For many scrapbook enthusiasts, there comes a time when they want a different look for a scrapbook page. The familiar techniques work perfectly well - but it’s just time for something new. So why not try these quick scrapbooking ideas to give your project a new twist?

Those of us who enjoy arts and crafts often find ourselves going back in time to our years at school and re-discovering the techniques we first learned in art class. The first of these ideas may remind you of those days!

Wax Resist

You probably experimented with the technique of wax resist in elementary school. You take a clear or white crayon, draw a pattern, write words, create a background, and then color over the design element with acrylic paints, Lumiere, walnut ink, etc.

The wax will resist the paint and show through, resulting in a great design. Wax resist makes a creative background for children’s artwork as well as children’s scrapbooks.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint can be use to draw and paint embellishments or create accents around focus objects. These embellishments and accents can be as simple or as fancy as you desire. What’s more, acrylics are opaque so you won’t be able to see the text underneath the paint as long as you go over it a few times.

For more control, use a dry marker as a paintbrush. To clean these markers paintbrushes, simply wipe with a damp cloth.

Acrylic paints come in every imaginable color and are available at most craft and office supply stores.

Liquid Appliqué

Liquid appliqué can be use to draw and paint embellishments or create accents around focus objects. These embellishments and accents can be as simple or as fancy as you desire and your creativity allows.

Liquid appliqué is fairly easy to use. Just gently squeeze the liquid onto or around the desired image or form. And best of all (or worse should you happen to mess up!), the liquid is quick drying.

Browse through the menu for more ideas on creating an innovative look for your scrapbook albums with tips and tricks for creating unique borders and embellishments.

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The way you decorate your scrapbook has a strong influence on its theme. Not only do your embellishments make your album even more fun to read, they also can unite your pages and lend character and dimension to the whole project.

Many scrapbookers enjoy using various items they find at home as embellishments - you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy special materials to decorate your pages. All it takes is a little imagination and creativity. Have fun - and experiment!

It doesn’t matter what your theme is - these techniques can be modified to suit any topic, from wedding album scrapbooking to cheerleading scrapbook pages. To get you started, here are some ideas of materials you might use:

Sequins

Sequins can add a creative flair and a dash of color to scrapbook pages as embellishments. If placed randomly in a variety of colors, sequins bring a dramatic, abstract, playful effect. This might be good for a young adult or college student scrapbook.

However, if the sequins are placed in specific patterns and colors the result can be elegant and dainty. This might be appropriate for scrapbooks for older individuals.

Simply glue and place individual sequins using tweezers.

Sequins come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Sequins are available at any local craft store.

Rhine Stones

Body art rhinestones can also be added to embellish scrapbook pages in a creative and colorful way. Rhinestones add shine to your album and make a visually dull page more exciting.

Unlike regular rhinestones, body art rhinestones have an adhesive backing, so they’re easy to place directly onto scrapbook pages.

Rhinestones and body art rhinestones come in many different shapes and colors. Both types are available at most craft stores.

Feathers

Feathers make exotic and interesting embellishments and borders. Feathers add an air of softness. Feathers may be useful in scrapbooks with a freedom, peace, or quiet theme. Conversely, colored or exotic feathers may add a touch of adventure or a feeling of a distant land to a scrapbook page.

When gluing feathers, place a thin line of glue along the center of the feather. Alternatively, use embroidery cotton to tie the feather in place. Keep in mind, however, that feathers are not acid free and that this may reduce the life of your scrapbook page.

Glitter

Glitter can add a wonderful sparkle to your borders and fonts and gives an artistic look to your child’s artwork.

Glitter can also create a huge mess if you don’t apply it properly. The best solution is to reduce static electricity before you add the glitter. Just place a dryer sheet on top of the page before you work.

Next, place the glue in the areas that you want glittered. For even better results, Xyron the objects you want glittered. Then, using an eyedropper, apply the glitter. The eyedropper allows better control of the glitter and reduces mess. To clean up, simply brush away the remaining glitter once the object is completely dried.

If you do need to stock up on sequins, rhinestones, glitter or any other materials, check on these online sources of scrapbook supplies. And you can follow this link for more great tips on embellishing your scrap book - or browse through the menu for a complete list of articles.