Scrapbook Embellishments - Tricks and Tools You Can Use

Although scrapbook embellishments are a fun way to add details to your layouts, it can sometimes be tricky knowing how to apply them to your pages. Fortunately, for just about every embellishment available, there are a number of tricks or tools you can use to get them to stay in place.

Let's Start With Ribbon...

Many times your ribbon strip may be too narrow to use double-sided tape, and glue just doesn't seem to do the job. What can you do?

One of my favorite methods of applying ribbon is to use ProvoCraft's Terrifically Tacky Tape. When they say "terrifically tacky", they are not kidding. This stuff is sticky! It adheres better than double-sided tape, and is available in narrower strips too. I like to use the 1/8" for attaching ribbon scrapbook embellishments. In addition to ribbon, I have also used it to stick on buttons and other three-dimensional details to my pages.

There are other ways to attach ribbon. For example, if it wraps around the length of the paper, you may be able to get away with adhering it using tape on the backside of the page. Ribbon can also be attached using staples, sewn on, or attached with eyelets or brads.

What About Those Itty Bitty Pieces?

I don't normally use stickers. Instead, I make most of my own die cuts for my pages using my Cricut. This leaves me with a big scrapbook embellishment dilemma - what do with all the tiny pieces and layers that need to be adhered. Paper piecing does take a bit of patience, but with the right tools, it's easy.

Glue pens are a good tool to have on hand. I have a collection of Zig brand glue pens. They come in varying tips, including fine, chisel, and jumbo. As far as I know, most (if not all) are archival quality and safe to use.

Sticker machines are also a good option for adhering die cuts. Xyron has an entire collection of sticker machines. For example, their Create-A-Sticker machines come in sizes as small as 1.5", good for those tiny pieces, to up to 5" in width, the perfect size for most photos.

Going Through Adhesives Too Quickly?

Another problem with attaching scrapbook embellishments is that the adhesive runners and tape never seem to last long enough. One layout down, and another runner refill in the waste can - sound familiar? Even if you buy your adhesives on sale or using a coupon, you may find that it sucks up a good portion of your scrapbooking budget.

Many serious scrappers I know have invested in a tape runner gun. The most popular model is the ATG 714 Adhesive Applicator from 3M. The 1/4" width tape rolls used in the ATG 714 are 36 yards long, signifantly longer than adhesive runners. Although the initial investment is a bit hefty, in the long run, you should save significantly, especially if you use a lot of scrapbook embellishments on your layouts.

One word of caution...

If you do invest in an ATG 714, be sure to purchase the Scotch ATG Gold Tape - it's acid free. Many of the other ATG tapes are used for framing projects, and because of this are not safe to use on your layouts. Stick with gold, and you should fine!

Tools for Attaching Eyelets and Brads

Eyelets and brads are one of my favorite scrapbook embellishments to use on my layouts, but that wasn't always the case...

Brads are very similar to paper fasteners, and so, in my early scrapbooking days, I thought I could use them just like I did at the office. I soon found out that it's not that simple. Scrapbook paper and card stock are generally thicker than typing paper, not to mention that most projects consist of more than just one layer. Before using brads as scrapbook embellishments, I found that I really needed to have a hole punched first.

Well, a regular hole punch obviously doesn't work - the brad will fall right through. You could borrow a hammer from the garage, and use a nail to punch a hole through the layout, or even better, use one of the many tools specially made for scrapbookers for just this purpose.

The Making Memories Tool Kit is one solution. It has a paper piercer and hammer. Also included is a setting mat and interchangeable tips. The Tool Kit can be used for punching holes for brads, as well as setting eyelets.

In my opinion, an even better choice is the Crop-A-Dile. I have the original Crop-A-Dile (not the Big Byte), and after you get the hang of using, it's super simple to use for punching holes and for setting eyelets.

Well, that concludes my list of tricks and tools you can use for applying scrapbook embellishments to your layouts. Of course, if I think of more, I will be sure to add them to my list. Also, if you have any questions on this topic (or anything scrapbook-related), visit the Scrap Chat Q&A to leave a quick note with your question.

 

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