GET CREATING PAPERCRAFT & SCRAPBOOKING 2nd Ed

Getting started

99

101 KIDS’ CORNER

Let your kid’s imagination run wild
with some of these cool ideas

KEEP THEM INTERESTED Fingerpainting is a fun and easy way to ©Alamy; Getty; Thinkstock
let your kids get stuck in, but you can
YaylGtoolchosheTepevutoseuwaeihmectvo’lOvnmlptoelihteethggbhiylwironmsdeeeekeoeogcaseytarlmnswltanlrinbicccsnnoltaekdhaihraifgrientlsemduinslofl.aevjdlcmssooaTotiedetadeunwwawhenlvevorsidessetlioneencolsnscylnrtndatiyrr’rbssaiglly’afil.stynipweyeotnpoaSoobdsruibwlacrtudessthhrbpocrooiriatfualrcatohfecseopesnenthkcrhsbnttrtaishcrslohweeodjayi.aroannepeoo’rdTbnsbyitabtntkpoehdoehawtssoshaeseugcea-tocaoayaetrhosyhbpkalnt.wothenosipoahdnAoiatsirrbbeublgpk.rmlpooiytureecatwottotoslniahiankwvrnmjfekeoftieoni.iii.nylnrsprlgdging also make your page more personal
photos of their friends. by getting them to create handprint
keepsakes to stick onto your layout.
100
Instead of heading to the shops, get your
GETTING STARTED kids to create their own scrapbooking
tools. Cut shapes like triangles, squares
It’s easy to get kids started or a heart out of a potato and dip it into
with scrapbooking. You only paint to make your own stamps.
really need the basic supplies:
different coloured paper and Paper plates can be used for more than
card, scissors (you may have just eating your food from. Get your
to help younger children child to make small paper plates into
with these), kid-friendly animals for a zoo-themed layout or a
adhesives, crayons, pens and clock for a school-themed page.
paints. If they really enjoy
scrapbooking you can then 51
add to their collection with
stickers and embellishments.
Get your child as involved as
possible, which starts with taking the photos. Give
them a disposable camera and get them to take pictures of their favourite things.
This could be their friends, pet or even their favourite toys. Help them pick their
embellishments. Dollar or pound shops are ideal for this.

Once you’ve started scrapbooking, remember that with kids things could get
messy, but it’s important to let them enjoy it and not get annoyed with this.
They may also be a lot slower than you, but don’t put pressure on them.
Remember, it’s all about having fun!

Digital scrapbooking

Tech your scrapbook to the next level by creating it online Use splatters

T raditional scrapbooking may be For a dance theme you
fun and relaxing, but it can also can emphasise the drama of
be time-consuming and messy. flamenco by adding a paint
Digital scrapbooking allows you to splatter effect to the dress.
produce your layout in minutes and will
give you a great deal of flexibility. The Paint splatter is also a
software is a combination of all the best good technique to use
scrapbooking techniques in one; it acts
as a stamp, an eraser, a paintbrush and for backgrounds.
a laser cutter, making the process much
quicker and easier.

It also lets you do a whole host
of things that you can’t do without
a computer – from sharpening and
brightening images to adding various
filters and effects.

All you need to do is download the
software (start off with something like
Adobe Photoshop Elements), choose
your design and personalise it with
photos, journalling and embellishments.
The best part of making it online is once
your scrapbook is finished, you can
post it on social media, send it via email,
put it on to a CD or print it.

GETTING STARTED WITH DIGITAL

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Most scrapbooking software Moving to digital scrapbooking can be You may get frustrated at first, but
companies offer a 30-day free trial
period, so it is worth trying a few quite daunting, especially if you’re not try to work on at least three different
before buying. You will normally have
to register before accessing the trial. used to working on a computer. The layout before giving up when moving

key is to just get stuck in. Start with the to digital scrapbooking, as it takes a

basics and don’t get overwhelmed. while to get used to.

52

Getting started

DIGITAL EFFECTS

Use special effects in your software
to edit your photos and make your
layouts stand out

THE POSITIVES OF GOING DIGITAL… Shadow

While there are drawbacks, digital can just download them. Working on Add a shadow to a photo or behind your
scrapbooking has a lot to offer. The a computer makes life a lot easier; it lettering to add depth to your layout and
main advantages are that it saves doesn’t matter if you make a mistake make the different elements look as if they’re
time and isn’t messy, but it also because you can just erase it and lifting off the page.
you can crop a photo as often as you
makes tasks like resizing, recolouring want and in different ways without Reflection
and blending much easier. Because wasting reprints.
it’s on a computer, you can take it You can create a reflection of a photo for
anywhere, whether that’s a friend’s There are also a lot of techniques your page by rotating the image and adding a
house or the airport and it’s less likely that you can only do digitally. Editing fade effect to the ‘reflected’ image.
to get damaged. photos, photo masking and paint
splatter allows you to alter photos
You can find any product to match
any theme or colour and you don’t and layouts to create some truly
even have to leave the house. You unique pages.

‘“You can find any product to match any theme or colour
and you don’t even have to leave the house”

…AND THE NEGATIVES you’re missing out on the creative Fade ©Thinkstock
process that traditional scrapbookers
You may not like the idea of going love so much. For many, it still isn’t Use a fade effect to add focus to certain
digital and it does have its downsides. the same as cutting up and sticking photos on the page and fade the focus
For one, using a computer means if everything on yourself. Plus, using of others. A faded photo can be used as
your machine breaks, you could lose online design kits and ready-made background paper, or fade out parts of
all of your work. Although you have templates, rather than making an image to make it look as though it is
a lot more options, you’re limited it yourself, seems less personal. disappearing into the page.
by the space of your computer’s Traditional scrapbooking is quite
memory when it comes to therapeutic and relaxing, but sitting
downloading those options. If you do in front of a computer may not have
want to scrapbook with your friends the same effect.
or family, digital scrapbooking makes
this harder. You could argue that

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Themes

56 HEAVENLY HOLIDAYS

Celebrate your time away again through these techniques

64 VINTAGE WEDDING

The best day of your life deserves to be immortalised

70 CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Jolly times ask for a jolly scrapbook, get merry with these ideas

78 PRECIOUS ANNIVERSARIES

Express your love for your partner through paper

84 SUMMER FESTIVAL

Your scrapbook will remember Glastonbury, even if you don’t

90 PET PORTRAIT

Your best friend fur life should hold a special place in your book

96 BABY BOY & GIRL

Make sure you have these precious years documented

102 CHILDREN GROWING UP

Every milestone of a child’s life deserves an artwork to match

108 SEASONAL SCENERY

Every season is a celebration of colour and shapes, so utilise them!

114 MUSIC LOVER

If music is your passion, these ideas will sing to your tune

120 SURF ’N SCRAP

Ride the waves with these incredible ideas for a surfing scrapbook

126 NIGHT AT THE THEATRE

Hi diddly dee, an actor’s life for me! Put on a show with these ideas

132 EASTER EGGS HUNT

Where will you be hiding the Easter eggs in your scrapbook

138 HEN DO + STAG DO

Double the trouble as we explore both hen and stag dos!

144 ROAD TRIP

These ideas will evoke your wanderlust

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55

Heavenly holidays

Scrapbook your holiday memories using photos from your travels teamed with souvenirs
and embellishments. Take inspiration from where you travelled to using colours and themes

Create glitter heart
embellishment

Make your own delicate
embellishment just by
using glitter card, ribbon,
sticky foam squares and
diamantés. It will add a
little glamour and sparkle
to your work.

Border with ribbon Keep a postcardvsiacsWnirtadhepdekbneooeyropopkuhh. ’ooTrehltdoeosoynyfmhothouaeylicmdboaeuyfo,lodrbfnuyp’otylauqpcruoeitssetcygoaerudt!s

Apply ribbon to finish borders
and make edges interesting. Thin

ribbon has been used here to
make little bows, but mix it
up with different widths,
colours and patterns.

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Stamp using embossing powdernetFiomcinehbdetoelaspxsstidutnaergmecpotpooratwphtedaapetyremoriun.arstctwahonetrslky.yaUodusdirnstghaeme Heavenly holidays

Use lace to decorate
your page

Stitch a flower

If you prefer sewing,
then make a flower
from ribbon and lace
and use tension from
the thread to create
ruffles like petals. Mix
fabrics for variety.

Make a paper pocket Fabric loop flower
to hold notes
Easy to make and beautiful
to look at, these fabric flowers

can be made in a range of
materials and colours.
Use buttons to make a
perfect centre.

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Wherever your travels take
you, creating a scrapbook
will help you remember your
holidays and the experiences
you have. Whether it’s a big family get
away, a romantic mini break or even
your honeymoon; use a scrapbook as an
alternative to a photo album and document
your journey. Before you go, plan ahead
some ideas that you’d like to try so you
can be on the look out for the types of
things that you’d like to bring home with
you, and the sorts of photos you want to
take. City breaks are filled with culture, so
take advantage of what’s on offer. Collect
tickets, postcards, menus and keepsakes
from landmarks. Look in local craft shops
for items that you wouldn’t find at home.
You can plan your colour scheme around
the national flag, here we have used blue,
cream and red to represent the tricolore
(the French flag).

102 THE STORY OF THE POSTCARD
The first ever postcard was authentic feel, send some of the postcards

thought to have been sent in to friends and family, but make sure you

1840, however it wasn't until the 1870s that ask them to keep hold of them and give

picture postcards were sent as souvenirs. In them back when you return. Fix these in

1889, images of the newly built Eiffel Tower your scrapbook in a way that you can see

on postcards were very common and lead both sides. When you arrive at a tourist spot,

to the so-called "golden age" of the picture head straight to the gift shop and pick up a

postcard. Postcards are very versatile and few, then while you are sight-seeing write

can be used in many different ways in your notes and memories on the back. If you're

scrapbook. When you are on your holiday, not a top photographer then postcards can

be sure to remember to pick up a few at be used in place of photos. Mount these

each town or destination you visit. For that singularly or fan three or four together.

103 USE HISTORICAL REFERENCES
Add a bit of history to your scrapbook and research
the places you visit. Use the internet and guidebooks
to learn interesting facts. Chatting to locals is a great way to find
out some of the lesser known history. Keep notes of everything
you learn and when you return, write these up and put them in
your scrapbook. Whether you are hand writing or printing them
out, it’s always best to do them in small blocks on seperate pieces
of paper. This way you can spread them throughout your book.

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104 GLITTER HEARTS EMBELLISHMENT Heavenly holidays

105 LACE, LACE, LACE

Whether you use hand-made or
machine-made lace, it’s a beautiful
way to to add texture and variety to
your designs.

STEP 1 STEP 2 Crochet lace uses the same stitches and
techniques as crochet and is considered
Cut out two small hearts the same size Make two small bows using thin red the easiest to learn. Using a finer thread, a
from gold glittered card. Print out a ribbon, and cut off the ends at an variety of decorative stitching and including
heart template if you need to and use angle to finish. Use the same ribbon lots of ‘holes’ gives the piece it’s lacy look.
this as a guide, or draw on the back of and glue down two separate lengths
the card first. vertically into your book.

STEP 3 Bobbin lace is made with a bobbin and
pillow, using pins to hold the thread in place
Apply the hearts at the bottom of the while you are working. Chantilly lace, from
glued ribbon lengths using sticky foam Chantilly in France, is a type of bobbin lace.
squares. Glue on the two bows to the
top of each heart and finish each heart Most lace these days is made using
with a small black diamanté. machines. The black lace ribbon used in this
feature is machine-made and bought off the
“Keep notes of everything you learn and when you return, write roll from a haberdasher. Use clear double
these up and put them in your scrapbook. Whether you are hand sided tape to fix the ribbon in your book.
writing or printing them out, it’s always best to do them in small
blocks on separate pieces of paper” 59

106 TELL A LIE

You may be surprised to know
that the map used in this spread is not of
Paris or even France. This particular map
was from a craft pack and was selected
because it matched our colour scheme.
Don’t be afraid to use similar techniques on
your pages and include items that weren’t
from your holiday as long as they look
authentic on the page. Likewise, don’t feel
like you have to use everything you brought
back from your holiday in your design. If
something really doesn’t fit, don’t try and
force it. You can always create a brand
new design around it. For example, guide
maps are usually bright and gaudy and
don’t fit with a sophisticated design. Create
a separate spread for these, refolding it to
fit your book. Sometimes it’s possible to
remove the original folds with a hot iron. Add
sticky arrows or stars to highlight the places
you visit and glue keepsakes from those
places over parts of the map you didn’t visit.
Finish it off by drawing or attaching string
between the stickers and the keepsakes.

107 STITCHED FLOWER

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Take a length of red ribbon and using a Repeat step one using black lace ribbon to Use a glue gun to stick the three flowers
needle and thread, stitch along one side of create another ruffled flower. Repeat once together, sandwiching the lace between the
ribbon. Pull the thread taught so the ribbon more with red ribbon so you have three two red ones (with the larger at the bottom).
ruffles up. Once you have enough to create separate pieces, but try to make this one a Secure with hot glue and finish the centre
a circle, stitch together to finish. little bigger. with a similar coloured button or two.

60

Heavenly holidays

108 FABRIC LOOP FLOWER

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Take a length of fabric that is approximately Cut a circle of card around 6 centimetres in You can fray the edges of your flower slightly
3-4 centimetres wide and use a glue gun to diameter and using a hot glue gun, secure by roughly scratching over the fabric with
attach one edge to the other. Then make your length of fabric in a spiral fashion, scissors. Finish by gluing on a button or two
small cuts every 1 centimetre along the starting on the outside of the circle, working in the middle. Apply your flower to your page
folded side of the fabric. your way inwards to the centre. using a glue gun.

109 REPEAT YOUR THEME tell the viewer what the most important PUT DOWN THE SCISSORS
Celebrate your favourite part of the page is, and means you don't
memory of the holiday need to resort to adding phrases like “Our Resist the urge to get cutting and
by making it a repeated theme in the favourite holiday moment.” Avoid exact gluing straight away as it can be very
spread. In this Paris theme, the Eiffel tower repetitions on your spread and bring variety difficult to change things when items
appears five times; as the main focus in using photos, postcards, cut-outs, trinkets, have been cut and fixed on the page.
two photos and in the background of a craft embellishments, small sketches and Where possible, build up your page by
third as well as a feature of two stick-on silhouettes of your chosen feature. laying the items on first without using
embellishments. Repeated features subtly a permanent glue. Blu-tack is useful to
hold things in place temporarily while
you get a feel for the design you want
and try out different positions and
angles. Photos and other items can be
mounted on backing paper first and
then still moved around while you are
trying to find the perfect layout. Once
all the pieces are in place and you
are happy with the result, you can fix
them down permanently with glue.

“Make a repeated theme in the spread. In this Paris theme,
the Eiffel tower appears five times; as the main focus in two
photos and in the background of a third as well as a feature
of two stick-on embellishments”

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THE NEXT GENERATION

When you scrapbook events and times in
your life, it will hold important meaning to
not only yourself but others too. Sharing
a story through scrapbooking will mean
a lot to future generations as well as your
current friends and family. Imagine looking
through a day or time in the life of your
grandparents, and how nice it would be
for your grandchildren to do the same.
Looking through old photos will bring back
memories, but they don’t always tell the
whole story. When you make a scrapbook,
you are preserving your unique stories
through various media. Being creative like
this helps you to take time to preserve your
experiences. When you take a moment to
start scrapbooking your story, you soon
realise how precious life is and appreciate
the special times. You gain an appreciation
for the people around you and the events
that take place. It will release creativity,
which is not only fun but can be beneficial
to your health. It allows you to express
yourself and have fun experimenting with
materials and techniques.

110 EMBOSSING POWDER STAMPS

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Choose your rubber stamp and press onto Select the colour you wish to use, here we Hold up the paper so the excess powder
a clear ink pad, ensuring an even coverage. have chosen gold, and sprinkle embossing falls off onto your scrap paper. Use a heat
Stamp onto the card you wish to use and powder over your stamped image on the gun to gently warm the powdered image.
press down gently. Make sure to clean your card. Use a scrap piece of paper underneath The powder will begin to set and will change
stamp after use. to collect any leftover powder. colour slightly once finished.

62

Heavenly holidays

111 PAPER POCKET

STEP 1: CUT CARD STEP 3: LINING

Cut a piece of navy blue card stock using Create a lining for the insides of your
a guillotine so it measures 12 x 6 inches. pockets by using printed decorative paper.
Then using the same piece of card, remove Measure out one piece to 5.5 x 5.5 inches
two inches from the twelve-inch length so it will fit inside the larger pocket, leaving
so you now have two pieces of card. One a small border of navy card around the
piece will now measure 10 x 6 inches and edge. Cut a different patterned paper to
the other piece 2 x 6 inches. 5.5 x 3.5 inches. Use a border punch to cut
along the top of the smaller piece.

STEP 4: BORDER

Use the same border punch to create a
decorative finish along the top of the larger
card pocket. Use double sided tape to
secure the larger piece of paper inside the
larger pocket. Fold the flap to cover it and
tape down the smaller piece of paper on
the outside of the flap of the larger pocket.

STEP 2: SCORE LINE STEP 5: FINISH ©Thinkstock

Take the 10 x 6 inch piece of card and create Run a piece of double sided tape along the
a score line at six inches using a crafting inside edge of the pocket and secure down
bone folder and a ruler. Now score the two- the sides. Now add on the smaller pocket
inch piece of card at half an inch along the to the bottom and use the small flap at the
length of six inches. Double score on both back to secure on to the larger pocket.
sides of the card to ensure a good fold line. Repeat sticking down the inside edges of
Fold each along their lines to create pockets. the smaller pocket, and now you have two
separate pockets.

63

Vintage wedding

Savour the best day of your life by creating a beautiful scrapbook that holds your
wedding photos and keepsakes from the day.

Wooden scrabble tiles

Vintage is everywhere, and
shops supply a huge variety
of crafting supplies to
encourage you to make your
own invites. Vintage style
embellishments like these
tiles make unique titles.

Paper Bunting Save your confettihagorWuoldehusesntotdshmteooerntybyhoaorucoukwar rtt,eoaobpurlresyoesovufoiodnarinrydegoescucpoorrnrpinafaektgiltoietninsgf,.oirt

Easy to make and stunning
to look at, miniature

handmade bunting really
creates a beautiful focal
point and helps set the
vintage theme for your

page.

64

Recycle wedding stationarylsedWefattothteievnencgrassyroodtorus,trchienoauvmnsitkeaetytithoooeunsmsce,ancinrdrdeiynsao,gtkiunoergeusptcprsltaaahcpveeebothoek. Vintage wedding

Punch pretty edges

A border punch is used
to create beautiful edges
to paper. Available in a
variety of designs, this
intricate little pattern
instantly adds detail and
interest to your work.

Tie a glitter ribbon

You only need some glitter
paper, double sided tape and
scissors to make this pretty

little bow. Have a look at
our tutorial on how to
make it.

65

Y ears after your wedding you may CREATE A SERIES
forget some of the finer details that
you spent so long in preparing. If If you are planning to make a wedding scrap
you have a photographer that took book, you may want to think about creating
images of every moment of your wedding, a series of books to go with it. These may
you can hold onto these by scrapbooking include ideas such as an engagement book,
beautiful images. Choosing a theme and a guest book, albums as wedding gifts and a
planning out what you want to include can honeymoon album. You may even want one
really help you start your project. Keeping for the planning and preparation of the big day
it simple works well if you find you are where you can gather up ideas and pictures
struggling, and remember, you don’t have from magazines. Guest books are very popular
to include every single image from your big alongside photobooths, where friends and
day. If you create a page that you like, repeat family have fun pictures taken at your wedding
it again later on, not every page has to be and are given a copy to keep, and a copy to
different. Try changing the photos, titles and stick in a guest book. If you leave out a blank
embellishments slightly. Most of all, enjoy book, people can stick in their photos and write
what you are doing and take your time their well wishes to you underneath. At a later
making it, after all, you would have spent date you can then go on to add embellishments,
plenty of time preparing for the wedding, titles and captions to the pages. A honeymoon
why not spend time making a book to album would be a lovely addition, and you will
remember it by! be able to add lots of photos and souvenirs.
Keep hold of maps, tickets and postcards.
“If a photographer that took images
of every moment of your wedding,
you can hold onto these by scrap-
booking beautiful images”

66

Vintage wedding

112 PATTERNED PAPER BUNTING

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Cut strips (approximately 1.5 centimetres) Apply double sided tape to the reverse side Cut out a little ‘v’ shape at the bottom of
of a variety of patterned paper using a of the paper strips. Fold them in half over a each flag to give them shape. Once you
guillotine. You do not need to measure length of twine so that the reverse sides stick have created your string of flags, tie a knot
these, and it is nice if there is a little variety in together and create a line of flags, starting in each end of twine and secure onto your
the width of the paper. off your bunting. chosen page.

113 KEEP THE CONFETTI colours and styles, from traditional tissue 114 SPELL IT OUT
paper shapes, to metal cut outs, to sparkly Wooden scrabble tiles
Keep hold of some wedding diamanté gems. Here we have stayed with can be purchased from
the vintage theme and gone with traditional craft stores or online. These ones
confetti or ask one of your paper heart cut outs with a written design. were from part of a make-your-
guests to (you may be a little busy on the Why not have a go at creating your own, all own wedding stationary selection.
you need is a paper punch and your choice They are cute and quirky and make
day). Guests may bring their own confetti of paper! eye catching titles for your pages.
They add a 3D element to your
to throw or you may have planned ahead design and can be attached either
using a hot glue gun, double sided
and bought some for decorating your tables tape or sticky foam squares. If you
buy a big selection of letters you
with. Confetti comes in a wide variety of will be able to spell out your own
titles, catchphrases and names.

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115 PACK A PUNCH

Paper punching is a really easy
way to add an intricate finish to borders
and edges. Punches can be bought in a
variety of types, including border bunches,
shape punches and corner punches. You
can use border punches to give a decorative
finish to edges of paper, such as the one
we have used on this page. Shape punches
allow you to cut out different size shapes
and designs. Keep the pieces you cut out
and reuse them on your pages. You can
repeat these shapes in a pattern to create
a different style border. Corner punches
can add curves and a rounded finish to
corners of photos and paper. When you first
buy a paper punch it is advisable to have a
practice first on scrap paper so you know
how to line it up properly. This is especially
important when lining up border edges. If
you have different sizes of the same shape
you can experiment with layering up your
cut out pieces. Try mixing different coloured,
patterned and textured papers for variety.
Another alternative when using two different
sizes is to punch out a large design and then
cut out a smaller shape inside.

116 GLITTER PAPER BOW

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Cut out five individual shapes from paper Stick your oval pieces to the tail shape of the Cut a long thin piece of matching paper to
as pictured. Curl one oval shape in half and paper in the centre. Take the final thinner create a long ribbon and apply it to your
using double sided tape, stick to the wider strip and wrap it around the centre of the scrapbook page. Place your handmade bow
straight piece so it meets in the middle. bow so that it joins up at the back, and along the ribbon and stick down to secure it
Repeat on the other side. secure with tape. in place.

68

Vintage wedding

REUSE YOUR STATIONARY 117 WEDDING SCRAPBOOK
EMBELLISHMENTS
Recycling your wedding stationary would be nice to use. You can add in
is a great way to remember the small stationary such as save the date cards, Here you’ll find some ideas to
details of your big day, especially if invitations, order of service, place help you decorate your wedding
you have hand crafted them yourself. settings, menus, table numbers/names scrapbook to add variety and make
If you don’t have any spares left over, and thank you cards. Maybe have a your book unique to you.
ask a friend or family member to keep photo taken of the table plan to put in
hold of theirs for you to reuse. The this section too. If any of the speeches
intricate cut out bird cage featured on were written down, ask if you can keep
our page was taken from a wedding hold of them to add to your collection.
place setting card. It makes for an You can make envelopes or pockets
eye-catching embellishment, especially to store them in so you don’t have to
when mounted on a contrasting colour glue them in permanently. If you have
background. Feel free to use the whole personalised wedding vows, write them
card, or just take off elements you think up as a way of displaying them.

Wooden moustaches are a fun, unique
embellishment to add. They would work
particularly well if you wanted to create a
page solely for the grooms-men, including
photos of the groom with his best mates.

Vintage style keys are an ornate way to add
detail to your work. You can also purchase
matching key holes to add too. Think of
ways to display these items, such as tying
some ribbon through the key to hang freely.

Paper flowers are a beautiful way to ©Getty; Thinkstock
incorporate colour and make your pages
really pretty. They can be purchased ready
made or you can use different size flower
punches to layer up and make your own.

69

Christmas memories

Don’t just record your Christmas experience; create decorations as
part of the design that can be lifted out and hung on the tree

Creative titles

Don’t fall into the
trap of always having
titles placed on the
page – here we have
incorporated it onto
our advent door.

Age paper Mimic a real-world effectraecsIcfairnypeoeabuletisoatfriosceuuaignnsgdcpeliuosntdsrsyieniebagalleralsi.fdeWoe,fecmuossatrekaa.eitnioietndlotohouakrt

You can emulate the look of
an old book by printing text
onto paper and then using
a wet tea bag to dab over

the top, making it look
olde worlde!

70

Recycle materialsYemtomhuaebddereoilblonibsu’hottmanolwewfnaoatyslsdst–awhkatrehvaneepspfteroionpbmgruepyasaepcnretarsc, wkaenerdr.e Christmas memories

Use colourful
sequins to make
a festive garland

Paper for foliage Make your
own decorations
It’s really easy to create
glorious festive foliage. All One of the joys of
you need is some crêpe decorating a Christmas
paper, a pair of scissors, tree is revisiting
a quick twist of the fingers decorations you’ve
bought over the years.
and some floral tape. We encourage you to
make your own, and build
up a unique collection.

71

C hristmas has got to be the mother of from wrapping paper. Other page decoration
all scrapbooking possibilities. For this comes in the form of paper trees made from
project, we’re going to try something printouts of A Christmas Carol that have
different though. Rather than just been made to look aged; an advent door to
display photos and use embellishments, display a photo; an envelope with a list for
we’re going to create objects that not Santa; and a hot-chocolate recipe that has
only work as page decoration, but can been stained to suggest years of use.
also be used as tree decorations! The idea
is that you and your loved ones create
decorations every year, culminating not
only in a scrapbook where you can relive
the memories of past Christmases, but also
as a collection of personalised decorations.
We’re using polymer clay and a glue gun
for our ones.

For the rest of the design, we’re going
to twist crêpe paper so it looks like pine
needles, and create Christmas presents

“The idea is that you and your loved ones create decorations
every year, culminating not only in a scrapbook where you can

relive the memories of past Christmases”

118 CRAFT PAPER TREES

There are lots of crafts that take old books and
perform some trickery in order to transform the
pages into something decorative. However, even if
you buy second-hand, you might still balk at the idea
of ripping up a book. Thankfully, the internet has lots
of books that can be accessed for free, so you can
hunt down some Christmas texts, print them out,
and then merrily rip, cut, glue and fold, safe in the
knowledge that no books will have been harmed in
the process.

Since we are on a festive kick here, we paid a
visit to Project Gutenberg (gutenberg.org) in order
to access the online version of Charles Dickens’
A Christmas Carol. We simply printed out some
favourite parts. You could print onto paper that is
either coloured or has some kind of decoration
already applied, but we went old-school for our aged
effect. All you have to do is place your printouts on
a towel or waterproof surface. Wipe over the paper
with a wet paper towel to moisten it, then pour a
small amount of warm water in a cup. Grab a tea bag,
dip it in the cup and then dab over the moistened
paper. Once dry, simply cut out tree shapes in a
variety of sizes.

72

Christmas memories

119 MAKE A STAINED RECIPE

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

The first step is to get your recipe onto some Grab a glass and put in a small amount of Use the cocoa-dabbed mug like a stamp,
paper, so if you have nice handwriting, feel cocoa – approximately a teaspoon. Add pressing on your recipe to give the
free to scribble away. Otherwise, use your some water to make a darkish mixture. Use impression that hot chocolate has been spilt
favourite font to write it on a computer and some kitchen towel or a brush to dab it onto on the page over the years. You can also rub
print out, or use a typewriter. the bottom of a mug. small bits of cocoa in if you’re really messy!

120 PRODUCE GLUE-GUN SNOWFLAKES

A glue gun is a truly wonderful tool when
it comes to scrapbooking, but it can be
used for more than just sticking stuff down.
Here we are going to use it to make some
snowflake decorations.

The first step is to get some baking
parchment, then draw out a snowflake design
on it. You can do this freehand if you’re
pretty good at drawing or, if you’re not a very
confident artist, simply head online to find any
design that you like or suits your page. Just
make sure that it is a relatively straightforward
design, and – if you want to be truly authentic
– a six-sided snowflake.

Simply pop your design under the baking
parchment, then get your glue gun ready. A
low temperature will be just perfect. If it’s too
hot, you could melt the parchment! Carefully
trace over the design. When it is dry, snip
away any straggly bits, then paint with glue.
Now sprinkle on the glitter!

Wait for it to dry, then glue a paper clip that
has been opened up (so it looks like the letter
‘S’) onto the back of the decoration. This will
work as a hanger. It is also a good idea to seal
the glitter – Mod Podge is perfect for this.

73

121 WRAP UP SOME PRESENTS

Companies know that people lose all sense
when it comes to Christmas, which is why
your local craft store will be heaving under
the weight of ridiculously cute Christmas
scrapbook embellishments. While some will
be impossible to resist, you can make your
own using materials you already have.

Take our wrapped presents. They are
simply made from wrapping paper and
ribbon, of which you probably have loads!
Draw different-sized cubes on some
cardboard to use as a template. Trace around
one of these on your wrapping paper, then
cut out the shape. If you find your wrapping
paper is a bit flimsy, use the template to cut
out some thin card (a cereal box works well)
and stick the paper on that. Use a pen to
draw the perspective lines on the present,
and cut some ribbon for each edge. You
can either measure this or do it by eye by
holding the ribbon up to the present and
then cutting. Once cut, glue it to the present.
Finish off with a bow.

If you can’t draw a cube, a quick search
online will reveal lots of images to use as
reference. Once you have a good stash of
presents, stick them in your scrapbook!

122 CREATE AN ENVELOPE

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Turn a square piece of paper, so you have Turn the paper 90 degrees and bring up the Now fold the remaining part down to the
a point at the top and bottom. Fold the top bottom point to the middle. Press down on middle, and tuck the point in to secure the
point towards the middle. Press down on the the fold and then fold the point back a bit. envelope. It’s now up to you to decorate it as
fold. Bring the bottom point to the middle Use double-sided tape along the edges so it you wish – just don’t forget the all-important
and press down on the fold. sticks to the two triangles from the first step. list for Santa!

74

Christmas memories

123 MAKE CRÊPE-PAPER FOLIAGE 124 GET IMAGINATIVE
WITH PHOTOS
When it comes to Christmas decorations, foliage plays a big part, from garlands
strewn over mantelpieces to fresh wreaths hanging on doors. You can incorporate Try new ways of photographing your
this effect in your scrapbook quite easily by getting creative with paper. Christmas to ensure you capture the
entire experience
There are loads of online tutorials showing how to create realistic foliage and
flowers from paper. In our example here, we used crêpe paper to make foliage Pets and Christmas are a great combination,
that looks like a cross between pine needles and conifers. It all starts with a roll of so when you come to put up your
crêpe streamer bought from Amazon (you should also find them in party stores, decorations, keep your camera handy for
or alternatively just buy sheets of crêpe paper and cut them into 7cm-wide strips). any photo opportunities. Try using a burst
Cut off about 20cm-long sections, then fold in half and half again. With some sharp mode to capture a series of action shots.
scissors, cut a fringe all the way along, leaving about half a centimetre from the top.
You can vary the gap between each cut, but about 1cm works well.

Now twist each section of the fringe between your thumb and forefinger. When
finished, use a piece of floral wire to wrap the strip down it. Keep the wrapping tight,
and when finished, use some floral tape to secure, then carefully slide the whole
thing off the floral wire. You can adjust the length of strip for shorter or longer
sections, but if you go over about 8cm, you should leave it on the wire for stability.

It’s natural to focus on people when
photographing Christmas, but some objects
can fill you with the festive spirit. It might
be a certain decoration, a roaring fire, some
cookies… whatever it is, take a photo of it!

Don’t forget the outdoors. Whether it’s a
woodland walk to forage for pinecones,
or visiting a Christmas market, it all helps
capture the festive memories.

75

MAKE A
125 DECORATION

When you want something durable but
easy to decorate, polymer clay is the
perfect solution. Here’s how to use it for a
unique Christmas-tree decoration

STEP 1: ROLL THE CLAY STEP 3: MAKE A MINI OVEN

Break off a piece of the clay and roll it Polymer clay needs to bake at a low
around in your fingers for a bit, just to warm temperature to harden up. If you are using
it up and make it more pliable. You need your home oven, get two foil trays. Line
to roll it to a thickness of about 5mm. You one with parchment paper and carefully
can do this either with a rolling pin or a put your cut piece of clay onto it. Now put
wine bottle! Polymer clay isn’t food safe, so the other tray over the top, so you make
make sure that whatever you roll it out with a kind of mini oven. This keeps any clay
is used just for this task. fumes out of your oven.

STEP 4: BAKE IT

Follow the instructions for your brand
of clay regarding cooking times and
temperatures. Once cooked and cooled, it’s
time to decorate! Use anything from paint
and glitter to sticking stuff on; it’s up to you!
To make this a keepsake, though, ensure
you put the year it was made somewhere.

STEP 2: CREATE A SHAPE STEP 5: VARNISH AND HANG

Once the clay is rolled, it’s time to stamp! To protect your decoration for years to
Cookie cutters are ideal for this, as are come, apply some varnish once your
cutters used for fondant icing. Cut out your decoration is dry. Most polymer clay
shape, then use a skewer to create a hole at manufacturers will produce varnish in a
the top for the thread. First insert the skewer, variety of finishes, so pick the one you want
then gently rock it outwards for a slightly and apply. Once dry, thread some ribbon
larger hole. through the hole or use a wire hook and
hang on your tree.

76

Christmas memories

TYPES OF GLUE ADD SOME SPARKLE thread, simply cut a piece of thread to the
126 Sequins are ideal for capturing length you want, attach a needle, then use
It can get confusing trying to that to thread sequins onto your cotton.
work out which glue to use for the sparkle of Christmas, Now place glue dots behind each sequin
different materials. You can ruin and are a great way of adding twinkle where you want it to be on the page, and
the look of a surface if you don’t to your scrapbook. We have used them push down.
use the correct one. For example, as a garland, which is very simple to do.
paper only needs a thin layer of Rather than trying to knot each sequin onto
glue, whereas shells and beads
need a thicker layer to hold them
onto the page. When gluing
objects into your book, use a glue
gun, as the glue is thicker and can
secure heavier objects with ease.
Spray mount is the best glue for
holding card or paper, as the thin
glaze doesn’t show through to
the front of the surface.

127 DESIGN YOUR DOOR

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 ©Thinkstock

Cut out a rectangle from some cardboard, Cut out another rectangle in the card Use a brad for the door handle, and then
and cut out a photo slightly smaller. This you want to use for the front of the door. decorate the door however you would
is going to be the inside of the door. Glue Measure a small distance in from the top and like to – just don’t forget to add a ‘24’
the two together with a pH-neutral glue, sides, and mark it. Find the middle and cut somewhere! When you’ve finished, stick over
otherwise you might find that the glue up to the top line, then cut across the top the photo, and have fun opening and closing
discolours the photo. line. Fold back on the side marks. the door!

77

Precious anniversaries

There’s no better place to reflect on your time together as a
couple than in the pages of your scrapbook

Create pretty
patterns with stencils

Don’t worry if you aren’t too
great with the paintbrush – try

using stencils instead. Lace
ribbon and doilies are fantastic

when §used to imprint
patterns.

Use elegant doiliesTtdhhsooeeimliwinehtasryidtcinimafofteeetrledtersneysttuaasisdhlsindaogpitneiaosan,fe.sdwiYozoeidluysifamcfenaardnekncepoticolkonuuerpss?

78

Anniversary

Cut out Make easy bunting
paper hearts
This simple bunting can be made in three easy
Trace around love heart steps and uses only two materials. Bunting
templates to create an works well to frame the page and brings the
uncomplicated and effective composition on the page all together.
silhouette. Sew on a variety
of buttons to create a fun

addition to a page.

Fold a love heart envelopepstrtUreoassrnieansrggfvoeintrhemgneyvtloeholuivoserptlrheoae.vdUaeitrsiltoeettnettahemlrisssp.helaantpeveeylioonputoecfaaonr

Make a delicate paper chain Decorate with
a fabric bow
Try something different than bunting and make a love heart
paper chain instead. A simple and effective way to decorate Bows are a pretty accessory
to add on to any page and
your page and can be made in three simple steps. can be easily created using

fabric. Experiment with
multiple fabrics and
different colours.

79

S ome of the best memories we have HOLY HABERDASHERY!
are with the people we spend most
of our time with – our partners. Upholstery accessories can be
Whether you are celebrating one year work as great additions to your
together or 20, a scrapbook can be a great anniversary scrapbook as they
place to reflect on your fondest memories are cheap and easy to source.
together. These scrapbooking ideas can Next time you are passing a
be adapted to use for any anniversary haberdashery keep an eye
and includes some timeless techniques. out for some of these handy
There’s everything from fabric bows to items. One of these items is
lace doilies, as well as micro tutorials fabric, which is a fantastic
on how to create an unusual love heart material as it comes in array
envelope. One of the items that should not of shapes, sizes and patterns.
be missed are photographs, so before you Some fabric shops also have
begin scrapbooking for your anniversary, a box of off cuts taken from
start by accumulating photographs from excess materials so it’s worth
your happy moments together ready to checking out your local fabric
stick these down into your book. You may shop for these. Like fabric, lace
also want to keep a hold of love notes and and ribbon also comes in an
tickets from date nights to secure onto assortment of colours, which
the page. Or, follow the tutorial on how to is why it’s a good accessory for
make a love heart storage pocket and then your page. Ribbon and lace
you have somewhere to safely treasure are also malleable materials,
your keepsakes forever. which makes them great for
weaving and pressing onto
“Whether you are celebrating one year together or 20, a scrapbook can be scrapbook paper.
a great place to reflect on your fondest memories together.”

128 CREATE A PAINT PATTERN WITH A DOILY

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

If you aren’t that handy with a paintbrush, Dip a small amount of paint onto the surface Carefully peel away the doily to reveal

then try using a doily as a stencil. First, lay the of a sponge. Once your sponge is coated the imprinted pattern and allow to dry

selected doily on top of the paper that you with paint, lightly pat over the lace edges. completely before working on that page.

wish to transfer the pattern onto and grab a Top tip: Choose a bold colour that will stand Once dried, you can then add another

coloured paint you like, we’ve chosen red. out against the surface. colour to give the pattern an ombre effect.

80

Precious anniversaries

129 WASHI TAPE BUNTING

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Using a ruler, measure the width of the page Cut ten or more five centimetre strips of Fold each strip at its halfway point over the
and cut a piece of twine at this length. Leave washi tape. Depending on the width of your twine and press down to secure. Repeat this
a little extra on either end so that you have scrapbook and the length of your twine, you along the strip of twine making sure you
freedom to bend and twist the twine along may need more. Don’t worry though, you leave a gap between each flag. To finish, cut
the page if you want to. can always add more later if you are unsure. an upside triangle into each of the flags.

130 COLLECT AND RECYCLE
SPARE BUTTONS

THREE ITEMS WORTH COLLECTING FOR YOUR SCRAPBOOK Most items of clothing that we buy often
come with spare fastenings. Buttons are
We all like to hoard certain objects that remind of us of happy memories and one of these fastenings that we collect over
special people. Make sure to keep hold of these for your scrapbook! the years and hardly ever end up using. Put
your unused fastenings to good use and
• From the cinema to train tickets to across the UK. Hold onto tickets from attach them to your scrapbook. As shown
outings that you have had with your partner as these make wonderful in this scrapbook, you can make a love
personalised additions. heart filled with buttons. Simply cut out a
heart from the stencil template and select
• Whether you’ve been abroad and sent a postcard or had a long distance the buttons you want to decorate the heart
relationship and exchanged lengthy love letters, collect your letters and make with. The more variety you have the better!
sure you have somewhere safe to store them. Sew the buttons onto the stencil with a
needle and thread and layer up additional
• If there’s one advantage to living in the digital world it is the use of having buttons by using a glue gun to secure them
smart phones with cameras. Photograph happy moments with each other in place. Experiment with using a selection
and print them out. Be sure not to miss capturing a moment together! of buttons in different shapes and sizes.
Every time you get a new piece of clothing
place the spare buttons into a mason jar.
Then when you next come to scrapbook
you will have a broad selection to pick from.

81

CREATE THEMED SCRAPBOOK GIFTS 131 PAPER DOILIES

Although we may enjoy creating a scrapbook to reflect on our own lives, Paper doilies are traditionally used in food
sometimes, scrapbooks can make great gifts for other people. Anniversary presentation or for protecting surfaces, but
gifts can be expensive, so why not consider making a scrapbook as a gift they also make wonderful accessories for
instead? If you are struggling on what to buy your parents for their wedding scrapbooks. There is something delicate
anniversary or if you want to create something original for your grandparents’ and timeless about the patterns found in a
ruby wedding anniversary, then look no further. Try experimenting with doily, which is why it’s great to use for an
materials that reflect the type of wedding anniversary being celebrated. For anniversary page. You can either use them
example, for a ruby wedding anniversary, add a splash of colour to the pages to simply mount a photograph onto or you
with luxury red fabrics and deep mahogany paints. Explore using a range can cut around the lace edges and stick
of luxury fabrics including lace and velvet to reflect the timelessness of this them into the corners of your page. One of
particular occasion. the fantastic features of a doilies are there
pretty lace edges – so make sure you make
“Experiment with materials that the most out of these and use them to your
reflect the type of wedding an- advantage in your scrapbook. If you are
niversary being celebrated; for a feeling particularly adventurous, then you
ruby wedding anniversary, add can even follow the five step tutorial and
a splash of colour to the pages make a storage pocket out of one.
with luxury red fabrics”

132 LOVE HEART PAPER CHAIN

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Stack a selection of either plain or coloured Using a pencil, trace the love heart template Using either scissors or a scalpel, cut through

paper on top of one another and fasten with onto the first sheet of paper in your stack. A the stack of paper following your heart

a paper clip. Aim to have a maximum of five pencil works best for this as you will be able shape. Use a hole punch on each corner

pieces of paper – more than this will make it to rub away any leftover lines when you of them and thread piece of twine through

difficult to cut through. have finished. each of the holes.

82

Precious anniversaries

133 LOVE HEART ENVELOPES SHAKE IT LIKE A ©Thinkstock
POLAROID PICTURE!
STEP 1: TRACE THE HEART
The longer you’ve been together, the
Use leftover wrapping paper or coloured more photographs you have. So how
card to make one of these love heart do you know which ones are worth
envelopes. These envelopes are great to sticking down in your scrapbook?
use as a storage pocket for love letters.
Firstly, using a pencil, trace the large Your wedding day is one of those days that
heart template onto the back side of you will cherish forever and is a great marker
the wrapping paper and cut around the for the start of your lives together. Make sure
drawn out shape using a scalpel.   that you have at least one image from your
special day in your scrapbook.
STEP 2: FIND AND MARK
Remember those exciting times together
HALFWAY POINT when you first met? Select a photograph
taken when you first met or from your first
With a pencil mark the halfway point date together so that you can reminisce over
between each of the sides of the heart happy times at the start of your relationship.
and fold along this line on each side. You
will also need to mark two half way marks There is no time like the present so take a
diagonally across the heart. photograph of the pair of you now. You can
stick it in your scrapbook and look back on
STEP 3: START FOLDING how you both looked in years to come. You
can even add more photos as time goes on.
Turn the heart so that the point of the
heart is at the top of your work counter
and fold the bottom of the shape so that
it lines up with the halfway line you drew
earlier. Secure any folds that have been
made with glue to prevent the heart from
losing it’s shape.

STEP 4: FOLD THE TOP

Once you have secured any folds with
glue, fold down the final top point of the
envelope. You may want to glue down
this fold to keep your love letters hidden
or leave it loose so that you can take
them out or even keep adding to your
storage pocket.

STEP 5: EMBELLISH

If you want to add a final touch to your
storage pocket, then embellish the open
end of the envelope with a small heart.
To do so, trace a small heart from the
template and cut out the shape using
a scalpel. Fix it in place using a small
amount of glue.

83

Summer festival

Festivals are just a few short days of the year, but there are so many fun
ways to capture the magical memories of your experience

Try toilet
paper flowers

Remember how everyone said
bring your own toilet paper? Well

you can use (clean) leftovers
and cotton thread to create

cute page accents in
three simple steps.

Make your own personalised tape Re-use your festival face paintscfwoaOcloonenucpdrefaeubirnlianptcsga.kgWwaehthdahyetonctmoootredaroyteioo-wuunisstmeh? atyhyoebumer flaeessfttival

Use colourful washi tape and printed out slogans

and words to create one-of-a-kind labels and

84 banners for your page. Creating such a unique
material is easier than you think.

Get crafty with an origami sunHchyoaaovmvueepoyyloifocutauhtaoeclsdrwee?aasOytuisnuntgrshhspotiaunepgpeeh-firbtcllyore-ardsifgttdseaapmtyhgsiauitisnirdenemowitniilmdl e. Summer festival

Get in the festival
mood with bunting

What is a festival
without bunting? With
this tutorial, you can
recycle material and
use simple sewing skills
to make your own. Use
it to frame pages and
eternalise the festivities.

Create your
own story tags

Journaling is a great way to
remember your festival days.

With watercolour crayons
you can make your own

ombre tags to write
your captions on.

85

T he sounds of music blasting from summer days. Many of the materials used RUBBER STAMPS
six foot speakers, the sights of your to create the scrapbook pages in this theme
favourite groups, artists and DJs, have been made from typical household Fancy a colourful and quick way to
the smells of festival foods; whether items or those bits and pieces found in the create a border for your images?
your destination is Glastonbury, Reading, backpacks of any festival goer, be it your Take a pencil with a standard
the Isle of Wight or somewhere a bit more first time or tenth time attending. The tips rubber end. Dip the rubber into
exotic, festivals are guaranteed to be filled and tricks used to create the effects on your desired face paint colour with
with memories to be treasured. Once each page are all fairly simple and even just enough paint to cover the
you’re back at home and sorting out your scrapbooking novices will be able to find flat, round tip. With your rubber
belongings and keepsakes, there are tons of something they can incorporate into their end, press onto the pages to get a
inexpensive ways to capture those fun-filled own designs with the help of a steady hand. perfect circle of bold colour and
repeat this step as many times
as you choose. Using a different
colour, repeat until you have the
desired look. Use multiple colours
for a bright display – just remember
to change your pencil end so as
not to mix up colours.

“Many of the materials used to
create the scrapbook pages in this
theme have been made from typical
household items”

134 MAKE YOUR OWN TAGS

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

First, cut out your tag using some plain white Taking a rubber stamp and two, three or four Stamp your plain card with your loaded
card. You can use scissors for a basic design wet watercolour crayons, load up the stamp stamp. Be sure to press firmly on the stamp,
or for a more intricate looking tag, try a die and allow it to dry briefly - darker colours allowing time for the colour to transfer.
cutting machine. Either method will work will have the boldest look whereas lighter When you remove the stamp you will find a
just fine. colours will be more subtle. beautiful ombre design.

86

Summer festival

135 FOLD AN ORIGAMI SUN

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Using coloured paper, cut out several circles. Leave one circle untouched as the base for Using tacky PVA glue, apply glue to the back
The size is completely up to you, depending your sun and fold the others in half. Be sure of the central fold on each circle and stick
on how big you want your sun to be. Here, to fold the pieces of paper until they are onto the middle of your base. When dry, fan
the size is 2cm in diameter. completely bent into a semicircle shape. your layers out for a fuller look.

136 KEEP HOLD OF 137 PERSONALISE YOUR
YOUR MAPS WASHI TAPE

While at festivals you will normally be given or An easy way to personalise some short phrases, words or dates for your
be able to purchase maps and time schedules scrapbook is to make your own personalised washi tape. Print your phrase
of when your favourite artists are playing and out from a computer and immediately stick your length of washi tape along
where to find them. Don’t throw these away the printout. Be sure to use a plain colour, as heavy patterns may be harder
after your festival has finished, assuming they’re to read once finished. Rub along the tape firmly to process the transfer
useless. To a scrapbooker’s eye these trinkets are of the ink before applying a damp cloth to the back of the paper until the
actually free materials that can be reused in your paper becomes wet. Gently peel the sodden paper away from the tape to
scrapbook. Save them and use them to recreate reveal your own personalised message.
the scene of your festival, showing where you and
your friends camped, or where you bumped into
the lead singer from that band you love. With all
the goings on at festivals there are always stories
just waiting to be shared and recreated. Stick
paper down with double sided sticky tape so as
to avoid glue soaking in and potentially ruining
them. If they look particularly grubby or if you
want some glamour added to them, jazz them up
with jeweled, coloured or patterned braids and
buttons. If you want them as keepsakes rather
than materials, consider scanning them with a
computer and printing them out. This allows you
to be more creative without worrying that you
have damaged your only copy.

87

USING STAMPS

Don’t be so quick to stamp an image onto
your card when designing your layout.
Scrapbooking can be a fluid process and
committing to a stamp can be tricky if you
change your mind at a later date. Instead,
stamp your designs onto a piece of paper and
stick them onto the page at the end of the
project when you are certain of your design.
This can give you hours of fun, mixing and
matching different stamps with each other and
allowing you more freedom with your ideas.
Also, if you make an error you don’t have to
scrap your entire page - you can just re-stamp
the image or design onto another piece of card.
If you are unsure what kind of effect you want
from the stamp, try stamping the same design
in different colours and with different materials
(ink, watercolour crayons/pencils, paint or
chalk) to sample different effects and strengths
in colour. Try cutting the finished product into
different shapes to give more variety to your
pages. Pick stamps that are fitting to your page’s
theme or any slogans that represent your
experience. Overall the benefit will be far greater
than simply stamping it in plain black ink.

138 FOLD TOILET PAPER FLOWERS

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Using a square of toilet paper, fan fold the Tie white cotton across the middle in a Open the fold out and begin to carefully
entire square. Use two ply brands for a double knot to secure it in place. Then, using prise the layers apart all the way around. If
quicker result, but for more intricate flowers your scissors, cut in a diagonal direction on the thinner layers begin to tear, just try to
and a fuller looking design, use three ply either side of the toilet paper strip that you resume the process without ripping more of
paper instead. now have. the paper.

88

Summer festival

139 BANDANA BUNTING THREE GREAT WEBSITES FOR ©Thinkstock
SIMPLE TUTORIALS
STEP 1: CUT PATCHES
Check out these handy sites
Do you have a bandana from the festival
that is no longer being used? Using Visit clothpaperscissors.com if you are
a triangular template, cut out several looking for great tutorials and ideas for
patches. These can either be plain or scrapbooking designs. The blog features
patterned, or both. Use serrated scissors a number of fantastic crafty ideas and
for an additional effect or regular fabric techniques that will help you maximise your
scissors for a simple design. page’s potential.

STEP 2: CUT STRING Katie The Scrapbook Lady has dedicated
her time to one of her life’s passions:
Measure out a length of string that will scrapbooking and creating new designs.
fit across the top of your page. Decide Her website is katiethecreativelady.com. As
whether you will have slacked or straight well as paper scrapbooking, Katie also has a
bunting and cut your length using number of sections on her blog dedicated to
scissors. Be sure that there is enough digital scrapbooking.
string on both ends (about a centimetre)
to allow yourself some room either side. For thousands of free downloads
and images all at tips of your fingers,
STEP 3: FOLD PATCH thegraphicsfairy.com is an ideal place to
go. This is a great website to visit for images
Fold a portion of the straight edge of the and ideas for your scrapbook pages. The
triangle patch over the string to create possibilities will seem endless.
a hem. The hem does not have to be
large, just big enough so that the patch of 89
material can be sewn into place. If this is
particularly fiddly, try using a pin to secure
the hem in place.

STEP 4: SEW HEMS

Using a needle and thread, sew a simple
stitch across the bottom of your hem,
securing each patch on the string. Repeat
this stage with each patch until your
bunting is complete. You can use plain
thread, or use brightly-coloured thread
that will stand out against your material.

STEP 5: GLUE DOWN

Lightly apply PVA glue to your bunting
flags and string to stick them on your
page. Make sure the hem is on the back
of the bunting when you stick it down
for a more aesthetically pleasing design.
When you’re happy, cut the leftover string
away giving you a nice and even finish.

Pet portrait

Pets make for great scrapbook subjects and give you a chance to show off their character…
as well as all those pictures you’ve taken of them!

Apply filters to
your photos

There are so many
fantastic photo filter
apps available, it
seems a shame not
to use them in your
projects. We applied
a few different filters
to create a strip of
fun images.

Be generous Charlie’s whisker
with glitter
Create keepsake foldersckaceWtee’slipleowslpdahhkiniseagknpeeoor,nciinltky’setshtpoifosmoscrseaaibswseleap. sethociicatalrepoaebtjeaencadtl;itatle
Never be afraid to add
some sparkle to your
scrapbook. Here, glitter
has been used to draw

some decorative
paw prints.

90

Pet portrait

Add bling with gold leafGawcpilhadpriilcmnyigfneggreleilsga,tolietlylnddi.oslAenena’stfdnat’tsiofmhyaaoafrutrdtaegmaroseififtoaitldroisdaonsks’thas;palobevrbfeyelcyt!

Play with Add a journal
your scrapbook
Journals may not
A scrapbook doesn’t have be the first thing
to be a static display – our you think of when
little outfits can be taken off scrapbooking, but in
the hangers and hooked over cases like this where
you are focussing on
the photo. It may seem one subject, they can
a little bit silly, but it be fun to re-read a few
is fun! years later.

91

P ets make fantastic subjects for
scrapbooks, because they are so
ridiculously cute and often very funny.
When you start planning your pet
project, think about your pet’s character and
incorporate that somehow. In our example
here, we have included a journal to capture
the sulky teenager attitude of the cat subject!

We have incorporated some interactivity in
the form of some little clothes on hangers that
can be placed over a photo of our feline star.
This is far funnier than it should be!

As for the photos, ours have been given
some special attention, firstly by gilding a
frame for the main image, and secondly by
employing filter apps for creative effects.
These have been placed together to form a
strip, which is great for structure.

We will also show you how to create a little
keepsake pocket for items. Our pocket here
contains a whisker, but this can be adapted to
contain whatever you like.

“We incorporated some interactivity
in the form of some little clothes on
hangers that can be placed over a
photo of our feline star”

140 CRAFT PAPER PET CLOTHES

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Get a simple paperclip and hold it so the end Using some needle-nosed pliers (you could Draw an outline of clothing on some paper,
of the inside loop is on the top. Now gently also try eyebrow tweezers), hold the long with two tabs at the top. Cut out and fold the
pull the end of the long loop (it is at the loop (now on the top) and then gently pull tabs over the hanger. Use foam pads to stick
bottom) up, so the paperclip looks like a kind back and gently curve at the top to make a your pet picture on the scrapbook, so the
of triangle. hook for your hanger. tabs can fold behind it.

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Pet portrait

141 MAKE A PET JOURNAL 142 THREE TOP CREATIVE
PHOTO EFFECTS
Since our animals can’t tell us what personality. Since the subject of our
they are thinking, most pet owners scrapbook is a sensitive soul, we had to Improve the appearance of your
spend a lot of time wondering what include some missives on how he has photos and add some creative flair by
is going on in their tiny minds, so been wronged. He is also a greedy pig, using a free filter app
creating a journal for your pet is a fun so a meal planner worked well. Like all
project to get your imagination going. cats, sleeping is high on his agenda, so Photos: If you have an Apple device, open
a nap chart added a fun element to the your image in Photos and click the edit icon.
The actual execution is very simple. feline journal. You’ll notice a Filters section in the options
We ripped out some paper from an on the right. Click this to see thumbnails of
actual bullet journal, and then used the Once you decide what you’d like to filter effects. Just click one to apply it.
hand we don’t normally write with to include, simply divide your page and
add the text. People who keep a bullet then add your text. When it’s all filled in,
journal usually follow a structured stick it on the page with glue dots and
layout, so look at some ideas online and use the glittery paw prints to embed into
incorporate elements that fit your pet’s the overall design.

Prisma: Prisma is a fantastic free filter app
for iOS and Android. Load it up, pick a filter
and then adjust to suit. The filters are quite
painterly, but by lessening the effect, you
can bring back some of the photo’s details.

“Most pet owners spend a lot Filterloop: Filterloop is another free iOS
of time wondering what is and Android app that applies great effects
going on in their tiny minds, to images. This one emulates analog film
so creating a journal for your effects and you can stack different filters on
pet is a fun project to get your top of each other for bespoke creations.
imagination going”
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143 ASSEMBLE A KEEPSAKE POCKET Charlie’s whisker

One great scrapbook technique is
incorporating a physical reminder of an
event, whether it’s sand from a beach holiday,
confetti from a wedding or a leaf picked up
on a lovely woodland walk. You can apply the
same theory to your pet-themed scrapbook by
creating a little pocket for a feather, tuft of fur
or, as in this case, a whisker.

Begin by cutting two pieces or cellophane or
acetate. If you have any cellophane bags, you
can cut from there or if you are really struggling,
you could cut your pieces from plastic film
used to seal products.

With the two pieces ready, cut two pieces of
card. Keep one whole but cut out the middle
of the other to make a frame. Place a piece of
cellophane over the whole piece of card, pop
the whisker on top, then add the other piece of
cellophane and finally the cutout frame.

Lift the whole package up and secure the
edges with washi tape. If you are a bit clumsy,
measure out a piece of tape for each edge, put
the pocket on a non-stick surface and apply the
tape around all edges. Then lift up and fold the
tape over to the other side.

144 GET GLITTERY PAW PRINTS

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

You can apply the paw prints directly to the With a glue pen or a brush and a pot of glue, Now the fun part – shake on the glitter! Put
page, but if you don’t trust yourself, it’s a draw out a paw shape. Simply make a rough on a nice thick coating and then tap off onto
good idea to make them on bits of paper to triangle that is rounded at the bottom, and a clean sheet of paper. Repeat the process,
stick on the page. Draw circles on the same then put four dots around it for the toes. You cut out the circles and then stick your prints
colour paper as your background. can pencil the shapes in first. onto the page.

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Pet portrait

145 GILD A FRAME

STEP 1: PICK A FRAME STEP 4: APPLY SOME BLING

To gild a frame, you first need a frame. If your gold leaf is on a transfer sheet,
You can buy frames, either card or balsa apply it directly to the size and use a brush
wood ones, from most craft shops, or you to rub on the back of the transfer paper.
could download a frame shape online, Lift the sheet off and the leaf will be stuck
trace it onto some cardboard and then on the frame. If you have loose leaf, use
cut it out. In our case, we created a very tweezers or a brush to lift the leaf onto the
simple one from four lollipop sticks glued size. Overlap each bit of gold leaf slightly to
at each corner. ensure even coverage.

STEP 3: GET GLUING

When your paint is dry, apply the size. This
is a special glue that gives a long working
time and we recommend you buy proper
size – don’t make do with PVA! After it’s
applied, wait for it to turn tacky. Use your
knuckle to press on the size, and if it tugs at
your skin as you pull away, it’s ready.

STEP 2: TAKE TIME TO PRIME STEP 5: RUB AND BUFF ©Thinkstock

Whatever kind of frame you are working Once the leaf is on the size, wait for it to dry.
with, if it is an absorbent material it will need This time depends on the brand of gold leaf
to be primed. If you don’t do this, all of your you have. Once the wait is over, use a soft
glue will disappear! The easiest primer is brush to rub over the gold leaf and remove
paint. Gold leaf is very thin, so the colour any bits that haven’t stuck. Then buff it with
you pick can affect the final look. Pick a hue a cotton ball. If your leaf is less that 22 karat,
that is in your overall design, or pick a warm apply an acrylic sealer or polyurethane
colour to enhance the gold glow. varnish to seal.

95

Baby girl & boy

Capture those precious first moments of your newborn baby with beautiful
scrapbook memories. Personalise your pages with baby names and birth details

Create a clock to
capture time

Easy to make, a clock
will tell the time of your
baby’s birth and you
can add little details
around it such as the
date, the baby’s weight
and length.

Hospital bands Incorporate scan photosForinKaf metaheeespcitfinrhargesptmhbtooimclodaekroewyffouiylullolyausdatrodwsckryeaeonaeulppmrhtlhieotetmtlmoeosorstinaeofeseu..se

You will really get a sense
of how small your baby was
when you look back on these
little anklebands, a perfect

memento from a very
special day.

96

Create names with fabric letters Baby girl & boy

Fabric letters can be bought from craft suppliers Make a miniature washing lineMmoeiunantxiaa!lbtitRulteelreecyocyitclueolmittnhogsecwsareainlnaletpdweobarbatrambabyyiynaciccuwactraeedssnhsbeoiysnrsgicetusloitntwtiehni.legl
and are very easy to use. They have foam
squares on the back and you can apply them to
your page to create stunning titles.

Stick on buttons

Buttons are an easy way to
add interest and texture. They

are cheap and come in a
huge variety of colours. We

chose blue to enhance
the colour scheme.

97

W hether you have a boy or girl you
can create beautiful pages that
you can look back on and share
together with your little one as
they grow older. They will enjoy looking at
pictures of themselves when they were born
and you will be able to share your memories
with them. Using a variety of items you
will be able to preserve unique keepsakes
and gather them together in a special
way. Creating this page is the first step to
commemorating your child’s first moments,
and you can continue to document
important milestones, such as baby’s first
smile, meeting relatives for the first time,
first tooth, first steps, and so on. You may
be too tired to start making a scrapbook
immediately with a newborn, but be sure to
jot down some notes that you can refer to at
a later date. Take lots of photos!

146 MOUNT SCANS

Approximately twelve weeks into
your pregnancy you will have your first scan
where you normally receive photos (with the
time and date of your scan) to take home.
Another scan is usually done at a later date, and
more photos will be provided at the second scan
along with the chance to find out your baby's sex.
The second set of scans are usually a lot clearer
and body parts such as hands and feet are much
better defined. During the scans you often get to
see your baby moving so including the snap shots
in your scrapbook is a great way to remember
this momentous time. Scan photos are normally
given to you in a strip which you can cut into
individual pictures. In this tutorial we have used
a first scan photo and a second scan photo to
show the difference in detail. If you don't want to
glue the photos into your scrapbook, cut a piece
of mounting paper 1cm bigger than your photo
and using a craft knife and cutting mat, make four
slanted incisions as shown in the image. Slide the
corners of the photo into the incisions and you
can glue the mounting paper into your scrapbook.

98

Baby girl & boy

147 MAKE A CLOCK FACE

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Print out a your desired clock face design Prepare where you are going to place the Place a cutting mat underneath and use
onto printable acetate. You may want to clock face on your page by drawing around a craft knife to make a small incision in
practice printing on paper first to make sure your clock to cut out a semicircle shape the centre of the clock face. Use a metal
you have the right size you need. Cut out the from your background paper. This is where fastener (or brad) to push through and hold
clock circle with scissors. you should fit the clock in. the clock hands in place.

ADD EMBELLISHMENTS 148 STICK IN WRISTBANDS

To further enhance your Hospitals use anklebands to
scrapbook pages you can add
small embellishments and identify your baby and one is
extra details to your designs.
Here we have printed out some fixed around each ankle. Before you leave
details of the birth including
the date, time and the baby's the hospital ask if you can keep the bands
weight on acetate. Underneath
the scan photos we have used after they are removed. They really give
ready-made shop-bought
embellishments. These are a sense of how tiny your baby once was.
available online or from craft
shops and come with ready- On this page both anklebands have been
to-stick backing for easy use
and extra convenience. Make attached using foam squares directly onto
sure to choose colours that
complement your overall the paper. The foam squares are a better
colour scheme.
option than gluing as they can be easily

removed using a craft knife and repositioned

if required.

“Using a variety of items you will be able to preserve unique keepsakes
and gather them together in a special way. Creating this page is the first
step to commemorating your child’s first moments”

99

149 MATCH YOUR COLOUR SCHEME
Once you have chosen a paper to mount photographs and

colour scheme, keep you embellishments and also a long piece

eyes open for anything that you could as a side border. The side border has

use in the page. Here we have used been finished off with fabric ribbon

buttons, ribbon, patterned paper, fabric and buttons. The paper and ribbon

letters and pre-made embellishments. has been fixed with double sided tape,

As well as recycling newborn baby which is easy to use and gives a nice

cards (see the washing line tutorial), finish. If you were to use PVA glue this

you could also keep hold of wrapping often crinkles the paper as it dries.

paper and gift tags from presents and The buttons can be applied using

turn these into backgrounds and cut- foam squares if you want them raised

outs to decorate your page with. off the page, or hot glue for a flatter

Mix and match your patterns and finish. Remember to try and group your

colours to tie your page together. Here embellishments in odd numbers as this

we have used green and blue spotty is more pleasing to the eye.

150 FASION A MINIATURE CLOTHES LINE AND PEGS

STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3

Cut out miniature baby clothes pictures from Measure and cut out a length of ribbon Using miniature pegs, clip the clothes to the
recycled newborn baby cards using scissors. where you want to place it on your page. ribbon and secure the ribbon down at both
Odd numbers usually work best, so here we Use the same colour ribbon to make two ends using a hot glue gun. Glue on the mini
have three items of clothing. You can also small bows to go at either end of the bows and secure the clothes in place with
cut out little booties, teddy bears, etc. ‘washing line’. foam squares.

100