Tips and Techniques

Inking

Inking is used to add depth to your pages. It also gives it an "antique" or "weathered" look. It enhances your paper and adds color to the overall layout.  The easiest route is to rub the edges of your paper against your ink pad, this will make a border around the image or your entire page.  You want to make sure you lightly dab the paper onto the pad and don't press too hard or you might get a large, dark ink spot in one isolated area. Lightly brush the ink across corners and edges of paper.  You can also use a stipple brush for a different type of "inking effect".
This technique works best with non-glossy papers.  You can softly ink around your photo mats to give them texture and make them stand out behind your photograph. Inking your pages or card creations can add a unique twist to your scrapbooking creations. Instead of coloring your images dab them in a little ink for shading and your done.

Printing Your Own Transparencies

Pre-printed transparencies are available for purchase at scrapbook supply stores and print shops. You can also print on your own transparencies. You can print journaling, or images, or create your own designs. Make sure you have the right kind of transparency for the printer you are using. Since there are different types of transparencies, if you're using an inkjet printer, be sure you have transparencies made for an inkjet.

If there is a “rough” side to the transparency that is the side that you want to print on because it will adhere better. You can print backwards on the rough side. This way, you can have the smooth side up and provide additional protection for the ink on the transparency.  To add appeal to your transparency, sprinkle embossing powder on it while your ink is still “wet,” and heat emboss your lettering. Be careful to keep your heating tool a little bit further away so it doesn't pucker of melt your transparency.  There are many options for using transparencies for scrapbooking. A professional looking transparency will add a unique twist to your scrapbook page layout, so print carefully.

Creating Pocket Pages for Memorabilia

Memorabilia is an important part of any scrapbook but sometimes you have too much to fit nicely on a page. Using pocket pages is a great scrapbook technique for storing bulkier memorabilia such as brochures, booklets and paper clippings. Pocket Pages can be purchased ready made or you can make them up yourself. Simply tape the sides and lower edge of a piece of cardstock directly onto the page. Pocket pages can be decorated to match the theme of the memorabilia.

Cropping your Photos

One of the most important scrapbooking techniques to remember is cropping your photos. When cropping photos, show only the most important parts of the picture. This makes the page more interesting and allows room to place more photos and for journaling. There are several different scrapbook techniques you can use for cropping photos. You can use scrapbook templates, you can try silhouetting, i.e. cutting around the main subject, or bumping part of the picture out beyond the “frame”. Feet, hands, hats, balloons, are ideal - you are limited only by your imagination.

Accenting with Hinges

Using hinges for a page decoration is easy. First, determine where you want to place your hinge and mark the holes with a pencil so you can line it up evenly. Then, using a piercing tool or small hole punch, pierce your holes. Now, set your hinge in place and use metal brads to affix it to your page. Hinges can be used to create movable mats and parts or they can serve as strictly an accent for your page.

Eyelets

Eyelets are small metal circles which things can be laced through (such as a pair of shoes). As a scrapbooking technique, eyelets are used to “rivet” components onto a page, such as cardstock. Eyelets should be used only in a scrapbooking system that has good page protectors. Choose eyelets that will not rust and, if possible, place them so that they will not be facing a photo on the opposite page. With any metal components, weight, rust and sharpness (sharp metal edges WILL scratch photos and poke holes in cardstock) should be considered. This scrapbook technique can be a unique way to add texture to your pages.

Color Blocking

Color blocking is a wonderful technique when you have a lot of photos that you want to get onto a layout. You can use purchased templates or just create your own pattern.  First pick out the pictures you are going to use, then choose your colors. You can make your background from patterned paper, cardstock or do both. Then using simple rectangles and squares, lay them down on a solid piece of cardstock and adhere with your favorite adhesive. Decide whether you want to crop your pictures and also if you want to mat your pictures.  Then add embellishments and journaling if you like.

Altered Books

An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into something else. An altered book artist takes a book (old, new, recycled or multiple) and cuts, tears, glues, burns, folds, paints, adds to, collages, rebinds, gold-leafs, creates pop-ups, rubber-stamps, drills, bolts, and/or be-ribbons it. The artist may add pockets and niches to hold tags, rocks, ephemera, or other three-dimensional objects. Some change the shape of the book, or use multiple books in the creation of the finished piece of art. Antique or Victorian art is frequently used, probably because it is easier to avoid copyright issues

Heat Embossing

Heat embossing, is done by stamping an image on a piece of paper, sprinkling embossing powder over the stamped image, and applying heat. The result is a stunning, raised pattern on the object you are embossing.  Using a rubber stamp (or anything else you desire) and an embossing ink pad, stamp the design on a piece of cardstock. Sprinkle the stamped design generously with embossing powder then pour the excess powder off the design. The design should be completely covered with the powder, but there should be no other powder on your paper. Apply heat to the powder which will make it melt and form your raised design. The easiest way to do this is with a heat gun. You can also try to hold your paper carefully over a hot toaster, light bulb, or iron. Be very careful so your paper does not burn. Do not use a hair dryer as the air blown will cause the powder to fly away.