What kinds of “found items” can you add to your scrapbook layouts or collages?  Just about anything you can think of! Just remember to use the usual cautions when including non-archival materials close to original photographs.

Some suggestions for things to use in collage:

…fabric, ribbon, thread, wool and trims

 …tickets, receipts, letters, postcards, old paintings and drawings

 … tissue paper, candy wrappers, foil paper, maps, patterned paper, wallpaper, craft paper, marblized paper, newspapers, labels, envelopes

 … graphs, signage, postage, old books, calendar pages, theatre tickets, caligraphy, matchbook covers

 … foreign printed material, documents, engravings, magazines, money, games pieces 

And a great site with a list of many, many collage artists is http://www.collageart.org/links/

Posted by Don under Altered Objects , Scrapbook Layouts , Scrapbook Products on Fri 9 Mar 2007 No Comments 

I sometimes hear scrapbookers describe their scrapbooking style as “linear”. What I think they mean by this is that they tend to design with a lot of straight lines. More often than not, when a scrapper describes her style as “linear” there’s an element of apology implied, as if “linear” equates with “uncreative” or “uptight”.

Personally, I love straight lines in layouts. There’s something about the formal balance of a layout that’s comprised of several rectangular sections that I find very pleasing.

At the same time, I also enjoy the organic flow that’s possible with curves. As you can see in this layout called “Noah”, I’ve combined straight lines on the left edge with a series of curves in the “wavy” part at the bottom of the layout.

This combination of linear and curvilinear is echoed in the other elements - the straight lines of the photo treatment, where a straight-edged black and white photo is enclosed in a round mat, and the curvy lines of the heading and the foam stickers.

This layout features my niece’s oldest boy Noah. My niece and her family live in Australia, which is a long way from her family in Canada. The handwritten journalling on this layout says “Even though you live far away, you are in our hearts everyday”. (I got lucky with that rhyme! Sometimes the best love sayings are the simple ones that come straight from your heart.)

This scrapbook layout is part of an entire album that I am making for my niece. But shhh…it’s a surprise!

Posted by Don under Book Reviews on Thu 8 Mar 2007 No Comments 

We have all had those moments where we look through a book or magazine and notice that a particular layout catches our eye. You want to copy it but you’re not sure if that’s “kosher”?

Don’t worry - “scraplifting” is a time honored tradition in the scrapbooking world. We all get inspiration from different sources, and as long as you are not doing a exact copy of someone else’s work, it’s all OK.

For example, below is BeyondPaper member Cari’s lovely layout called “Pink Princess”. We like this layout because of the title and embellishments draw your eye into the focal point - the picture of the little girl.

Now let’s see what former BeyondPaper Design Team member Martina did with some scraplifting from Cari’s layout.

Martina changed Cari’s layout to fit her scrapping needs for “Bella”. She created an 8.5 x 11 layout, and altered the design to fit on the paper. The result is very appealing.

Not quite sure where to begin with scraplifting? All you need to get started is a notebook and pencil. A keen eye for detail helps too!

When you see a layout that appeals to you, sketch the layout basics in your notebook. Then decide what you need to change about the basics of the layout to fit your needs. For example, the original layout may include 3 pictures, and you may only want to use 1 photo. You can change the other photo spots into journaling blocks or a place for a sub-title or more embellishments.

Remember… imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So don’t be afraid to be a scraplifter!

With input from former BeyondPaper Design Team Coordinator Lenise.

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Techniques on Fri 2 Mar 2007 No Comments 

There are several ways to give your scrapbook pages some special “bling”. One of my favorites is using Liquid glass or Diamond glass to create a 3-D effect. This makes your images “pop out” and get noticed.

Liquid glass and Diamond glass are products that go on wet but dry with a raised and shiny finish. They can be used to outline a stamped image and make it seem like it is “popping out” off the page. These products can also be used to adhere objects such as embellishments and glitter.

We use this product to cover items that have been placed inside of bottle caps, to make dull chipboard shiny, or to give an extra bit of shiny zip to any embellishment.

One word of warning: if you cover non-permanent inks with Liquid glass or Diamond glass there is a possibility that the colors will run. The trick is to let the item dry on a flat surface. Drying times vary based upon how much of the product you have piled on! You will love the effect that it gives to your scrapbook layouts!

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Techniques on Fri 2 Mar 2007 No Comments 

Have you been checking out all the new clear acrylic stamps, but just haven’t taken the plunge? Well, let me tempt you and give you some ideas at the same time.

First, in case you haven’t seen this new type of stamp, let me explain how they work. There are two main types of clear acrylic stamps. The first is the individual stamps that are permanently mounted to a clear acrylic block (just like a traditional wood and rubber stamp except it is clear acylic).

The second type of clear acrylic stamp involves sticking removable gel stamps onto a reusuable plain acrylic block. Using this method, you can interchange stamps with ease - the stamps adhere to the acrylic, but they do not stick! They peel off easily after you’ve made your image. You can see how it works in the image to the right (photo courtesy of NewStampontheBlock.com)

So back to those reasons to switch: Here are the top five reasons why I prefer clear acrylic stamps over wooden stamps:

#1: Easy to store

To store your clear acrylic stamps, use a binder and cling sheets (your acrylic stamps will cling to the transparent cling and store flat). You can store hundreds of stamps in one binder.

#2: Easy placement on your layout

This has got to be the best feature of clear acrylic stamps: you can see through the stamps. So when you are stamping on a layout or card, you can see exactly where the image or letter will be. You can get letters perfectly straight, or stagger them artistically. Whatever your preference for a particular layout, you’ll know exactly where they will be placed. Try that with a wood mounted stamp!

#3: More economical than wood stamps

After you buy your starter set of “blanks” (the acrylic bases that the removable stamps adhere to), each new stamp or alphabet set you purchase is much cheaper than buying wood mounted stamps.

#4: Clear images

Clear acrylic stampos stamp crisp titles or images because they are trimmed perfectly (no more wood block smudges). And you can use all your favorite techniques, including embossing for 3-D effects.

#5: Easy clean up

Clear acrylic stamps clean up easily too. You can even throw them in your dishwasher (top rack).

With input from Lenise, BeyondPaper Design Team Coordinator

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Techniques on Fri 2 Mar 2007 No Comments 

Stop what you’re doing - put down the hammer - wipe away the tears and take a listen to this.

I just bought the all-in-one eyelet tool called the Crop-a-Dile, and I love it! I know what you’re going to ask: does this one really work any different than all the rest? YES, oh my yes! It punches holes (two different sizes), sets eyelets (of all sizes), set snaps and much, much more. This tool is all-inclusive, therefore no mat is needed. Also, there are no small pieces to fight with or lose and most important no loud noises to annoy your neighbor at the next crop!

How does the Crop-A-Dile work?

With just a gentle squeeze, the Crop-A-Dile will punch a hole (either 1/8 or 3/16) in metal -thick or thin, leather, mini albums and even hefty chipboard. After that setting an eyelet, snap or metal embellishment is so easy using the attached changeable head.

This relatively new technology allows you the flexibility to set any size eyelet without having to constantly remove and attach small pieces. The Crop-A-Dile also takes the guesswork out of setting your embellishments by labeling the changeable head by sizes. This in turn eliminates the “does this one feather the eyelet and this one set it, or wait, this looks too big…no, no maybe it’s…”

The only drawback

As with any good review, I must mention the only drawback I have encountered. The Crop-A-Dile has a depth of only 2″ from the edge of any page. If you’re anything like me you like some of your embellishments to be in the center of your layout. The good news is that there is an easy work-around for this. If you plan ahead you can still manage most things you want to do with the Crop-A-Dile.

For example, if you know that your picture will look much better with those star eyelets in each corner - set them before you adhere the photo. Or, if that tag in the center of your next masterpiece needs some pizzazz, jazz it up with a snap before you adhere it to your work.

So my conclusion? I’m wild for the Crop-A-Dile. Go grab one today - you’ll thank me later!

The Crop-A-Dile is made by We R Memory Keepers, and costs around $20.

Article by Lisa, BeyondPaper Design Team member.

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Products on Fri 2 Mar 2007 No Comments 

Alphabet stickers and rub-ons are the perfect added touch to your scrapbook layout. They are much quicker than using a die-cut machine. And with so many different alphabet stickers popping up on the scrapbook market all the time, the choices are almost endless.

Of course there is always the chance you’ll run out of matching letters…but luckily with the fun and funky looks of scrapbook pages today mixing and matching your alphabet stickers is trendy and adds a unique touch to your scrapbook pages.

Try altering the color of your alphabet stickers by sanding and embossing them, adding some acrylic paint, distressing them, adding different textural elements such as beads or mounting your rub-ons on chipboard. The possibilities are endless. You can even use some of the larger jumbo alphabet stickers as monograms on your scrapbook page.

So have fun with alphabet letters on your scrapbook pages, and if you run out of matching letters don’t fret… just mix them up!

Article by Share from BeyondPaper

Posted by Don under Scrapbook Lettering on Fri 2 Mar 2007 No Comments 

Have you heard about Smilebox? It’s a new digital scrapbooking service that’s free and easy to use. Best of all, the results are amazing.

What does Smilebox do?

With Smilebox, you can create animated scrapbooks, postcards, and greetings for any occasion, and email them to anyone. Note the word “animated”. What this means is that in Smilebox you can create and share scrapbooks with music and motion!

Is it really free?

Yes, the basic version of Smilebox is free. With the basic version you can personalize your digital scrapbooks and then email or blog any design for free. You can also do more by purchasing the premium version of a design or joining Club Smilebox.

Posted by Don under Digital Scrapbooking on Fri 2 Mar 2007 No Comments