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The Art of Scrapbooking
by: Eileen Bergen
If you'd like to start scrapbooking or create scrapbook-style art, but
are simply overwhelmed by the vast product choices, let me help you
narrow them down and get you going. I view scrapbooking as a highly
specialized form of collage.
With scrapbooking, not only are you creating artistic arrangements and
layers of objects, but you are doing it around an evocative theme.
Scrapbook art almost always includes: 1. photos around which the theme
is developed; and words or "journaling" which evoke, explain and expand
on the theme.
The words form an integral part of the artistic arrangement.
Scrapbookers love to play with and combine fonts to give words visual
expression. Just as we use tone and volume to add expression to the
spoken word, scrapbookers use fonts, letter placement and color to
express their ideas and form a page that is pleasing to the eye. Just as
words can be spoken melodically or harshly, softly or loudly, the words
on a scrapbook page can visually shout, whisper, sing or pray.
I suppose a beginner could "go it alone" artistically, but I found it
inspiring and very helpful to view other scrappers' work in order to
appreciate the range of possibilities before I began. If you're
fortunate enough to have a friend who scrapbooks, ask if you can look at
her work. Also subscribe to a scrapbooking magazine. You get to see all
the latest and greatest scrapbooking supplies and tools each month,
along with examples of beautiful pages submitted by readers and experts.
To begin scrapbooking, it is very valuable to see how varied the art can
be. No two scrappers will interpret a theme the same way. This gave me a
sense of artistic license when I started. There is no one right way!
Four artists, given a theme and even a page layout, will invariably
provide vastly different interpretations. In fact, such contests are
held periodically. The results are something to behold.
If you still feel overwhelmed after seeing the work of experienced
scrappers (or maybe due to seeing their work!), start with one of the
themed kits that are available at craft stores.
For the more adventuresome beginner, it's time to plan your page and
make a shopping list!
First decide on the size for your page. The most popular size is 12 x
12". One scrapper explained that's because you get more "real estate" to
decorate. Decide on your theme and select photos for your page.
Scrappers frequently use photos from the same shoot. This helps, not
only as far as sticking with the theme goes, but also aids color
coordination. Look for colors that dominate or accent the photos to
decide on the colors for your background and trims.
Be sure you have the ability to get reprints should you damage one of
your photos. Accidents do happen. Scan your original to a digital file
if you don't have a negative or digital camera file. Have any valuable
old photos professionally copied. There are two reasons for this: newer
papers and newer inks both add durability.
Plan your journaling: what title and other words can you use to tie the
photos together? Take your time with this step. Let your concept evolve
and take shape. Think about your audience and especially the person or
people in the photos. What will evoke a smile or wonderful memory for
them?
Diagram a few scrapbooking layouts with your photos to settle on a
balanced composition and to give you an idea of how much other "real
estate" you have to play with. Your diagram will include some or all of
the following: background paper; slashes or splotches of other papers;
text boxes; a title box; and your photos.
Next consider what additional elements and techniques you will use to
decorate: stamping; embossing; buttons; brads; ribbons; rub-ons; tags in
paper or even glass or metal; twill tape; envelopes; and tiny
embellishments.
"Tiny embellishments" is a whole industry that was practically launched
by scrapbook art. If you remember being enthralled by doll house
furniture and accessories as a child, you will be both enchanted and
taken back to one of childhood's joys by scrapbooking embellishments.
Your shopping list is almost complete and should look something like
this.
Background papers: size and colors. Be sure any paper
that will touch your photos is acid-free (archival quality).
Accent papers.
Album: D-ring binder or frame and perhaps page protectors or glass.
Ditto on "acid-free".
Letters: your choice of rub-ons, stamps, metal glue-on letters,
stickers, die-cut letters, old fashioned "typewriter key" letters. [You
can also create some text using computer graphic or word processing
programs.]
Ideas for embellishments.
Just brainstorm and jot down some items, but allow yourself to be
inspired by what you find.
Last, but not least, don't forget the basics (some of which you may
already have on hand).
Adhesives – from glue sticks and dots to tape and two-sided tape. Be
sure those that will touch your photos are acid-free.
Cutting tools: good quality scissors and perhaps a paper trimmer.
Black journaling pen if you plan to write or draw in your own hand.
The rest is easy. So enjoy!
About the author
Eileen Bergen The Artful Crafter
www.theartfulcrafter.com/scrapbooking-two.html
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