One of the many reasons I love scrapbooking is because I love the way a well done scrapbook has all the layers and different textures that really give your scrapbook a comfy, homey, cozy feeling. I like to run my hand over the different textures and look at all the layers of embellishments that make that page or set of pages unique and different. I think this one of the reasons scrapbooking is so popular because the pages don’t just lie there flat and boring. With the use of textures and layers, the pages come alive and stand out to the on-lookers.

How to Texturize your Scrapbook

One of the great things about scrapbooking is there are lots of different papers and embellishments you can find to make your scrapbook come alive with texture. Here are some different textures that will really give your scrapbook the look and feel you love.

• Brown paper bag
• Stucco or plaster
• Leather
• Stone
• Wood
• Leaves
• Bark
• Sand
• Gravel
• Suede
• Tweed
• Basket weave or wicker
• Canvas
• Water
• Felt
• Cork

Let’s use Stone as an example. Stone would make a great backdrop for various outdoor activities like camping or hiking. Using one or two photos from your trip to a page, add other textures using various embellishments like Wood, Bark and Leaves stickers, brads and die-cuts.

Another great way to add texture is to create layers with stickers and other various embellishments. Stacking felt letters over squares, circles and other shapes gives your page depth and texture.

You can also create a texturized header for your page using various items from your pages theme. We’ll use camping as an example: You can make the letter “c” using a moon die cut. A tent would make a cute “A”; an “m” could be made from sticks; the “p” could be a frying pan; the “I” could be a flashlight; the “n” might be a camping stool and the “g” could be made from cutout using wood or leaf paper.

Place the letters on top of other textures related to camping like rock or sand. Layer each letter individually with different shapes and colors associated with camping such as brown, green and blue (for water or sky). Three layers looks the best, without cluttering.

Texturizing your scrapbook pages gives your album depth and life, and the memories will last forever. People for years to come will enjoy looking at your uniquely texturized scrapbook.

Because scrapbooking is an art that requires plenty of hands-on material manipulation, a good pair of scrapbooking scissors is essential to any novice and serious scrapbooker. While there are many elements to choose from to create your complex pages and add beauty to your design - such as various fabrics, ribbons, buttons, and trinkets found in arts and crafts shops - still, an excellent pair of scissors will not only make your scrapbooking life easier, but will also give you a wider range of design possibilities.

Basic rule for scissors: Before buying your set of scrapbooking scissors, the basic rule is to ensure that these scissors will be used solely for your scrapbooking projects. If you save your craft scissors from the daily wear and tear of household use, the edges and sharpness will be better retained. And frankly, nothing is worse than dull scissors that leave badly cut edges on your work. Here are the basic scrapbooking scissors to choose from.

Regular scissors: First, have a good pair of regular scissors suited for paper. Remember, there are many types of scissors, and buying those for fabrics will work only when you use fabric for your designs. Try moving the scissors before purchase, to make sure that you will feel comfortable with them. Look for those that are large enough to handle the various sizes of paper materials that you will be using. The most comfortable scissors are those with soft rubber handles and lubricate the hinges for easy cutting.

Fine-tipped scissors: Fine-tipped scissors are also a good investment for a scrapbook artist. Throughout the course of your projects, you will encounter many patterns that require precise cutting. Some scrapbookers use hand-drawn letters and designs that can only be cut-out with fine-tipped scissors. Also, scrapbookers who use printable materials downloaded from the web will also need the delicate edges of these scissors to be able to carve out intricate designs such as the sun's rays, sea shells, and others.

Hole punchers: Many scrapbook artists also have hole punchers along with their scissors, to create beautiful designs on the pages, such as neat ovals, spades, hearts, and diamonds. In art, one of the techniques that need mastery is the careful use of space. Adding empty but shaped spaces on your pages through hole punchers can give your page not only a sneak peek into the succeeding pages, but also provide some airiness to the work.

Paper edgers: Finally, get yourself a pair of paper edgers with basic shapes such as waves, clouds, or zigzags to create fancy paper edges. Just be sure that whatever paper edger you purchase that it will be maximized in your projects. Most projects only need basic edgers, so it is a good idea to begin with only the basic patterns. However, some scrapbookers actually use paper edges as a sort of signature for their work so you may want a pair that is distinctive and uniquely you.

It is easy to fall in love with scrapbooking. The idea of immortalizing and enhancing your best and most fond memories through scrapbooking is one of the long-standing hobbies of many people of different ages across the country. While other arts pass off as too elite or simply too expensive, scrapbooking is the craft that anyone with a heart and lots of good old memories can jump into. For you to start your quest into the wonderful world of scrapbooking here are the essential scrapbooking supplies.

Album: A number of arts and crafts shops offer albums that come in various sizes. The standard sizes are the 12x12 inch and the 8.5x11 inch album. From these two main sizes alone you already have a lot of options to choose from. Look for hardbound albums made of acid-free paper to ensure that its contents will last a long time. There are also different covers to choose from. Depending on whatever scrapbooking design you have in mind, there are those that have cut covers allowing a peer to the inside pages, while others have locks to keep your scrapbook private.

Artistic papers: Next, choose several types of papers, all of which must be acid-free; this will be important because these will be used not only to hold the various photographs and embellishments which you will use to compose your album, but because these are also the materials the Cricut machine will use to create designs. Make sure that you have a variety of papers to choose from, with differing textures, colors, patterns, and even thicknesses. The more paper options you have the more design possibilities you will end up with.

Scissors: Scissors are also an important part of scrapbooking. Scrapbooking is a craft that involves cutting various materials into different shapes, sizes, and patterns; because you will encounter materials of various hardness and density, be sure that your scrapbooking scissors are strong and sharp. For more advanced scrapbookers, open up more project possibilities by adding patterned scissors to your supply kit. This can be useful in decorating the edges of your pages. A paper cutter that is 12 inches long is also ideal when working with large sheets of paper as well as when using albums not of standard size.

Trinkets and glue: Visit the local arts and crafts shop for a variety of trinkets and creative baubles to add to your pages. There are many to choose from, such as funny strings and wires, as well as ready-to-use flowers and such. To attach these to your pages, use acid-free glue that can handle various materials and is safe to use on photographs.

Cricut machine: Last but not least, a good scrapbook supply kit also has a Cricut machine to give you hundred of patterns, letters, and number designs. These can be bought online if you want to compare prices and choose the best deal. As an advanced tool in your scrapbooking, you may also want a Cricut Expression machine, to help generate Cricut scrapbooking ideas easily. With these scrapbooking essentials, you will find yourself on your way to creating the most exciting scrapbooks for you and your family.