Just recently, Scrapbooking was something mysterious and unknown for us! But today he has won the hearts of many and has become an integral part of our lives :) More and more people are becoming familiar with this wonderful art form every day, and magical pages and charming postcards are being born!

Many people are afraid to start just because they don’t have necessary materials. But I want to note that we set barriers for ourselves, because our creativity can only be limited by our inspiration and imagination! And from my own experience, I’ll note that no matter how many different ribbons, stamps, pieces of paper and other things that are so dear to us, we buy, there will always be not enough :)
So before you order half of the goods in an online store, when your eyes run wild and you want everything at once, I suggest you practice on more affordable things. And with experience, you will already learn to understand what is really needed to make your fantasies come true.

And so, let’s solve the issue with paper, because this is the basis of everything. The easiest way is to print it on a printer (I think that every home has such a thing, and if not, then you can buy the simplest inkjet printer for 1000 rubles). Don't forget that a printer, like a machine, sometimes requires that it be refilled :) To do this, we need a set of syringes with ink, which, for example, lasts me for six months. And now, the machine is ready for work, all that remains is to select the paper on which we will print. To begin with, so that you don’t mind spoiling it, I advise you to use regular office paper, and then, when you become friends with the printer and it starts printing exactly what you want, you can go to any art store and buy paper for pastels and watercolor paper. Personally, I prefer to print on watercolor paper.

Now we need to find the background. In addition to regular Scrapbooking, there is also such a thing as digital Scrapbooking (scrapbooking on a computer), and just for it they create the same wonderful paper, but in in electronic format. That's what we need. To get started, you can look herehttp://www.shabbyprincess.com/, and here a large number of scans in excellent quality. Download what you like and proceed to the final stage.
The background needs to be brought to life so that you can touch it with your hands :) And this is exactly what our printer, frozen in anticipation, will do!

There are several advantages of printed paper over real scrapbooking paper:

You can always print more if it gets ruined!

If you print several backgrounds and then realize that they don’t match each other, it won’t be as disappointing as buying paper :)

You can change the color of the same background, getting completely different paper (we can talk about this in more detail if necessary).

The background can always be printed in the desired size.

Now about the disadvantages:

The largest page size will not be 30x30, but 20x20.

Some scrapbooking paper comes with different coatings (velvet, gold inserts, etc.), we will not be able to print this.

Scrap paper is double-sided (though not always), but if we glue two printed backgrounds together, then our results will be just as good.

Purchased paper is made from acid-free materials so that the photos do not deteriorate, I can’t say anything here, I don’t know how our printout will affect the photos in 50 years :)

Well, that seems to be all!

P.S. I wish you successful endeavors, and in the next part we’ll talk about tinting the edges!

Today, more than ever, handmade decorative souvenirs are in demand. A wide variety of creative arts are used for this purpose. One of the most popular in Lately is scrapbooking, which uses scrap paper: special, regular, cardboard, wallpaper or unusual designs that can be printed on any color printer. The material turns ordinary things into real works of art: photo albums, diaries, photo frames or postcards, collages and other crafts.

What is scrap paper

For decades now, this type of handicraft known as scrapbooking has existed. Today this technique is used not only when decorating albums, but also other items. All this became possible thanks to the main material - scrap paper, which is presented in huge variety. The popularity of the material is determined not only by its unusual appearance or variety of textures, but also by its quality, which will protect crafts from fading and yellowing for a long time.

Features and types

The main difference between scrapbooking paper is the absence of lignin and acid. High-quality materials will remain in their original form for a long time. The oxidation process of lignin gives yellowness, as a result of which the product loses its decorative look. A striking example is tracing paper or old newspapers that turn yellow over time. The composition of the paper must be indicated on the packaging. There are certain styles of scrapbooking paper:

1. vintage;
2. shabby chic;
3. retro;
4. steampunk;
5. American style;
6. grunge;
7. boho;
8. ecostyle;
9. mixed media.

To make postcards, design photo albums, diaries, boxes or other crafts, it is important to choose the right type of paper. In this case, the work will look more interesting. There are several types of paper for scrapbooking:

• thin and dense;
• two-sided and one-sided;
• curly;
• smooth and textured;
• with foil;
• with velvet coating;
• matte and glossy (with shine or “glitter”).

How to use

Beautiful scrapbooking paper is used not only for creating traditional compositions. There are many special techniques, combining which you can realize the most unusual ideas. Here are options for using paper for scrapbooking:

1. Stamping. Rubber or silicone stamps and ink are used. By alternating them on paper, original prints are obtained.
2. Distress. The technique artificially ages the paper.
3. A combination of techniques with quilling, embroidery, etc.
4. Journaling. Scrapbooking sheets are combined with text: printed or handwritten.

Scrap paper crafts

Using the simplest tools (glue, paper, base, etc.) you can create unusual crafts. In addition to the common photo albums and photo frames, postcards (cardmaking), diaries, book covers, gift boxes or ordinary boxes are often decorated. Beautiful scrapbooking sheets will turn an ordinary item into a masterpiece. By adding print, braid, lace, leather, even newspaper, an old, unwanted shoebox can be transformed into a useful storage container for small items.

Scrap paper price

You can buy paper for scrapbooking in the Moscow region through an online store, in a specialized store, order by mail, or visit a scrap bazaar. The price will depend on the quality of paper, size, number of sheets in the set. The price range is as follows:

The price of paper decreases significantly when there is a promotion or a sale. Such events often take place not only in Moscow; St. Petersburg is no exception. Shopping for decorative materials can be very enjoyable when there is a good discount. If there is home delivery, you definitely need to clarify its conditions: it is quite possible that the sale can only be carried out upon purchase a certain amount sets.

DIY scrapbooking paper

You can often hear that many craftsmen make their own paper. Appearance The material will not be inferior to paper purchased in a store, but the savings are significant. To make it yourself, you will need:

• colored cardboard or thick paper base (if the source material is one-sided, then the resulting scrapbooking sheets will be the same);
• paper napkins with interesting designs;
• iron;
• container with water and water sprayer;
• scissors;
• candle or lighter;
• old newspapers or magazines;
• cling film.

From wallpaper

There are many ways to make scrap paper at home. One of the common ones is obtaining material from wallpaper. This option is suitable for working with it as a base by gluing other decorative elements onto it. Wallpaper with any motifs is suitable: floral, plant, animal, striped, with ornaments, textured. Such options can be used not as a background, but as the main elements (some craftsmen do not cut out pieces, but tear them off).

From napkins

In order to get interesting and textured scrap paper from napkins, you don’t need many tools. You will need: napkins (their price is much less than scrap paper), PVA glue, soft brush, water, paper towels, A4 sheets. The manufacturing sequence is as follows:

1. The napkin is laid out on a white sheet.
2. Using glue and a brush, glue the napkin to the paper. It is better to dilute the glue with water.
3. Lightly flatten the napkin.

The second method of making scrap paper from napkins gives a more interesting surface. Everything takes a little longer. The manufacturing sequence is as follows:

1. Wrinkle two napkins and soak them in water.
2. Straighten one and lay it out on a regular sheet. Remove excess moisture with a paper towel.
3. Glue it onto the sheet.
4. From the second napkin you need to make small flagella and balls (for this you need to tear the napkin into pieces).
5. Place everything on a whole napkin glued to the sheet.
6. Coat everything with glue.
7. Dry.

Printouts for scrapbooking

An interesting option for obtaining material is printing on a printer. The design of such artistic materials will look aesthetically pleasing. Prints for scrapbooking involve the use of any motifs. The only thing you need to remember is that if the design is printed using non-moisture resistant inks, you cannot subsequently use water. To create double-sided paper, printing must be on both sides. The basis can be ordinary paper materials, sheets for watercolors, photo paper, cardboard.

How to age scrapbooking sheets

The easiest and fastest way to add mystery and aristocracy to the work being produced is to artificially age the material. There are several ways to do this. They are as follows:

• coffee or tea (the longer you keep the leaf in liquid, the more beautiful the color);
• milk (the material is crushed, soaked in fatty milk and dried with an iron - this will give beautiful brown stains);
• potassium permanganate solution (the principle is the same as when working with coffee or tea);
• lemon juice (the principle is the same as with milk, just do not crush the leaf);
• candle, lighter (burn the edges of the sheet or “brown” the middle).

How to choose scrap paper

In order to choose scrap paper, you should be guided not only by cost - choose what is cheap or expensive, although price matters, but also know what criteria you should pay attention to. They are as follows: size, density, purpose. The latter determines where and by whom the material will be used. For example, when choosing materials for children's creativity, it is important to understand that very thick or large paper will be difficult for a child to handle.

Size

Scrapbooking materials are available in several sizes: 15x15, 20x20, 30x30. However, there are other formats: A4, A2, A3. The size must correspond to the product itself, for example, a photo album is 15x15, which means the material is selected the same. When choosing large formats, you should pay attention to the position of the picture and its compliance with the author’s idea.

Density

A sheet is considered thin in the range from 120 to 180 g/m2, dense - from 190 to 240 g/m2. Any materials are used in the work. It all depends on the purpose: for external decoration it is best to take a dense one. If you need to make landscape pages or a postcard, a thin one is more suitable. If scrap paper is needed for the cover, it must be glued to the base.

How to replace paper for scrapbooking

Instead of paper for scrapbooking, regular paper is quite suitable, which is additionally colored (looks interesting in pink tones), crumpled or decorated with unusual materials: foil, stamps, ornaments, with text. To make handmade gifts, rough or colored cardboard, velvet sheets, pieces of wallpaper, old newspapers or magazines are often used.

Video

The main material for this type of arts and crafts as scrapbooking is backgrounds for printing. The background of the work is paper that has a certain pattern and color, which is the inspiration for creating the creation.

The name "scrapbooking" consists of two English words– scrap (clipping) and book (book). In its precise meaning, scrapbooking is the creation of books, albums, and notebooks from paper cuttings. But in practice, this word refers to any handicraft with paper, including the creation of postcards, magnets, etc.

There are a variety of drawings for scrapbooking in good quality. Bright and matte, striped and polka dots, floral, with floral patterns, with geometric shapes. Retro style, vintage, natural elements, floral patterns, designs with the effect of crumpled or burnt paper are popular. Drawings inspired by natural materials occupy a special place. Such backgrounds for scrapbooking in good quality can be made so skillfully that from afar it will be difficult to distinguish what the product or its surface is made of - plain paper, natural bark, fabric, wood or leather.

The basics for scrapbooking differ in their focus. They come in delicate pastels, bright watercolors, with small, large and “printed” designs. In fact, everything depends only on the imagination and mood of the author.

Backgrounds for scrapbooking in good quality are necessary in order for the final result of the work to look holistic and worthy. If you use expensive, interesting material, but the very basis of the work is tasteless and blurry, the product simply will not look beautiful.

The simplest and most accessible printing is done in A4 format. Such an image can be ordered from a printing house, or you can print it yourself on a regular home printer.

If you decide to engage in this type of handicraft such as scrapbooking, backgrounds for printing can be found on various specialized sites, as well as on sites with a library of pictures. And downloading an image on the Internet is not the only way out; in specialized handicraft stores you can always buy disks with a set of beautiful backgrounds. In addition, stores sell ready-made sets of scrappaper. Albums are purchased as a whole, or sheets are sold individually.

But please note that backgrounds for high-resolution printing are not so easy to find on the Internet. Choose pictures carefully, look at the descriptions of the files. Most often, paid sites offer backgrounds for high-resolution printing, but with due diligence, you can find drawings on free sites and thematic forums for needlewomen.

But high resolution is not always a guarantee of high-quality drawing. Important elements will also be the paper on which you print your base and the quality of the printer's inks.

Images for scrapbooking in good quality are most often printed on thick paper, cardboard, or photo paper. Moreover, a drawing can be printed on photo paper from any side. Thus, you will get backgrounds of different textures - glossy or matte.

Also, for scrapbooking, other necessary elements are printed in good quality - small thematic drawings, antique handwritten texts, small paper decorations, etc.

In addition to the background, various design elements are used for scrapbooking. They can be either flat ( colored paper, stickers, magazine clippings, pieces of fabric, etc.) and voluminous (buttons, flowers, beads, half-beads). In practice, the possibilities of scrap are endless. Try to use any objects and elements that stick to the main background for your work.