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![Get the Right Glue]()
Aside from acid-free glue and tape, there are other special adhesives that can help give your scrapbooks more pizzazz. Glue dots are clear adhesive dots that can be used for decorations like bows and flowers.![Make Your Pages Pop]()
Foam dots slightly raise embellishments off the paper, adding a 3D effect. Double them up to get even more lift. You should be able to find these at your local craft store.![Use a Die-Cutting Machine]()
Another way to press patterns into paper, or to cut out decorative shapes, is to use a die-cutting machine like the Cuttlebug. Simply sandwich your paper between a folder and the pressing plates, and then roll it through the die-cutting machine.![Give It a Vintage Look]()
Distressing paper creates an aged, vintage look. Inkpads are an easy way to do this. Simply glide the inkpad along the sides of a photo, or gently brush the border of the paper. You can also age paper by soaking it in tea (using walnut stain works just as well). For extra drama, crumple, tear or roll paper edges.![Stay Organized]()
Use a spice rack or mason jars to store decorations and embellishments. Accordion folders, magazine files, or even a wire dish rack is handy for storing paper! Avoid having to weed through your materials; use clear containers and label everything so you know what’s what. Plan ahead. Organizing your photos according to theme will help you jump right into your next project.![Find Freebies]()
You don’t always have to splurge on decorations. There are hundreds of websites that offer freebies for scrapbooking. Here are some of our favorite links: Graphics Fairy Annie’s Uncommon ARTicles’ Flickr photostream Briar Press Everything Etsy![Embellish and Decorate]()
Brads are glue-free decorations that poke through holes and fasten to the paper from the back. They can be used to hold elements together, or as simple decorations at the center of a floral embellishment. They come in many shapes, colors and sizes.![Use Ribbon and String]()
You can "hang" photos with ribbon and string; tie them to tags, or create a decorative border.![Button Up!]()
You can’t go wrong with buttons! Use them to create little pops of color throughout your scrapbook.![Buy a Chalk Set]()
Decorating chalks can be used to add more depth and texture — even for shading embossed surfaces.![Tag It]()
Tags are great for adding elegant captions.![Mat With Color, Textures and Patterns]()
Matting can be more than just framing your photos with colorful paper. Get creative by layering colors that complement the photo, or use paper with contrasting textures and patterns.![Get Creative With Punches]()
Punch shapes into a photo with a die-cut to frame a face, create a picture-in-picture layout or make a decorative embellishment.![Emboss Your Paper]()
One way to emboss paper is to use a rubber stamp. You’ll also need embossing ink, powder and a heat gun. Simply stamp the paper and cover the wet surface with embossing powder. Shake off the excess and blow-dry the sticking powder until its texture has changed.Add Pizzazz to Your Scrapbooking
It’s easy to snap a million digital shots and upload them to an online album, but scrapbooks are a much better way to keep precious memories alive. Done well, they preserve a mood, tell a story, and more importantly, they become something tangible for yourself and future generations to enjoy. Here’s some tips for doing your scrapbooking right!
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- Add Pizzazz to Your Scrapbooking
