Thanks to a recent surge in popularity as part of the crafting revival, there has never been a better time to start scrapbooking. A wealth of materials, embellishments and tools are available, but for beginners to the craft, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Once the basics have been learned, however, the joy of scrapbooking emerges. Creating special albums to showcase treasured photos and keepsakes mean old photos are no longer consigned to boxes or forgotten albums, and digital photographs finally find a life outside of the computer.
Basic Scrapbooking Materials
You do not need a large budget to start scrapbooking. Many materials can be found for free, such as downloadable scrapbook papers or everyday items used as embellishments.
The materials needed to make a scrapbook are:
- Scrapbook album. These can come in various sizes, but the most popular size is 12x12 inches. They can be found in craft stores or specialist online shops.
- Decorative scrapbook papers. There are literally hundreds of designs out there. The most popular size is 12x12 inches and designs come in all colors and patterns. These form the basis of each page, but can also be cut up to create photo mats and embellishments too. Many papers come in a block or pad of different designs, which is a great way to get started.
- Embellishments. The only limit to what can be used as embellishments is the imagination! Paper and silk flowers, brads, eyelets, tags, chipboard letters and shapes, stickers, rhinestones, glitter, stamps and ribbons are just a few examples. Everyday items, old keepsakes, vintage items and old postcards also make great materials to work with. Build up a collection of goodies in a box with divided sections.
- Photographs. If using old photos, it is best to scan or photocopy rather than use the original, so that nothing gets accidentally damaged. Digital photos can be printed out as required.
When choosing scrapbooking materials, always look for acid-free items, as they won’t corrode the photos over time.
Basic Scrapbooking Tools
- Cutting tools. To get a professional look, it is worth investing in a craft knife, rotary cutter or paper trimmer to ensure straight lines, rather than relying on scissors. It is also possible to buy paper trimmers and scissors with different blades, to create patterned edges or torn effects.
- Adhesives. Glue sticks and double-sided tape are both perfectly acceptable options for fixing items into an album. As experience grows, it is worth experimenting with other adhesive options, such as sticky dots, foam pads (for a raised decoupage effect), and glues such as silicone glue. Again, ensure the glues are acid-free and suitable for scrapbooking so as not to damage photographs.
- Acid-free pen. To write notes, stories and quotes in a scrapbook, use an archival acid-free pen, so that the ink does not damage the papers and photographs used.
- Printer. A standard home printer is fine for printing out digital photos to put inside an album. Experiment with color settings to get the optimum print, and use the features in the photo editing program to create effects such as black and white or sepia for a vintage look.
Basic Scrapbooking Techniques
A few simple techniques are all it takes to get started with scrapbooking layouts. As time progresses, new skills will be learned, and the albums created will evolve into new designs.
- Matting and layering. This is a technique also used in card making. The most basic form is to cut a square or rectangle of card or paper that is approximately half an inch longer and wider than the photograph being mounted. The photo is then glued to the center, before being glued to the scrapbook page. Double matting, or even triple matting, makes the photo really stand out. Achieve this by cutting each shape half an inch or so larger than the previous and mounting one on top of the other.
- Borders. Adding borders to scrapbook pages gives them a nicely finished appearance. They can be made out of coordinating scrapbook paper, ribbon, or colored card, and embellished with anything from stickers, chipboard and brads to buttons and flowers.
- Journaling. Writing thoughts, quotes, stories and notes on scrapbook pages adds the personal touch that makes scrapbooks so much more appealing than plain photo albums. Write a short note about what was happening in a photo, share a memory, or even write a poem. Embellish the page with words and quotes. Stickers, chipboard alphabets and chipboard quotes are often found in scrapbooking sets, which are ideal starter kits for beginners.
By starting simple, and learning new techniques one by one, it is easy and fun to create beautiful scrapbooks that the whole family can treasure for years to come.
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Louise Heyden - Louise Heyden is a writer, artist, work at home mum, sound technician and former school Library Manager.
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