An introduction to.... Scrapbooking 22 October 2014  |  Nicola

Introduction to…. Scrapbooking

Of all the crafts out there, scrapbooking is one of the most versatile and one that can be used to make anything from a whole album to a single card or display. By combining text, images and embellishments creatively, you can produce beautiful photo albums, stunning memory books and mementoes of important occasions that will look fantastic and last forever. If you’ve never tried scrapbooking, the list of equipment and techniques can be overwhelming, so we’ve come up with a few pointers to gently break you in to this brilliant craft.

Papers

Scrapbook paper usually comes in a measurement of 12x12 inches, and can be bought either as single sheets, or as part of a larger book which includes a selection of papers that work together in a theme. With regards to colours and prints, the sky is pretty much the limit; there are vintage florals, brightly coloured geometrics and delightfully retro patterns, typed text, handwritten messages and boldly printed words. You can also find papers which are designed to look like surfaces, such as wicker, yarn, aged timber and linen, which are great if you’re creating a page around a specific style.

Stickers and Lettering

Aside from pictures and images, you’re probably going to want to include a fair bit of writing in your scrapbook; from annotating photographs to writing about a memento or occasion, there are a variety of ways to record your thoughts. You can obviously write by hand or print a section of text from the computer, but there are loads of great stickers, rub-ons and lettering packs to be found; either choose individual letters and create your own words and phrases, or opt for pre-made ones to add a quirky touch or element of humour. You can also find stickers designed to look like a variety of different things, such as chalkboards and gift tags, and there’s always the option of writing by hand onto a strips of colourful washi tape.

Embellishments

Here at StickyTiger, we think one of the most fun parts of scrapbooking is the process of decorating once you’ve finalised the text and image layout. There are so many things you can use to add personal touches to your page; from 3D objects such as charms, brads and buttons to ribbon, glitter, decorative tape and even brightly coloured haberdashery, the only limit is your own imagination. Experiment by building up layers, using contrasting materials and opting for colour combinations that will make sure your scrapbook stands out for all the right reasons.