Scrapbooking Embellishments

One of my favorite parts of putting together layouts is adding the scrapbooking embellishments.

These can make the difference between a page that is just so-so, and one that is show-off worthy. When used correctly, they can highlight a favorite picture, pull together a two page layout, or transform an otherwise bland scrapbook layout.

There are all types of items that can be used to embellish layouts - stickers, die cuts, chipboard shapes and letters, tags, ribbon, buttons, eyelets, brads, paper clips, and more, including memorabilia, such as ticket stubs and awards. There are also different techniques that you can use to embellish your layouts, such as stamping, embossing, and inking.

We talk in more detail about specific products and techniques on other pages of this site, but for those of you just getting started in the scrapbooking hobby, here's a quick look at some of the most popular scrapbooking embellishments that you will want to use for your pages.

Scrapbook Stickers

Take a stroll down the sticker aisle at your local craft or scrapbook store. Most likely, you will be amazed at the selection that is available! When selecting stickers for your layouts, think about the different ways that they will be used. For example, do you need letters to create the title on your layouts? How about other stickers to pull together a theme?

When picking out stickers, think not only about the colors and theme of your layouts, but also about the size of your pages. For example, you would probably want to use larger stickers for a 12x12 layout than ones that you would use on an 8x8 page.

Die Cut Scrapbooking Embellishments

You can either purchase die cuts at the store, or make your own using a die cut machine. Die cuts are very similar to stickers, although many times they offer a simpler look for your pages, lacking the printed details of stickers.

They may also take a little more time to apply to your pages, because unlike stickers, generally you will need to apply some type of adhesive to the cutouts before putting them on your page.

Chipboard Letters and Shapes

Scrapbooking chipboard is very similar to cardboard. Many die cut machines will cut chipboard, or you can purchase shapes and letter at the store. The fun part of using chipboard is that it can be easily altered - it can be painted, sanded, stamped, and even decoupaged.

In your layouts, use chipboard to create your title or as a monogram for the first letter of your title. Chipboard shapes can also be used in the same way you would use stickers and die cuts to embellish your pages.

Eyelets and Brads

Eyelets and brads are also fun scrapbooking embellishments to add to your pages. Generally speaking, you will need some sort of tool kit or tool to apply them. For example, you may need a special hole punch to cut through multiple layers of paper in order to apply a brad, or a special hammer to adhere eyelets.

However, before your scrapbooking room starts looking like Santa's workshop, filled with miscellaneous hammers and punches, consider buying a single tool that can handle it all. I recommend the Crop-A-Dile. It easily punches holes in various sizes for both eyelets and brads, and also sets eyelets.

Free Scrapbook Embellishments

Go ahead and raid your sewing area for scraps! Many of the items that you use for sewing projects can also be used as scrapbooking embellishments, including ribbons, buttons, and fabric scraps.

You can even use your sewing machine to add embellishments to the different elements of your pages. Add stitching to just about anything, including borders and die cuts.

Memorabilia as Scrapbooking Embellishments

Personal memorabilia can also be used to embellish your scrapbook layouts. For example, ticket stubs can be used to embellish a layout of a concert or sporting event. A lock of your child's hair could be used on a layout of your little one's first haircut. A pressed flower from your corsage could be used on a page about your senior prom. These special details can enhance your photographs, or when no photo is available, can take center stage in your layout.

Related Articles

Scrapbook Embellishments - Tricks and Tools You Can Use
Although ribbon, die cuts, eyelets and brads 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. Read about them here...

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