| Sometimes all a scrapbooking page needs is just a | | | | along the edges of your chipboard. You also can sand |
| simple accent or element to add interest to the layout | | | | some cardstock paper giving it a different effect. |
| or to enhance the photographs. Here are a few quick | | | | 7. Keep journaling simple. The important thing is to |
| and easy ideas you can use on your scrapbook | | | | document the photograph. Use bullet lists for journaling |
| pages today. | | | | or just stick with who, what, where, how and when. |
| 1. One of the easiest scrapbooking techniques to learn | | | | 8. Use your own handwriting. Instead of printing out |
| is paper tearing. Paper tearing adds a soft edge to | | | | journaling from your computer, try using your own |
| your cardstock and texture to your pages. You can | | | | handwriting. It is much more personal, and future |
| choose to tear just one edge of a paper or tear | | | | generations will appreciate seeing your handwriting. |
| completely around a mat or frame. Try tearing the | | | | 9. Tags are one of the most versatile page elements |
| bottom edge of a tag or mount a sticker to cardstock | | | | available. Put your page titles on tags. Photos or |
| and tear around the ends. | | | | journaling blocks can be mounted onto tags as well. |
| 2. Matting highlights photos and page elements. Double | | | | 10. Scrapbooking page kits keep everything |
| or triple mat a special photo on the page. Match the | | | | coordinated. Using page kits makes putting together a |
| mat color to enhance the photo. Photos aren't the only | | | | scrapbooking layout fast and simple. All the paper and |
| page elements that can be matted. Mat a sticker or | | | | page elements work together, and most kits have |
| dimensional embellishment. | | | | instructions and ideas for layouts. |
| 3. Add metal embellishments to your pages. | | | | 11. Use a rubber stamp to create your own patterned |
| Scrapbooking isn't just about paper. Use brads, paper | | | | page. For example, stamp a leaf image randomly on a |
| clips, eyelets and staples as accents on your pages. | | | | piece of cardstock to make your own autumn-themed |
| You can also use them to attach other embellishments, | | | | patterned paper. |
| like ribbons and tags, to your page. | | | | 12. Make your pages interactive. By adding envelopes |
| 4. Ribbons can be used as borders on your layouts. | | | | and pockets to your pages, you can involve others in |
| Take both ends of a ribbon piece and tie them | | | | your scrapbook album. Hide little journaling notes in |
| together. Now cut the ribbon so the knot will be | | | | envelopes, and try tucking memorabilia into pockets. |
| positioned as an accent on your page. | | | | You can also create mini scrapbook albums on your |
| 5. Add something extra to your paper accents. Run | | | | pages that fold out with more photos. |
| your paper edges and frames along an ink pad to add | | | | These scrapbooking ideas are quick and easy, and |
| some additional depth to your page. | | | | they can inspire you to get more pages done. Keep |
| 6. Take out the sandpaper. Distressing your page | | | | your layouts simple, and try one of these ideas to add |
| elements is quick and easy. Just rub the sandpaper | | | | interest to your next scrapbooking page. |