A little bit of creativity can go a long way. It can add interest to an otherwise plain item. It can help you save money. It's a great way to customize or personalize an item. Best of all, it's fun. Here are a few ways that you can be creative to help add interest to your scrapbook today.
Make your own block alphabet embellishments for your scrapbook. Sometimes it can be hard to find the perfect alphabet letters to put in your scrapbook. The letters can be too small, too large, not the right colour or just not enough of the letters you need. The solution then becomes to make your own letters. Best of all, it is simple to do. First, type and print out the letters you need in a font style and size that appeals to you. Next, trim off the excess paper and glue the print out to a thin sheet of foam, which will add dimension to your block alphabet letters. Then, cut out tiny squares, so that each square has one letter on it. If you like, you can dress it up by adding a thin ribbon on the edges or by painting each square. Now you are ready to use your alphabet embellishments!
Create your own braids from embroidery thread. Start by choosing at least two different colours and then simply braid them together. Once you have finished the braid, there is several different ways that you can use it. You can place the braid around pictures to form picture frames. Another idea is to use the braid as a border at the edges of your scrapbook page or along the edges where two different coloured pieces of paper meet. A third idea is to use the braid to tie items together and then place them in your scrapbook.
Re-use household items instead of throwing them out. Wrapping paper from Christmas and birthday presents is a perfect example of an item that can be re-used. Use the wrapping paper as colourful background paper, making sure to cut out or cover up the areas that are too damaged to display. Not only are you being environmentally friendly, but you are also saving money because that is one less item you have to buy.
Add personality to your journaling by yellowing or "aging" the paper. This is an old trick that I learnt as a child. Start with a piece of paper, preferably white, and write or type out a short story. Then, you will need to gather up a lighter and a small metal can filled with cold water. You are now ready to "age" the paper. Hold it up high with one hand and hold the lighter in your other hand. Flick the lighter on and run the flame underneath the paper. Keep the flame far enough away that the paper doesn't burn, but close enough that the paper starts to yellow. As a safety precaution, keep the metal can close by, in case the paper catches fire. If you like, you can lightly singe the edges of the paper so that it looks even older. Now your story will look like it was written many years ago.
Give your scrapbook an antique or nostalgic theme or atmosphere. Antiques always have scratches and a bit of a worn look to them; so that's the look that you want to recreate in your scrapbook. If have any supplies that are a bit damaged, for example, from the sun or water, they are perfect to use when creating an antique theme. If not, you can always give your supplies an antique look. One way to do this is to crumple your paper or cardstock and then smooth it out. Another way is to scuff or scratch your embellishments or paper around the edges by using sandpaper or even a nail file. A third way is to leave the supplies you want to use in direct, bright sunlight for several weeks or underneath a very bright lamp to help fade the colours.
I hope that you have found these ideas both useful and interesting. As you can see, with just a bit of creativity, you can make your scrapbook more interesting and have a lot of fun in the process. To help make your scrapbook more interesting, check out our Scrapbooking Supplies pages for accents, charms, embellishments, ribbons, stickers, and lots more!
