home » Ideas » Scrapbooking decorations. DIY scrapbooking: tips for beginners and various decoration options (105 photos) DIY scrapbooking jewelry and accessories

Scrapbooking decorations. DIY scrapbooking: tips for beginners and various decoration options (105 photos) DIY scrapbooking jewelry and accessories

No matter how self-sufficient and beautiful scrap paper is, nevertheless, even the most concise and simple styles Scrap is not complete without decor. In this short article I will try to talk about their main types.

In order to somehow structure a great variety of decorations, we will try to separate them depending on the type of material, and at the end of the article we will list the decorations that are inherent in each of the popular styles.

So let's start with paper decorations- there are a lot of them.

The most common are stickers, rubbing, cutting and cutting. The stickers are equipped with an adhesive layer - it is very convenient to attach them to a sheet of paper, the rubs are transferred to the surface in the same way as the decals known to us - you just need to attach them with the right side to the right place, rub it from the inside with a special stick (or use a wooden ice cream stick)) and voila - the beauty is ready! Rubbings are both flat and voluminous - flock looks very beautiful in the works. Die-cuts are pictures on thick paper that have already been cut out and can be fixed with adhesive materials or stitching.

Stickers from Kaiserkraft:

flock rubbing from Prima:

Die cut from Kaiserkraft:

Overlays, punches and picture sheets for cutting also very helpful at work. Recently, I like to cut out motifs from sheets of paper and I am happy to purchase special sheets for decoration. Overlays - an image printed on a transparent colorless or color film - gives a very interesting effect. True, because of the transparency, they are not so easy to fix. For these purposes, I use a transparent glossy and a line. Stampings are often exchanged by scrap craftswomen. If the print was made with permanent ink, then after drying it can be safely painted with watercolors, distress and alcohol inks - the image will not suffer from water and paints.

Overlay (bulb and inscription)

Sheets for cutting.

This is what the sheet might look like:

And here is an example of how you can use it at work:

Stampings.

Very often in the works they like to use the image of Tilda pupae:

And so there are a lot of options - in fact, everything that can be cut and / or painted will do) I love tickets most of all)

A separate item is cutting, which is done by happy owners of Big Shot and plotters. The second ones are practically unlimited in the design of cuttings - you can draw the templates yourself with the help of certain skills and a special program, and in the first case you are tied to cutting knives)

An example of cutting at work (figure, curlicue and stork):

The chipboard can probably be called the most popular paper decoration today - it can be colored and unpainted, represent images or inscriptions. Many small domestic manufacturers give you the opportunity to make a chipboard to order according to your layout. The chipboard can be painted and tinted with all kinds of inks and paints, covered with glitter, microbeads, decorated with hot embossing. There are so many options for working with a chipboard on the net that your eyes just run wide. In my humble opinion, a chipboard should be in the treasured box of every needlewoman)

Chipboard lettering:

Chipboard frame:

Chipboard - figurine:

Wooden decorations for scrapbooking, they do not lose their relevance, and sometimes come into fashion (as, for example, wooden dots or plates / chips with inscriptions - now on all scrap-counters in the country)) All wood can be painted and decorated in the same way as a chipboard, but it is less fragile, and therefore in some cases more practical.

Most hot goods- figurines.

Wooden wheel painted with acrylic:

buttons both classical and non-standard forms:

Clothespins:

Chips and plates with inscriptions:

Coils :

Now let's run through plastic jewelry. There are a lot of them, plastic has won the shelves and hearts of scrap craftswomen because it is light, inexpensive, easy to paint in any color, and the variety of shapes is simply captivating.

Many now buy silicone molds and plastic and make figures on their own. This is what beauty can look like:

Frames, cabochons:

Inscriptions and letters:

Both in scrap shops and in ordinary sewing accessories, you can find plastic buttons that will look great in your work. Buttons can be round and curly.

The scrap market has a large assortment of sets of rhinestones, half beads or curls / frames from one or the other. Enamel dots, so popular today, can also be attributed here.

Half beads:

Rhinestones:

Curls:

Dots:

Looks very impressive in work epoxy stickers..

And the so-called tops / chips.

metal jewelry very popular in scrap, they are very practical - they will not break during operation, they look spectacular and are quite affordable (not to mention branded products). Of course, and they have some drawbacks, the most basic, perhaps, is the weight. Let's say if you are used to making albums based on photo cardboard or watercolor paper, chances are that the decorated sheet will lead under the weight of the decorations. But albums on binding or beer cardboard are not afraid of such decorations.
Frames (for example, the famous one from Tim Holtz) have become indispensable accessories in the work of scrapers, regardless of the style of work - they are very beautiful and, in a sense, universal.

Pay attention to spectacular metal plates with inscriptions, pendants of all shapes and colors that can be bought at any sewing store.

Metal buttons look luxurious both in heritage and vintage works, and in demobilization albums that are gaining inexplicable popularity - it all depends on the shape and decor.
It is worth mentioning eyelets, anchors, pins (pins), curly paper clips. They are somewhere on the border between tools and decor. Manufacturers try to diversify the assortment of boring eyelets and anchors with curly ones, paint them in different colors - this is another interesting detail that can serve as an accent in your work.
Needless to say about brads - I think that every newcomer to scrap, having got into a scrap shop for the first time, will not resist such a purchase - and will not lose! Small brads of basic shades will help to fix the decor, while bright, curly ones with epoxy coating are a separate and independent unit of decor.

Framework:

Plates:

Pendants:

Buttons:

Eyelets, anchors, pins, paper clips:

Brads:

Glass- excellent material for scrap-decor, appropriate in all styles. Bottles, marbles, glass drops are very refreshing to work with.

Bottles:

Marbles:

Fabric decor- these are not only a variety of ribbons, but also fabric stickers, brooches, lace and sewing, knitted napkins and flowers.
The most popular ribbons in scrap are satin, rep, cotton, twill, etc. shabby tapes. Ribbons are printed with drawings and inscriptions, metallized in different iridescent and shimmering shades, synthetic and made from natural materials. In addition to ribbons, many masters are very fond of cords - waxed, twisted (usually of two contrasting colors, the so-called twin) - they can fasten the decor or be independent decor objects if they are tied with a bow or knot.

Ribbons, cords:

Lace can also be different - sometimes it is embroidery on a grid, sometimes a woven ribbon. Scrap makers working in vintage and shabby styles almost certainly use at least one type of sewing in ribbons. The most luxurious look is cotton-on-cotton embroidery.
The lucky ones, who know how to hold a crochet hook in their hands, decorate their work with a variety of knitted decor - from flowers and small napkins to tiny booties and hats in children's work.

Lace, sewing:

Of course I didn't forget about flowers. - unique decorations for scrapbooking, without them it is unthinkable to imagine the wealth of any scrap lady. They are made, perhaps, from all of the above materials: paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, fabric, felt, as well as from foamiran and self-hardening clay. Flowers are versatile in terms of styles. Yes, and in steampunk there can be a stylized flower, metallic or painted in steel, dark colors, but still a flower! In the American style, mostly flat flowers are used, while in shabby and vintage voluminous flowers flourish - made of paper, lace, tulle..

This is just a small part of what scrapbooking flowers can look like:

natural materials- this is the main hobby of the eco-style - dried flowers, natural materials - raffia, sisal, cinnamon sticks, twigs, stones, shells \ ' hemp - everything has a use. The main thing to remember is that you should choose materials that are not too fragile \ ’ so that over time they do not turn into dust right in your work. Sprigs\’ stones and shells can be collected by yourself\’ cardamom stars\’ cloves and cinnamon sticks can be found in the spices department. Tiny alder cones are very popular in New Year's works \ ’ remember this during an autumn walk in the park. Nuts and acorns will also go into work.

Natural materials in the works:

Of course, do not forget that there are many ways to make scrapbooking jewelry with your own hands, use ordinary household items - badges, labels, corks and paper clips .. But this is a topic for a separate, very informative article)

What jewelry to choose for work in a certain style?

I will try to combine some similar styles into groups to make it easier to talk about jewelry in a compact way.

Paper and all kinds of paper decorations, due to their versatility, are applicable in absolutely any style, in whatever way you wish to create. It all depends on the shades, patterns and themes.

IN shabby And provence in addition to paper, paper and fabric flowers, lace, ribbons made of natural materials, a small amount of natural materials, wood, glass, slightly tinted in delicate shades of metal are often used. Plastic is acceptable in the work of this style, but it should not be too "plastic". Such materials can be tinted with acrylic, alcohol ink, some plastic figures look like plaster - this gives them a shabby look.

Vintage, heritage, retro also stands for natural, more metal can be used, especially if these are real or stylized buckles, chains and brooches. Buttons - real or stylized bone, wood, fabrics - natural, aged with coffee, ink or sprays, lace is very appropriate, especially with history. In general, if we talk about heritage, for example, then access to vintage jewelry is simply necessary, they will make your work unique, memorable, preserve history and support real old photos with appropriate decor.

steampunk has the least relation to fabrics, metal, stylized plastic and a chipboard painted in metallic shades, tinted, cloudy glass reign here. In some works, I saw very beautiful epoxy stickers and even not very voluminous flowers, painted to match the work.

American style, European style, Clean and simple, in some cases Freestyle loyal to plastic (hooray!), colors are present here in a full range, so any decoration will find a place here. (Of course, we are not talking about very delicate worn roses and other decorations very typical for other styles) But it seems to me that interesting paper plays the main role here, as well as an unusual stamp, a bright ribbon - that is, everything that did not find its place in the styles listed above.

Like we said eco style- these are almost 100% natural materials or their imitation. Such works often use fabrics like linen, burlap, twill and cotton ribbons that do not give a synthetic or satin sheen, dried flowers. Rhinestones and other “glamorous” jewelry will seem absolutely alien, but faceted pebbles will look great. Hemp rope, craft twisted cords, uncomplicated fabric flowers, not exotic, but similar to those that grow near you - this is what will make eco-work authentic and memorable.

I hope that my article seemed useful and interesting to you. As I wrote earlier - it is prepared for beginners in scrapbooking and is an expression of my personal opinion, and not the ultimate truth) Of course, it is impossible to cover the entire range of scrapbooking embellishments that small forms and giant corporations are working on in one article. Manufacturers are working to surprise us and every year more and more unusual, functional, luxurious decor appears, so perhaps this article will become outdated very soon - something new will replace the old one).

On this I say goodbye to you and wish you great inspiration in your work!)

Modern needlework techniques are very diverse, rich and very popular, thanks to a very wide and rich selection of materials, tools and accessories. You can take absolutely any technique and each of them will delight and surprise us with its versatility. Today, quite popular techniques are cardmaking, patchwork, etc. Each of them is interesting in its own way and allows us to make very beautiful and original products that can be used both in everyday life and as gifts for your surroundings. Each of the above techniques complement each other, each of them is very interesting, so if you already own at least one of these techniques, then mastering other techniques will not be a problem. The most important thing in any needlework is fantasy. It is thanks to her that a person can create something unique and perfect, a product that will be pleasant to make, and then also give as a present. For example, let's even take the scrapbooking technique. Why is she so interesting? This is one of the popular techniques this moment, it is in it that such products as a postcard, a notebook, an envelope for money, an album, an interesting gift box etc. In a word, you can create any paper object. Of course, it takes a lot to make any product. different materials and accessories. In addition to paper and cardboard for paper souvenirs, you need a lot of various scrap decorations: flowers, leaves, beads, pictures, carvings, buttons, ribbons, cuttings, etc. Very popular decorations for scrap products are products from polymer clay. It can be frames, flowers, birds, cameos and other items. Even a small frame will add some originality and additional effect to your postcard. You can buy ready-made jewelry in special stores, or you can make such different elements at home using different molds. Forms for creating plastic jewelry are called molds. Moldova is Silicone forms for decoration. How exactly to use them and what they are right now we will consider.

So we need to take:
Two silicone mold frames + mini figures;
Plastic in sticks of 17 grams;
Knife for cutting;
Board for plasticine;
Glue for decoupage;
Decoupage brush;

Forms must be clean and dry. I put them on the board. We take sticks with plastic and cut into small pieces with a knife.

We make a green frame, take a piece of green plastic and knead it until it becomes soft and flexible.

We roll a small sausage out of it and lay it out in a mold, push it in and lay it with the back of the brush.

We roll the next piece and fill out the entire form.

We do the same with the second form.

The idea of book design for postcards and photos appealed to many lovers of handmade. Modern materials and means allow you to create real masterpieces. You yourself can get to know this technique better, learn how to make scrapbooking with your own hands or special paper for this type of creativity.

In such a place it will be nice to keep memories of the most precious moments of life.

A fashionable direction in needlework allows you to design and create family and personal photo albums in various styles.

European - a minimum of decor, the main attention is focused on the photo and its shape.
American - the composition consists of many elements and decorations, represents a single whole.
Clean and simple original solutions for free space, simplicity and neatness.
Shabby chic - lace, bows and ribbons are combined with elements of drapery and scuffs.
Vintage - the atmosphere of antiquity and the spirit of Victorian England.

In this technique, you can perform various crafts for the home.

His common techniques are:

cropping - photos are cropped so that only the most important details remain;
stamping - various applicators and stamps with drawings are used;
decoupage - special pictures are transferred to paper and other surfaces;
journaling - small inscriptions and tags with its description are placed under the photo;
distressing - a method of aging paper with ink is used.

They can use almost any material - from colored paper to thick fabrics and dried flowers. It all depends on your imagination and the given topic.

Necessary materials

List of tools and materials that will be needed for work

Beginners often ask themselves the question - how to make scrapbooking with their own hands and where should they start? For them, there are special sets of already assembled scrap paper. For non-you will need special tools:

different types of scissors for cutting;
punches and stamps;
sharp clerical knife;
glue, ruler and tape;
cutting mat;
decorative accessories.

How to make DIY scrapbooking paper

You can not buy a whole set, but make all the blanks yourself. To do this, follow the instructions on how to make DIY scrapbooking paper.

You will need - colored or white cardboard, napkins with decoupage patterns, sharp scissors, a spray bottle with water, an iron and ironing board, food thermal film.

Separate the bottom layers from the napkin and iron the top one so that there are no folds or wrinkles.
Lay the cardboard and evenly spread the thermal film on it.
Place the prepared part of the napkin on top, aligning it with the edges of the cardboard so that a few millimeters of the film protrude beyond the edge.
Cover the workpiece with a clean sheet of paper or the lower layers of a napkin and iron it with a hot iron.
Turn the hot paper over so as not to dislodge the film and trim off any excess around the perimeter.
Iron again - if wrinkles form, moisten them with water and repeat the procedure until they disappear.

So you can make scrap paper of any size, color and thickness, with any pattern you like, significantly saving on a store set.

DIY scrapbooking album - step by step

Creating albums is a more responsible and complex task, and at the same time incredibly exciting and interesting. If you don’t have your own ideas, you can get them from master classes on making a scrapbooking album with your own hands on the Internet.

Start with simple and small compositions that do not require a lot of decor, so you can practice gluing and decorating sheets so that further complex work were more accurate.

The choice of color and decor is a matter of taste for everyone

How to make a scrapbooking photo album with your own hands step by step:

Take a sheet of thick white paper and divide it into 12 identical squares with a pencil and a ruler in three rows of four squares.
Cut the sheet, separating the sectors from each other. Do not cut to the end one square on each side.
Glue certain sections together to make a whole ribbon, fold it like an accordion.
Assemble the album using washi tape or medium-thick paper, gluing the pages together so they don't fall apart.
Make a book spine - glue a strip of tape of the desired size to its first and last page.
Start finishing your album. Think in advance about its theme and the photos you will put in it, create some preliminary sketches.
You can use any means at hand - stamps and curly scissors, small sewing accessories, pieces of thread and fabric, buttons and rhinestones. But remember that the smaller the album, the less voluminous details, otherwise it will appearance will be far from ideal.
Tie the finished item with a beautiful ribbon or sew it with an unusual thread. Optionally - write your name or its name on the cover in ink or paint.

DIY postcards using scrapbooking technique

Postcards look especially touching in this style for any occasion in life.

All you need to create an individual postcard is whatman paper, colored paper, scissors, glue and a little imagination. Depending on who it is intended for, its content and form may differ.

How to make a DIY scrapbooking card?

Prepare necessary items- colored paper, cardboard, scissors, glue, lace, ribbons, beads, artificial flowers.
Make the base of the postcard out of heavy paper, preferably soft double-sided card stock. It can be colored, smooth or embossed.
If you have a dark base, cut off a piece of light paper and place it in the wish area. Use ready-made templates for cutting straight shapes.
Do not be afraid to experiment, materials with different textures. They will give your product originality.
For beginners, there is an easier way to create your own masterpiece. In the stationery departments, ready-made thematic sets for creating postcards are sold. They include all the necessary elements for creativity.

DIY scrapbooking notebook - step by step instructions

Small size scrapbooks are neat and easy to use, can be a good gift for a loved one.

You can make a scrapbooking notebook with your own hands using this master class.

Make a blank from A4 sheets to make an A5 size notebook. Fold each sheet in half and stack them in a stack of three sheets.
Sew the structure with a thick thread, fill the seam line with glue from the fold side so that the threads lock in place and you get a neat spine.
Fix the workpiece with clerical clips and let it dry. Re-glue the joint with glue and press the satin ribbon against it so that its edges protrude on both sides - one short, the second long.
Burn the edges of the ribbon with a lighter to keep them from fraying. Bend the short end inward and glue it again.
Make a binder. Cut out three cardboard shapes. corresponding to the size of the spine, front and back of the workpiece with a margin of 0.5 cm.
Move on to cover design. Place the binding pieces on the material that your notebook will be covered with - scrap paper, textiles or leather. Cut off the top corners of the cardboard.
Cover the binding by folding the outer edges of the material inward. Fix them with glue. Mask the attachment points with a flyleaf - fold two sheets of thin office paper in half and glue them to the cover on both sides, first to the block, and then to the top.
Connect the pages with the prepared block - glue the sewn folds to the spine, and then proceed to the decor.
Design the notebook at your discretion - cut out various shapes from leather or colored paper, tint the pages, use lace, beads and buttons.

How to make a DIY scrapbooking wedding album

All young couples want pictures from the most memorable day of their lives to last forever. An original way to store them offers a master class in a DIY wedding scrapbooking album.

Make an album, choosing the size of the sheets according to the size of the available photos.
Place one picture on each sheet and deal with its design.
Connect sheets of watercolor paper in pairs with glue, decorate them with gold patterns or use a stencil.
For greater effect - run along the edges of the pages with a dry brush with gilding.
Make separate substrates for your photos - apply pattern fragments on them with the same stencils, make cuts in their corners to fix the pictures.
Take care of substrates for photo cards - stick lace, sequins or satin ribbon around their perimeter. Make sure that the pictures are not lost against the background of the design you have chosen.
Cut out the cover from thick cardboard so that it is slightly larger than the size of the pages themselves. Paste it with velvet by analogy with the technique that is given in the manufacture of a notebook. Decorate the top of the cover with an applique of pearls or beads, small lace. For greater density - put a synthetic winterizer under it.
For the convenience of viewing the wedding album - insert the rings into it. Make identical holes in the sheets and cover with a hole punch and fix the fasteners of the rings in them.

DIY scrapbooking flowers

The most delicate decor - various flowers

A variety of jewelry and small decorative elements allows you to create real miracles of handmade. But many needlewomen try to make various flowers and figures on their own. For those who are not afraid of difficulties - a master class on how to make flowers for scrapbooking with your own hands.

You need - two hole punchers for 6 petals of different sizes, watercolor paper and drawing paper, food coloring, plastic stamens, cotton swabs, water and glue.
Make flower blanks using hole punchers - two large parts and one small one per flower. Cut the pieces and place them in a container of water.
Dilute the dye in the proportion that is necessary to obtain the desired shade. The brighter the color, the more paint and less water, and vice versa.
Make sure that the paper elements are well saturated with moisture. Take them out of the water, put them in piles of 6 large and 3 small figures, apply diluted paint with a cotton swab.
Drip a couple of drops into the middle of the flower, and then spread it around the edges. Press the stack of blanks on top so that the dye penetrates all the elements and set them aside to dry. To speed up the process, use a hair dryer.
Collect the dried petals with accordions - put the extreme petals in the middle, and the ones following them under the middle.
Glue the parts together, slightly shifting them relative to each other, place the smallest parts on top.
Make holes for the stamens in the center of the resulting blanks. Thread them with a thin wire and fix them at the base with glue.

Scrapbooking valentines

Valentine's Day is a good occasion to please your loved one with a homemade postcard. Make your own scrapbooking valentines. To do this, follow the above technique.

One of my favorite holidays is Valentine's Day.

A couple of tips for those who don’t know how to make a scrapbooking card for February 14 with their own hands:

make a valentine in red and pink saturated colors;
use the symbol of the holiday heart as a form for blanks or decor;
write a frank or romantic, memorable wish;
think over the design and prepare the necessary materials;
do not use expensive accessories if you are making a postcard for the first time;
try to do the work neat and harmonious;
Do not copy other people's ideas, bring something of your own.

Pedigree scrapbooking book

Design option for a family album in the form of a tree

The principle of operation is similar to a notebook or a wedding album. The scrapbooking family tree book made by their own hands differs from them only in some nuances.

It must contain a family tree. It can be drawn by hand or executed in the form of an application.
Under the photographs of family members, it is worth indicating the names and dates of the captured events, put a brief description.
The design of the book is best done in shabby chic or vintage styles, applying journaling and distressing techniques to it.
It is worth taking care of the volume of the album in advance - there should be enough space in it for photos of new relatives.

Master class on chips

Idea: cover the paper image with epoxy glue and get the effect of a convex glass.
You need to take any image you like and (ideally) print it to thick white paper.
Showing my First experience , sometimes not entirely successful (so learn from my mistakes :)).
- I took the Ikea catalog :) and pulled out places with beautiful backgrounds (I chose black and white patterns),
- pasted them on thick brown cardboard,
- I circled the circles and cut them out (the longest dreary process).
Here are the blanks, part turned upside down so that you can see the cardboard - the base:

I make coasters - plasticine rounds (this was suggested to me by a smart husband),

placing mugs on coasters

Dilute the glue according to the instructions. By the way, the glue cost 56 rubles. in a hardware store. One divorced cap (from Fruto Nanny) was enough for 40 chips and this is about 1/10 of the glue package. Those. this method is very cheap.

I apply glue with a wooden stick and distribute it over the entire surface of the mug (it's easy).

You need to apply the glue quickly enough, as it thickens within about 30 minutes.

Here's what happened

Below you can see that the text began to show through with reverse side magazine sheet. So spoiled half of my first chips.

We are waiting for the glue to dry, harden - 24 hours.

And here is the result:

Convex and glossy.

Conclusions, tips (important):

Use one-sided images

Take white cardboard / paper as a basis. I have brown cardboard, it is slightly see-through and adds a brown tint to the image

Do not touch the chips until the glue is completely cured (24 hours), otherwise fingerprints will spoil the glossy surface

Stir the glue calmly, not quickly, in a circle so that there are no bubbles. If you stir quickly, as when whipping cream, there will be air bubbles that can then ruin the chips.

Make sure that the surface is horizontal, otherwise the glue will be distributed unevenly.

For more volume

cover with glue a second time

When the first layer is dry

Be sure to use coasters made of plasticine (or some other)! I put a few chips directly on the board for testing, firstly it was not convenient to cover them with glue / varnish (they fidgeted), and secondly, the glue from them tears (flowed) onto the board. And plasticine is more convenient than solid coasters, since in the process of spreading with glue, by pressing on the edge of the chip with a stick, you can change the slope of the chip making it more horizontal.

My second experience.

most beautiful:)

See all the details and subtleties above.

Based on an image printed on photo paper.

In Photoshop, I arranged such circles and printed (in the photo salon) 2 photos 10 by 15 - matte (in our city it is easier and cheaper to print a photo than a sheet of paper on a color printer)

base - photo 10 by 15

The photo paper is strong, so I did not make additional substrates, but immediately applied glue.

These are the "mushrooms" that dried on my window :)

And below are chips from scrap paper decorated with stamps (I pasted it on watercolor paper for density). The red arrow points to the damaged chip, I touched it with my finger until the glue dried out and the shine was gone.

Chips with clocks and cars:

More about glue.

I used this glue. It is two-component: the resin is almost transparent, the thickener is yellowish. It is diluted in a ratio of 1/10, that is, 10 parts of a transparent resin, 1 part of a yellow hardener. And as a result, the glue is a little yellowish, but not much.

Comparison of original images and finished chips:

Since the glue adds a hazy yellow tint, a perfectly white chip cannot be obtained in this way. But the color doesn't change much. Below are the original circles (I still have them) and chips. The difference in color is visible, but the chips are still very beautiful :)

The background of the watch was light (NOT white) and they generally remained light.

A sprig of red roses (left) and a clock with roses were on a WHITE background, it can be seen that the background was not snow-white, but remained very light.

Recently, there has been only talk about scrapbooking.

What is scrapbooking? This special technology art design and decoration of albums with their own hands using various materials.

Pretty dry wording, isn't it? Let's understand in more detail.

In our time, this definition has expanded significantly and includes not only the design of albums, but also the creation of postcards, decorative frames, pencil cases and boxes, collages and panels.

And one more funny fact: without knowing it, but the founders of scrapbooking in the USSR were the harsh representatives of the Armed Forces with their "demobilization" photo albums.

What is scrapbooking for?

Agree, it is unlikely that an ordinary photo album bought in a store will be able to convey the full depth of emotions and emphasize the touchingness of the moment captured in the photographs. Wedding, birth of a child, anniversaries, travel - all these events are extremely important in our life.

And, of course, we want to preserve the memories of them with all the details that, alas, the camera lens could not capture, but our eyes saw and our fingers felt. For such cases, it would be better to create a special photo album that tells this story.

So how do you make scrapbooking and what is this album?

The first thing you notice when you pick it up is its uniqueness! Uniqueness in everything:

in decorating the cover, which is designed to set the general style of the entire work;
on every photo page. Any things or objects that witnessed the creation of pictures will serve as a decor for them. Any details will come in handy, be it movie tickets, a dried flower, a shell, or a torn off button;
in collages that are decorated with commemorative inscriptions, seals, ribbons and stencils.

By creating this photo album, you are very likely to relive all those positive emotions associated with the events that are imprinted on its pages.

Where to start creating?

Perhaps the design of the album will seem to you a difficult task that requires special skills, then first try to create a postcard using the scrapbooking technique with your own hands. This is quite possible even for a beginner. Your desire, imagination and a little patience will surely lead to success.

Initially, you will need a small set of tools and materials:

scissors (it would be nice to also get curly scissors that will help you neatly trim the edge of the paper);
glue (silicone glue stick, spray glue for paper);
Double-sided tape;
paper and cardboard (various in size, color and texture);
stamps (for a start it is enough to buy 2-3 stamps);
waterproof ink (for stamping and toning);
markers, pencils;
figured hole punch.

When you get everything you need, all that remains is to decide on the style and design of the craft, be patient and boldly start creating. Postcards, as a rule, are dedicated to some significant event: New Year, Valentine's Day, Birthday. The nature of this event will tell you which style to choose for decorating the postcard.

You are absolutely free to use elements for decoration. You can use everything: scraps of fabric, beads, dried plants, coins, stamps, lace, buttons, multi-colored threads and ribbons.

In the future, of course, you will want to replenish your collection of tools with many different stamps, hole punches, paints and varnishes, inks and decorative elements. You may want and need to purchase more professional equipment such as an embossing and punching machine or even a cutting plotter. Improvement has no limits!

A few tips to help you get started on your creative journey:

use buttons of various shades and shapes to create cute figures and decorate pages;
you can make scrapbooking flowers yourself from paper, fabric or lace. Also great idea there will be the use of dried flowers or individual petals;
use sewing machine to create a beautiful line, sewing not only fabric, but also cuttings from newspapers and magazines;
Gather some leaves and use the shaped hole puncher to create interesting shapes. Feel free to use shells, plant seeds, feathers in your work. Why spend money when nature gives you all the gifts you need;
make envelopes from old magazines. They are great for storing photos.

And in the end, I would like to add that scrapbooking is great fun and an opportunity for creative improvement. Many even believe that there is a certain therapeutic effect in scrapbooking.

And always remember, by creating our works, we make this world a little better and today we save our yesterday for tomorrow.