Scrapbook backgrounds, whether textured or smooth, plain or intricate, set the theme of each scrapbooking page. Taking the time to plan your scrapbooking background so that it creates balance with the layout, as well as the main photo, will be well worth the effort.
Specialized Backgrounds
Scrapbooking is about capturing memories. To create a unique page, start with a memorable background. Backgrounds that mean something to you can be created by using gift wrap from your birthday, wedding or baby shower. Gift wrap or tissue paper-wrinkles and all-from a special gift will always remind you of that special day. Use the gift wrap background as the foundation for a layout that includes a picture of you opening your gift.
If you want to try and capture your memorable teenage years, take a piece of material from an old tie-dye shirt that is laid onto a plain or textured 12" x 12" background sheet. Cover the edge of the shirt with a piece of ribbon and sew large X stitches along the entire ribbon to hold it in place. This background is perfect if you also have a photo of you in the tie-dye shirt or of you and your best friends making your tie-dye shirts.
Scrapbooking Transparencies
Use transparencies to create a layered look to your background. Start with a bright, solid color as the initial background sheet. Take a transparency sheet of vellum and cut out a rectangle that is about an inch larger than the photo you plan to use on the page. The transparency will act as a picture frame. Photos can be centered or offset. You can then type or write your title directly onto the transparency or include your message in a text box. You may want to add smaller photos beneath the vellum for a distant or fuzzy look.
Rubber Stamping
Plain backgrounds can be embellished by using rubber stamps. Either cover the entire page or strategically place the words or designs on the background. Rubber stamps come in thousands of designs and words-there are even scrapbooking kits available that encourage you to make your own personal rubber stamp designs.
Scrapbook Templates
A variety of templates can be purchased anywhere scrapbooking supplies are sold, but why buy a template when you can make one? If you want your background sheet to have a template of hearts drawn across it, take another background sheet of the same size and, using a cookie cutter, draw hearts all over it. Using an Exacto blade or utility knife, carefully cut the hearts out to make your template. Lay the template over the chosen background and draw the hearts onto the background sheet.
Backgrounds with Two Designs
Use one half sheet of two different designs and create a two-toned background. Both sheets can be plain, both sheets can be printed or one sheet can be plain and the other printed. After you have cut both sheets in half or at your chosen measurement, place the two designs, right sides down, and match the seams together so you create a perfect 12" x 12" sheet. Using archival or acid-free glue that will not harden your photos over time, affix a strip of paper over the seam. When you flip the sheet so it's right side up, you'll have a full background sheet that has two different designs on it. Cover the seam with ribbons or other embellishments.
 | Learn how to scrapbook with these beginner's tips on choosing materials, backgrounds and photos and laying out your first scrapbook pages. |
Whether you like to mix colors or keep accent colors to a minimum, if you let your own personal style and flow become the main force behind your creative scrapbook page layouts, you'll end up with scrapbooking pages and albums that show your unique tastes and styles. |
With the rise of technology and computer enhancements, digital journaling and digital scrapbooks are also becoming popular. |
Even the beginning scrapbooker understands the importance of organizing scrapbook supplies and keeping them organized because scrapbooking is an activity that can involve anywhere from a few pieces of paper and embellishments to thousands of items. |
Today, most scrapbook papers are acid-free and lignin-free, but always check to be sure. Scrapbooking paper that is acid-free and lignin-free will hold color well and should last for generations. |
