8 Ways to Embellish Your Scrapbooking Layouts

So, you've sat down to do your scrapbooking and now your wondering, "How can I jazz up this layout?" Well, read on, because there are plenty of tips for you in this article.

1. An easy way to add some elegance or softness to your layout is to use paper tearing. Use a patterned paper to tear either diagonally, vertically in the middle or on either side about 1/3rd of a 12"x12" sheet and adhere it on coordinating cardstock.

2. If you want to use embellishments such as die-cuts and they look a little plain to you, then use a darker shade of chalk to shade the edges to give it more depth. You can even use foam pads to adhere the diecuts for a 3D look, making it really stand out. The same can be done with punched out patterned paper or cardstock.

3. For adhering certain items that you do not wish to use glue with, such as vellum, you can use scrapbooking embellishments like eyelets, brads, staples, safety pins, or ribbon. Vellum really adds elegance and softness to your page.

4. Shaker boxes are really easy to make and gives your layout that special look. Use a sturdy cardstock or chipboard to make the frame. Cut out a window and pick out some things you might want to put into the shaker box... beads or mini diecuts or punches work well. Adhere a piece of transparency for the cut out window. Then place foam tape around the inside edge of the window making sure there are no spaces in between. Pour the "filling" into the upside down frame and adhere a patterned paper piece for the back of the shaker box. Adhere to the layout and you're done!

5. Heat embossing is another good way to make a layout elegant or special. You'll need an embossing heat tool, embossing powder and embossing clear ink. Stamp the pad with your stamp and stamp it on your layout. Immediately pour the powder onto the stamped area, then shake off excess. Heat with the embossing heat until the powder melts.

6. Dry embossing is also pretty easy. You'll need an embossing tool, stencils and a light box. Just place the cardstock on the lightbox, place stencil where you need it and trace around the shape of the stencil pushing down on the cardstock (not too hard). When you're done you can chalk the embossed area to make it stand out a little more.

7. If your journaling looks boring to you, use a tag to emphasize it. Embellish the tag with ribbons, eyelets, etc. and your journaling will stand out.

8. Another beautiful and wonderful way to embellish a page is with quilling. Quilling looks difficult, but it's really not! Even using a toothpick you can make pretty flowers or little animals and shapes that look like a million bucks! Use various thin long or short strips of cardstock, twist around a toothpick, then let go, shape and glue.

There are so many ways to make your layout special. Have fun trying out new techniques for scrapbooking.


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Scrapbooking - Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you first start scrapbooking, it's easy to make some mistakes on your scrapbook. Many people make mistakes, but you can avoid them if you learn about them now. Here is a look at some common mistakes that many scrapbookers end up regretting as they become more experienced.

Mistake #1 - Buying Too Many Supplies
It is very easy to buy a lot of scrapbook supplies before you even know much about layouts and how to design them. Then you end up with loud papers that you never use. Avoid buying too much in the beginning until you learn more about scrapbooking.

Mistake #2 - Too Many Shapes
Another common mistake is using too many shapes. It's easy to start cutting pictures into all different strange shapes. You don't want to overdo things. Go with simple shapes and add in some ovals or circles from time to time.

Mistake #3 - Going Overboard with Embellishments
Embellishments can be a lot of fun to use when scrapbooking. The problem is when you go overboard with them and end up making your page look cluttered and overdone. Simply pick a few that compliment your layout instead of allowing them to overtake the layout.

Mistake #4 - Not Writing Yourself
Sure, it's fun to use all the cool fonts that are readily available on your computer. However, many scapbookers regret not writing in their own handwriting. It's important to write out a few lines and stories in your own writing. This is a special part of you that you definitely want to include in scrapbooks, since they are cherished books that you will keep for years to come.

These are a few scrapbooking mistakes that you should try to keep in mind as you are getting started. You want scrapbooks that you will be proud of in the end. Try to avoid these mistakes and make sure you make the most of the memories that you are creating. Remember, you can find just the right papers, stickers, embellishments, and layout ideas at StickerPlanetPlus.com.  Visit us today!


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Using Scrapbook Stickers

The easiest way to jazz up a scrapbooking page is with scrapbook stickers. There is no tricky or confusing technique that you need to learn in order to use them. They are quick and easy to apply, inexpensive, and best of all... they come in every design and color that you could possibly imagine!

The manufacturers in the scrapbooking industry continue to wow us with fabulous new and fresh designs. Whether you are doing a page about basketball, your best friend's new baby or a recent visit from a family member, there is a sticker for everything.

There are also several different types of stickers. The most popular is the flat sticker. These can have a variety of finishes... matte, glossy, sparkly, glittery, or pearl.. Most are precision cut but some do come with a white border. These are the types of stickers you grew up with, although now they are acid and lignin free to ensure your memories are well-preserved.

Cardstock stickers are also popular. They are precision cut so you do not end up with unwanted borders around your stickers. They are also relatively thick so that an uneven background does not show through the sticker.

Dimensional stickers continue to grow in popularity since they allow us to add dimension and texture to our pages with little effort. Their composition generally includes non-paper items like fabric, beads and gemstones that are often tricky and time-consuming to use any other way.

With so many choices available, you will have no trouble finding what you want. The only trouble you may have is deciding which scrapbook stickers are your favorite!


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How to Make a Christmas Holiday Scrapbook

A holiday can be a wonderful opportunity to make a scrapbook. Scrapbooking is the most popular and one of the easiest ways to celebrate and document the important, memorable times of life. A Christmas scrapbook can be added to your holiday scrapbook collection for remembering all the little details.

Christmas is a time filled with joy, gift giving, and memory making with family and friends. A scrapbook can be created for yourself or dedicated and gifted to someone special.

Here's what you'll need:

• Album
• Holiday themed paper or cardstock
• Holiday themed stickers
• Acid free adhesive or glue
• Decorative edge scissors
• Paper trimmer
• Photos
• Acid free scrapbooking pen
• Embellishments such as ribbon or buttons
• Sparkle pen

Putting it all together:
Choose a page and the photos you would like displayed on the page.
Trim the photo with decorative edge scissors and then adhere it with acid free adhesive.

Use the embellishments and stickers to decorate the page. Ribbons are great for borders and outlining.

Add text with the pen to include notes, names and dates of the event as desired.
Make snowflakes and other designs with the sparkle pen to further decorate the page.

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