Scrapbookers are always coming up with new ways to decorate their scrapbook pages. At the last Craft and Hobby Association trade show, I saw several pages that used the rolled paper log scrapbooking technique and I wanted to give it a try. One of the great things about this scrapbook technique idea is that you can use scraps of paper that you have left over from other projects. You can also use little pieces of several papers in a kit to combine patterned scrapbook papers in ways that you had not thought of before. With these step by step instructions and two new page ideas, you will be inspired to try paper rolling.
Family Scrapbook Page Using Rolled Paper Logs
Rebecca Ludens
On this layout, Jennifer Schmidt used rolled paper logs to incorporate many, many patterns into her scrapbook page layout. Because the papers all came from the same manufacturer's design line, they all work well together on her page. The rolled paper gives the page dimension while the extra patterns give it style and texture. For more ideas on combining patterned papers be sure to read 6 Tips for Combining Patterned Papers. Don't forget that you can click on the image to the left to open it full size in a new window in more detail.
Supplies Used on This Page: Patterned paper from 7gypsies Hudson Valley Collection, Stickers from 7gypsies Family Famille; Card Stock from The Paper Loft; DMC Craft Thread; and ribbon manufacturer unknown.
Back to School Scrapbook Page Idea Using Rolled Paper Logs
Rebecca Ludens
For my Back to School scrapbook page this year, I used the rolled paper logs and loved how they gave the impression of a stack of colorful school books. It was a fun way to incorporate a lot of patterned paper without having to worry about overwhelming my photos. The pictures remain "center-stage" while the patterns and dimension of the embellishments add interest to the scrapbook page layout. I used one 4"x6" photo as my focal point and surrounded in with 3 smaller photos (3"x4" each). For more ideas for creating a focal point on your scrapbook page read 5 Tips for Creating a Focal Point.
Supplies Used on This Page: All patterned papers and stickers are from the Nikki Sivils My Lil' Monster collection; journaling P-Touch label printer.
Step 1 - How to Make Rolled Paper Logs - Cutting the Paper
Rebecca Ludens
Cut patterned paper into a strip that is as wide as you would like your log to be long - if you want a 3" long log cut the paper 3" wide. The length of the strip is only about 2". This will give you enough to roll to create a nice thickness without it being too bulky on your scrapbook page. I used double-sided patterned cardstock weight paper and did not have trouble rolling it. If you are having trouble with the next step, you may want to try using a lighter weight of paper.
Step 2 - How to Make Rolled Paper Logs - Rolling with a Skewer
Rebecca Ludens
Before I started rolling the paper, I added adhesive to one end. I used Terrifically Tacky Tape which has a red plastic backing as you can see here. I also tried it with regular tape runner adhesive (3L E-Z Runner) and it worked great. A wooden skewer, used for cooking, is the perfect thickness to use for a rolling tool. Carefully start the paper on one end by pressing the cardstock around the skewer and then use your thumbs to tightly roll the log. Try to roll the log evenly so that it stays straight. If you veer off slightly, you can correct that during the next step right before you roll on to the adhesive.
Step 3 - How to Make Rolled Paper Logs - Loosen and Adhere
Rebecca Ludens
When I had rolled the paper up to the adhesive strip, I stopped and removed the backing. However, if you have used a tape runner you won't have to remove the backing, but you will still want to stop for a moment before you roll on to the adhesive. Stop and let the roll loosen slightly so that it opens up a bit before you complete your roll by rolling into the adhesive strip. This will allow the rolls to be a little bigger on your page and not quite so tight.
Step 4 - How to Make Rolled Paper Logs - Add to Page
Rebecca Ludens
The final step is to add your logs to your scrapbook page. These embellishments looks great in groups. On both of the sample pages, you can see that they logs have been stacked next to each other. You coud also make these smaller and string them together on floss like a beaded banner across a scrapbook page layout. The finished height off of the scrapbook page for my rolls was 5mm or just under 1/4 of an inch, so while they do add dimension, they do not add a lot of bulk. The completed rolls, when made from cardstock weight paper, are also very strong so they hold up very well in an album.
For more ideas for making your own scrapbook page embellishments you will definitely want to visit DIY Scrapbooking Embellishments.
