Scrapbooking Ideas: Embellishments

There are so many different types of embellishments suitable for scrapbooking it is often hard to choose what to use. Whether you look at purpose-made, shop-bought embellishments or you decide to create your own, the choice is vast. This guide will give you a bit more information on some of the types you may come across.

An embellishment is anything other than your photographs or papers. This could include items you attach to your page to accompany the theme…but it can also include decorative techniques such as stitching and lettering.

Machine stitching is something that has become increasingly popular as scrapbooking has become more and more artistic and experimental. With almost all techniques, a lot of experimentation is required to get “just the right effect”. It’s always a good idea to test out any stitching on scrap paper beforehand. A good guide to follow: keep your stitching reasonably large so that your paper doesn’t perforate and tear. You can also play with the different types of stitching – straight, zigzag and all those other decorative stitches that various sewing machines can create. You can also hand-stitch your scrapbooking pages as well as machine-stitch them…but obviously this takes longer and needs more patience.

Adding lettering is where embellishments really get interesting. Popular methods include using rub-on transfers, stickers, chipboard letters or die-cut letters. Computers are also widely used to add writing to pages where the scrapper isn’t confident with their own handwriting or they want to use different, more imaginative styles.

Die-cut letters and shapes can be bought pre-cut from most craft shops. And, if you’re a bit more serious about all this, you can always invest in a die-cutting machine that can do this for you. Die-cutting machine all have their own range of different alphabet and shape dies…which mean you can cut those shapes over and over again using your machine. Many die-cutting machines now on the market are also able to adapt to use other companies die-ranges, as well…something well worth looking for if you decide to invest in one. Many also offer embossing folders, which will add an extra touch to your crafting.

In addition to decorative touches and alphabets, many people like to add embellishments that will co-ordinate with the theme of their scrapbooking pages.  For example, new baby scrapbooks have a variety of embellishments available.  You can buy stickers, chipboard shapes, 3D toppers, ribbons and much more. Many styles of papers also include a range of embellishments to accompany them ensuring that your page looks harmonized.

Items found around the home can also be used as embellishments. Buttons are quite popular in this regard. When discarding old clothes, by keeping the buttons (and asking friends and family to do the same) you’ll soon built up a large collection of various colored buttons.

Memorabilia is another item that many people like to include on their pages. Baby hospital bracelets, confetti from weddings or birthdays and concert tickets are some of the items that have been used to accompany photographs on scrapbook pages. These all add extra memories of special occasions or people and make ideal personalized embellishments.

Tags: embellishment, memorabilia, scrapbook, scrapbooking ideas