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

Almost every creative and creative person, as well as those who love handicrafts, are familiar with the scrapbooking technique. And the one who hears this word for the first time should 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 needed for this technique, get acquainted with the types of scrapbooking and answer popular questions on the topic.

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

The history of the emergence of unusual technology 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 in 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 we live in the digital age today, the love of handicrafts has not disappeared anywhere. Craftsmen around the world (our country is no exception) use scrapbooking techniques in their daily lives. The most common examples of scrapbooking are wedding albums, photo albums for newborns, as well as personal diaries and diaries.

First of all, of course, you need a foundation. In traditional versions, scrapbooking is based on a photo album, which can be purchased in a store or made yourself. One way or another, but the album should have dense cardboard pages. Also choose the size of the album at your discretion, however, be sure to take into account the fact that the larger and larger the album, the easier it will be for you to decorate it, because it is much more difficult to work with small details than with large ones.

If you want to deviate a little 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, planner or even a diary. In this case, you are limited only by your imagination, artistic ability and creativity.

In fact, in the course of scrapbooking, you can use any materials and tools you want. However, there is a list of things that will be quite difficult for you to do without. These include:

• specialized paper for scrapbooking (or scrap paper) - you can use any formats and sizes, however, one of the most popular and widespread options is paper 30 by 30 centimeters in size;
• a set of colored paper;
• colored cardboard;
• stencils;
• stapler;
• glue - you can use any option according to your desire, one of the most convenient is considered to be a glue stick;
• hole punch - if you wish, you can use an ordinary or original curly;
• scotch tape - for convenience, it is desirable to have both regular scotch tape and double-sided adhesive tape;
• felt-tip pens, pencils, paints or ink - the latter option is suitable for those who have already mastered the basic scrapbooking techniques and have artistic drawing skills;
• stamps.

Will also need fabric, ribbons and other elements of your choice for a voluminous decoration. May come in handy and a printer, with which you can print your favorite images or pictures.

These components can erode the integrity of photos, album pages, and other decorative items over time.

It's obvious that you can't do without decorative elements in scrapbooking. You can use the tools at hand or purchase ready-made jewelry in design and art stores.

Thanks to this technique, you will 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 strings (for example, you can use laces or ordinary threads);
• foil;
• candy wrappers;
• the cloth;
• clippings from newspapers and magazines;
• buttons and more.

You can buy ready-made decorative elements in stores:

• stickers and stickers;
• rings (can be colored, as well as gilded or painted in a silver tint);
• a shaker for scrapbooking is a hollow part filled with small elements, due to which the shaker is able to create 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 then will you be able to create original and creative compositions. However, do not purchase or use all jewelry at once. Too much variety can create a clumsy effect. Remember that the design should match 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 copyrighted, so they can be found quite rarely. One way or another, but original and beautiful compositions are obtained only thenwhen you combine 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, making it vintage. As a result of using this technique, you will receive image with scratches, abrasions and cracks. This technique is especially relevant for albums that 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 choose a stamp with an interesting pattern. You can also purchase several stamps with different patterns, but suitable for one style. In this way, you can create a more complex and versatile image. Besides, you need to decide on the color of the ink.

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

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

The embossing technique looks very original and impressive. To create additional effect a three-dimensional pattern can be painted in a bright color or covered with glitter. So you get an unusual decorative element that will become a real decoration for your album.

One of the easiest decorating techniques. You can embroider with a cross stitch, satin stitch or any other method available to you. To create an unusual pattern, you only need a needle and thread. However, be very careful and attentive, because the needle can pierce the paper, and then the overall impression of the decoration may deteriorate.

Often, during the design of albums or diaries, the origami technique is used. For this various thematic figures are folded from separate pieces of paper (for example, if you are creating an album for a newborn, then it would be appropriate to assemble a stork figurine). At the end of the manufacture of the figures, they are attached directly to the sheets of the album.

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

Decoupage technique is based on attaching an element (for example, a cut from a magazine) to an album page, followed by varnishing. 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... A similar technique has a little overlap with origami.

The techniques we have listed are not the only ones in existence. In addition, it is not necessary to apply them all at once. For decoration in the style of scrapbooking it is enough to choose one or several main ones. It's also important to be creative and not restrict your creativity.

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

Consider several popular style solutions.

• One of the most common styles is vintage. Obviously, the aging technique is used to perform it. Yellowed photographs, frayed pages, crumpled letters and newspaper clippings are characteristic features of this design.

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

• Are very popular ornamental and abstract design methods. To create such a design, one does not need to possess the high technique of artistic craftsmanship.

• Floral print suitable for romantic natures. The main decoration of this style is the images of flowers in different variations. Origami figurines, hand-drawn cartoons, and a herbarium of dried flowers will do.

• Pop art is brightness and variety. 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 the simple advice and recommendations of experts. If you follow the instructions, then such a task will be feasible even for a beginner.

• First of all, it is important to remember that for the album you need to choose bright and vivid photographs. In the captured frame, it is not at all necessary for the person to stand in a frozen pose. It can also be photographs with incorrect composition or light. The main thing is that they evoke emotions.
• If you are planning to make an album for preschool children, try to use bright colors and funny drawings. An excellent option would be images of cartoon characters.
• A great gift option will be children's crafts for mom. This could be a box decorated with scrapbooking techniques, an original cookbook, or a Mom's Treasure album containing photographs of children.
• The Diary, decorated with scrapbooking, can be an excellent gift for February 14th. Be sure to include photos of your couple, hearts and angels in it. You can also provide the structure with origami figures.
• Modern version of the photo album Is a photo folder. It can be decorated using the minimalist technique or decorated with a print of your choice.
• Using scrapbooking you can create not only albums or diaries, but, 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 photographs or just beautiful pictures. The same method can be used to create unusual wish cards.

As you and I were able to make sure scrapbooking is a decorating technique that everyone can use to decorate various objects. Especially lovers of needlework and creative people will like it. In the scrapbooking technique, you can create items for yourself or decorate 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 the scrapbooking technique.