressing your scrapbooking paper and/or cardstock:
Crinkling paper:
Wad up a piece of paper, then straighten it out to create wrinkles for a page background, photo mat or sidebar decoration. The result will be distressed paper. You enhance the wrinkles and creases by sanding them or inking them to make them stand out. There may be some tears around the edges that add more character to the paper and your scrapbooking pages.
Sanding paper:
Use some fine sand paper and create a rough texture on the paper by sanding it. This will sand off some of the color and the scratches in the paper will make it look worn and weathered. You can sand the edges for a distinctive page outline. Sanding can be done on cardstock or you can change your patterned scrapbook paper with a little sanding, too.
Paper crimping:
This technique requires some paper crimping tools that can be purchased at many scrapbook supply stores or craft stores. The paper crimping tools will make the paper 3-dimensional and create many beautiful textured patterns.
Paper tearing:
The paper tearing technique is probably one of the easiest techniques to perform. You can tear the paper in a straight line or into various shapes. Tearing pattern paper and layering it on top of your cardstock base can create some added bulk to make gorgeous layouts.
All of these paper distressing techniques will enhance your scrapbook paper and help your to create unique scrapbooking pages for your albums.
Choosing the Right Paper for your Scrapbook Pages
There are so many different kinds of paper available for your scrapbooking needs. Sometimes it is hard to decipher between the different types of scrapbooking paper.
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 background 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.
Handmade 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 and lignin-free. You want something that is going to preserve your photographs not ruin them.
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.
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.
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.
Attaching Vellum to Your Scrapbooking Pages
Vellum can be a tricky type of paper to use. Most adhesives will show through the paper, but there are invisible tape runners you can use in the outer corners so you can't see the adhesive unless you look closely at the paper. If you are looking for a totally invisible adhesive then you can try Fiskars clear photo squares, they adhere beautifully and do not show through the paper.
Another product you can use to invisibly attach vellum to your scrapbook pages is acid-free Cfrats Ect spray adhesive. When using this spray you need to be careful not to touch it for at least 1-2 minutes, then you can adhere it to your page.
If you would prefer not to use adhesive you can use eyelets or brads to attach the vellum to your layout.
Scrapbook Paper Sizes
Scrapbook paper can be any size. The 12 x 12 scrapbook page has become sort of the standard today, but you can cut your paper into whatever sizes you desire. There are so many different sizes for scrapbooks it is pretty much anything goes these days.
On the scrapbook tip site you will find ideas for many different types of scrapbooks including paper bag albums, tag books, scrapbook in a box etc. You will also find tips about various albums sizes and page layouts.
Making Batik Paper
What is Batik? Batik is a method of dying by using removable wax. The Batik method is used for dying material, paper, etc.
Here is a recipe for making Batik paper, which can be used for your scrapbook pages. Instead of removable wax, we are using clear embossing powder.
You will need:
· Mulberry paper
· Clear embossing inkpad
· Clear embossing powder
· Watercolor tray
· Stamps
· Re-inkers
· Water
· Dry Iron
· Scrap paper
· Paint Brush
Directions for making your paper:
Use a bold stamp (solid image) and randomly stamp a piece of mulberry paper with clear embossing ink. Sprinkle the clear embossing powder all over your stamped images making sure to cover them completely. Use a heat tool to melt the powder. Next, spritz the mulberry paper with water. While the paper is wet, dip the paintbrush into diluted ink and spot it onto the paper in a pattern. The colors should run into each other creating a "tie-dye" effect. Then place the mulberry paper in between two clean pieces of scrap paper and use the hot iron on both sided of your "sandwiched" paper, this will remove the melted embossed areas which will adhere to your scrap paper and the heat will dry the mulberry paper to leave a wonderful "work of art."
Batik paper can add some pizzazz to your themed pages for kids or just offer a variety for all your scrapbook page creations.
Memory-Safe Products
Your scrapbook pages may be fine depending on the acidity in the papers and ink you used. If you are worried about ruining your photographs then you should make sure the photos are not touching the products that are not memory-safe. You might also want to try spraying your "notes" with an archival spray, which is formulated to neutralize the acid in paper.
If you use the archival spay and move the "office quality" papers away from your photos then you pages will probably be fine.
Paper Tearing Technique
Paper tearing is a popular technique used by many scrappers. You can use any kind of scrapbooking paper for this technique. The torn look has taken the industry to new levels. One downfall to paper tearing is you don't always get the look or pattern you want. Your tears may not go the right way when you are tearing free hand. In order to fix this problem you can try using a water pen and drawing out your pattern. The wet paper will be easy to tear and you will be able to tear along your pattern. Make sure the when you draw your lines that the water soaks completely through your paper without bleeding through to other areas. Your paper should tear precisely on the lines you draw with your water pen.
Water pens are handy tools that should be included in your scrapbooking collection. They can be found at scrapbook supply stores and most craft stores.
Damage Control for Your Scrapbook Paper
Scrapbook paper such as cardstock from Creative Imaginations or patterned paper from Karen Foster can sometimes get damaged in the shuffle. If your paper gets a small tear in it may be salvageable. Here are some quick fix ideas for small tears that may appear in your scrapbooking papers.
· Lightly sand the entire piece of paper for a shabby or distressed.
· Place something over the tear such as a photo mat, sticker or scrapbooking embellishments.
· Ink the entire paper so it has an aged effect and the tear looks intentional.
Simple solutions for little mishaps will help make your cropping sessions successful and aid in preserving scrapbook supplies so they don't get wasted.
Handmade Scrapbooking Paper
Handmade paper is a decorative paper that adds texture to your scrapbook pages. It can be expensive to buy at a scrapbooking or paper store. You can use regular scrapbooking paper like cardstock to give your paper a “handmade appearance” by following some simple instructions.
First, run a piece of cardstock under water to soak both sides of the paper. Once wet, crumple the paper in your hands. Now, partially unfold and then crumple a second time to add lots of wrinkles.
Use a flat, steam-free iron the dry the paper flat. When ironing, flip the paper back and forth on each side to dry.
For a unique look, keep one edge of your paper wet and use your fingers to manipulate the paper this will give it a "curled" edge look. This edge can be left as is or chalked/inked for distinctive look.
This technique is useful for borders and photo mat options.
Scrapbooking Paper piecing
Paper piecing is the big brother of die cuts. Scrapbookers started doing their own paper appliqué then companies started producing scrapbooking paper piecing kits, books and patterns. Pieced designs are easy to make yourself. Look for inspiration in children's books. Flowers, cars, teddies are easy to break down into separate components. Keep the designs simple and clean. If the end result doesn't fit together well try 'stitching' around the edges with a fine black pigma pen. If you muck up put aside the piece of paper and try again. Experimenting is half the fun. Just make sure to use appropriate acid and lignin free scrapbook paper.
Uses for vellum scrapbook papers
Vellum is a translucent, semi-see through scrapbook paper that is great for scrapbooking! It can be used as the background page, picture mats or several other page options. You can buy vellum paper in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Vellum can be printed on via your home printer, rubber stamped or cut out to make picture mats or journaling sections. Die Cuts With a View makes a good, functional and versatile vellum paper. They sell oversize scrapbook papers that are great to use with larger albums.
Paper Piecing Patterns
Scrapbooking paper piecing patterns can be quite useful in creating those special, unique page elements. The patterns can be bought, or found online and downloaded and are found in hundreds of designs. You can personalize the patterns by using your own scrapbook paper, or use printable scrapbook paper. Scrapbook paper piecing patterns show you the final product you are building, as well as the smaller pieces that you will print out, color and glue together. Be creative and embellish the paper piecing with glitter or hand coloring. Use textured cardstock or vellum for an added touch.
Adhesive Solutions for Vellum Paper
Vellum is a translucent paper used for scrapbook page embellishment. Its elegant look is sought after for page layouts and craft projects. Because of the translucency of this paper it is hard to find adhesive that doesn't show through the paper. Many experienced scrapbookers use invisible tape runners in the out corners so you can't see the adhesive unless you look closely at the paper. If you are looking for a totally invisible adhesive then you can try Fiskars clear photo squares, they adhere beautifully and do not show through the paper.
Another product you can use to invisibly attach vellum to your scrapbook pages is acid-free Cfrats Ect spray adhesive. When using this spray you need to be careful not to touch it for at least 1-2 minutes, then you can adhere it to your page. By putting tabs made of Scotch tape on the vellum paper you can avoid touching the wet glue. The Scotch tape can be easily removed from your vellum if you rub it on your clothing a few times before you attach it to you paper. This will effectively break down the stickiness of the tape and make it peel off easier. Invisible adhesive solution will make your vellum look fabulous on your scrapbook layouts.
Using Printed Scrapbook Papers with Mats
When using a background scrapbook paper that has printed, irregular, shaped mats for pictures to be mounted on, use tracing paper for a perfect photo fit. Simply trace the design onto the tracing paper. Then place it over the portion of picture required. Using a little adhesive on the part of the photo to be discarded, trim along the traced line. You should end up with a perfect fit.
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| Christina Chan |
