Scrapbooking doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. Using craft items that you may already have you can create your own scrapbook page embellishments that look just like those that you see in the pages of your favorite craft magazine. These step-by-step articles will show you how to make your own chipboard monogram letters, shrink plastic custom buttons, metal tags, seasonal decorations, and more.
1. Chipboard Monogram Letters
Ludens
One extra large letter on your scrapbook page is a dramatic focal point. Many companies sell large chipboard letters, however in this gallery you will not only find many page layout ideas but also find simple steps to help you make your own. The gallery contains 10 scrapbook page and project ideas but you can also see how to make these letters by watching the Chipboard Monogram Letter video to help you get started.
2. Silk Flower Page Decorations
Ludens
To save money on scrapbooking you can make your own embellishments from craft products that you might not have thought of as scrapbook supplies. While shopping at your local craft store, thrift store, or even rummage sale, keep an eye out for great deals on silk flowers that could be used on your scrapbook layouts. This step-by-step article shows you the best kind of flowers to look for, how to dismantle them for use on your pages, and how to finish them off with some simple buttons or brads.
3. Metal Tags From Juice Can Lids
Ludens
Create a beautiful scrapbook page embellishment by recycling a metal lid from a frozen juice can. You can turn it into a quick and easy tag for your scrapbook page layout using just a few tools and supplies. This step-by-step article shows you how to turn trash into treasure. It first appeared in conjunction with an article called Recycling and Money Saving Tips For Scrapbookers.
4. Shrink Plastic Custom Buttons
Ludens
If your kids have some shrink plastic in their craft supplies you probably have everything you need to make your own buttons in custom colors to match your next scrapbook page using shrink plastic. Warning: This technique is slightly addictive, you will find yourself wanting to make more and more plastic embellishments for your scrapbook pages.
5. Paper Pieced Embellishments
Ludens
Paper piecing is using a pattern to cut paper into designs that when pieced together create a beautiful and custom embellishment for your scrapbook pages. Here on About.com Scrapbooking we have patterns for everything from a summer picnic basket to a cheerful kid in a snow suit. The best part about paper piecing is that you can use some of those scraps that you have saved from past projects making these page decorations virtually free.
6. Hand Sewn Embellishing
Ludens
Hand stitching is such an inexpensive and custom way to embellish your scrapbook pages that it absolutely had to be added to this list of DIY Scrapbook Page Embellishments. This step-by-step article will show you how simple it is to trace a shape on your pages and then stitch over those lines to add texture and dimension to your layouts.
