Scrapbooking: what is it and how to master needlework art?

Almost every creative person, as well as those who love needlework, is familiar with the scrapbooking technique. And the one who first hears this word must definitely get acquainted with this unusual way of decorating. In our article we will study scrapbooking as a phenomenon, find out what materials and elements are necessary for this technique, get acquainted with the varieties of scrapbooking and answer popular questions on the topic.

The word "scrapbooking" came to Russian from English. If you translate it verbatim, we get the phrase "book of pieces." At its core scrapbooking is an original technique for decorating and decorating unusual photo albums, as well as diaries, notebooks, and more.

The history of the unusual technique originates in England and Germany. Several centuries ago, in the countries mentioned above, it was customary not only to keep a diary, but also to collect various clippings from magazines and newspapers into it. Despite its long history of existence, such an occupation was called scrapbooking only in 1830.

It is interesting to note that despite the fact that today we live in the digital age, the love of needlework has not disappeared. Craftswomen around the world (our country was no exception) apply scrapbooking techniques in their daily lives. The most common examples of scrapbooking can be considered wedding albums, photo albums for babies, as well as personal diaries and diaries.

First of all, of course, you will need a foundation. In traditional versions, the basis for scrapbooking is an album for photographs, which can be purchased in a store or made independently. One way or another, but the album should have thick cardboard pages. Choose the size of the album as you like, however, be sure to consider the fact that the larger and larger the album, the easier it will be for you to decorate it, because it’s much more difficult to work with small parts than with large ones.

If you want to move a little away from the classic theme, then You can use the scrapbooking technique not only when decorating a photo album, but also when decorating a personal diary, a glider, or even a diary. In this case, you are limited only by your imagination, artistic abilities and creative possibilities.

In fact, during scrapbooking classes you can use any materials and tools of your choice. However, there is a list of things that will be difficult for you to do without. These include:

• specialized paper for scrapbooking (or scrapbook paper) - you can use any sizes and sizes, however, paper of 30 by 30 centimeters is considered one of the most popular and common options;
• a set of colored paper;
• color cardboard;
• stencils;
• stapler;
• glue - you can use any option according to your desire, glue stick is considered one of the most convenient;
• hole punch - if desired, you can use ordinary or original figured;
• adhesive tape - for convenience, it is desirable to have both ordinary adhesive tape and double-sided adhesive tape;
• felt-tip pens, pencils, paints or ink - the last option is suitable for those who have already mastered the basic scrapbooking techniques and have the skills of art drawing;
• stamps.

Will also be needed fabric tapes and other elements to your liking for volumetric decoration. May come in handy and a printer, with which you can print your favorite images or pictures.

Such components can eventually destroy the integrity of photographs, album pages, and other decorative elements.

It's obvious that Scrapbooking can’t do without decoration elements. You can use improvised means or purchase ready-made jewelry in design and art stores.

Thanks to this technique, you’ll not only create beautiful jewelry, but in the future you will become the author of a unique and exclusive art object.

If we talk about improvised means for decoration, then they can be:

• pebbles and shells from the beach;
• dried twigs and flowers;
• various ropes (for example, you can use shoelaces or ordinary threads);
• foil;
• candy wrappers;
• the cloth;
• clippings from newspapers and magazines;
• buttons and more.

In stores you can buy ready-made decor elements:

• stickers and stickers;
• rings (can be colored, as well as gold-plated or painted in silver shade);
• shaker for scrapbooking is a hollow part filled with small elements, thanks to which the shaker is able to create a sound (rustling, ringing, etc.);
• rivets;
• beads and beads;
• decorative ribbons;
• eyelets, etc.

Using the decorative elements described above, you can create various cards and blanks, as well as design prints. The most important thing is not to be afraid to show your individual imagination and creativity. Only in this case you can create original and creative compositions. However, do not purchase or use all jewelry at once. Too much variety can create a lurid effect. Remember that the design should be consistent with the general theme.

There are a huge number of techniques that are used in scrapbooking. Some of them are quite popular and widespread, while others, on the contrary, are copyright, so they can be found quite rarely. One way or another, but original and beautiful compositions are obtained only thenwhen you put together well-known and proven techniques with your author’s creative vision and add personality to your decor.

Consider the existing techniques used in scrapbooking.

This technique is a method of aging, giving vintage. As a result of the application of this technique you will receive image with scratches, scuffs and cracking. This technique is especially relevant for albums, which will contain old photos of your grandparents, etc.

With this technique you can easily create a variety of patterns, ornaments and prints. First of all, you need to pick up a stamp with an interesting pattern. You can also purchase several stamps with different patternsbut suitable for one style. In this way, you can create a more complex and diverse image. Besides, You need to decide on the color of the ink.

This method will allow you to create volumetric convex pattern on paper. There are 2 possible uses for embossing.

• You can extrude the pattern using a stencil. This method is called embossing.
• But there is also a more complicated trick - wet embossing. According to the rules of using this technique, you must apply specially designed powder to the paper, and then heat the drawing with a hairdryer. Thus, you will melt the desired pattern.

The embossing technique looks very original and spectacular. To create an additional effect volumetric drawing can be painted in bright color or covered with sequins. So you get an unusual decorative element that will become a real decoration of your album.

One of the easiest decorating methods. You can embroider a cross, a smooth surface or in any other way available to you. To create an unusual pattern, you only need a needle and thread. However, be very careful and attentive, because the paper can be torn with a needle, and then the overall impression of the decoration can deteriorate.

Often during the design of albums or diaries using the origami technique. For this a variety of thematic figures are made from individual pieces of paper (for example, if you are creating an album for a newborn, then it will be appropriate to collect a stork figurine). At the end of the production of the figures, they are attached directly to the sheets of the album.

Sculpting is another popular way to decorate pages. It is worth noting that in the case of using this technique, one should be very careful, because clay can leave dirty marks on paper. Therefore, it is recommended to use other materials (for example, polymer clay).

Decoupage technique is based on attaching any element (for example, clippings from a magazine) to the album page with subsequent lacquering. This method allows you to extend the life of the decorative component.

This technique allows you to create compositions of various types (flat or voluminous) from plain paper. This technique has a little in common with origami.

The techniques listed by us are not the only ones that exist. In addition, it is not necessary to apply them all at once. For decorating in scrapbooking style. just select one or more core ones. It is also important to apply a creative approach and not to limit your creative impulses.

The style of your album should mainly depend on the theme of the album. So, different appearance will have wedding albums and personal diaries, photo albums of newborns and diaries of memories. In general, the style needs to be selected according to the individual characteristics of the person for whom you are designing an album (classic or modern lover).

Consider several popular style solutions.

• One of the most common styles is vintage. Obviously, the aging technique is used for its execution. Characteristic features of this design are yellowed photographs, worn pages, wrinkled letters and newspaper clippings.

• Minimalism characterized by the absence of a large number of decor and additional elements. In this case, the main role is played by photographs.

• They are very popular Ornamental and abstract design methods. To create such a design, you do not need to have high technology of artistic skill.

• Floral print Suitable for romantic natures. The main decoration of this style is the image of flowers in different variations. Origami figures, drawn caricatures and a herbarium of dried flowers are suitable.

• Pop art is brightness and diversity. This style differs from others in bright colors and a variety of decorative details. Here you can see ribbons, beads and beads, various decorative laces and much more.

If you want to make a bright and beautiful photo album (diary or diary) with your own hands, then you need to follow simple tips and recommendations of specialists. If you follow the instructions, then a similar task will be feasible even for a beginner.

• First of all, it’s important to remember that for the album you need to choose bright and vibrant photos. In the captured frame, it is not at all necessary for a person to stand in a frozen pose. It may also be photographs with the wrong composition or light. The main thing is that they evoke emotions.
• If you plan to make an album for preschool children, then try to use bright colors and funny patterns. A great option would be the image of cartoon characters.
• Great gift option will be crafts of children for mom. This can be a box decorated with scrapbooking techniques, an original cookbook or the album “Mom’s Treasures” containing photographs of children.
• Personal diary, designed through scrapbooking, can be a great gift for February 14th. Be sure to put photos of your couple, hearts and angels in it. You can also equip the design with origami figures.
• Modern version of the photo album - This is a photo folder. It can be decorated in the technique of minimalism or decorated with a print according to your desire.
• Using scrapbooking You can create not only albums or diaries, but also, for example, pictures. To do this, you just need to purchase a frame of the desired size and decorate it with various details: it can be photos or just beautiful pictures. In the same way you can create unusual wish cards.

As we were able to make sure Scrapbooking is a decoration technique that everyone can use to decorate various objects. Especially it will appeal to lovers of needlework and creative personalities. Using the scrapbooking technique, you can create items for yourself or create gifts in an original way. Thus, you will create exclusive works of art that will delight you and your loved ones, as well as become a source of pleasant memories and sincere emotions.

In the next video, you will find a detailed master class on creating an album using scrapbooking technique.