Do you have stamps? I have a giant collection of stamps. The good news is that I use them!

If you have stamps in your collection it’s time to put them to good use. Let’s make some backgrounds!

If you are hopping along the Make it Monday Blog Circle… welcome! You’ll have arrived from Scrapping Wonders where Beth was sharing how to use the Christmas Bundle to prep your December Daily. I’ll share your next stop at the end of this post.

Now, let’s use stamps to create beautiful backgrounds!

Why? Why create your own stamped paper instead of finding a patterned paper that would work?

1. It can be hard to find the right paper, when you need it.
2. You don’t have to wait to order it.
3. You can create the perfect paper instead of ‘making do’ with something that will ‘work’.

Now that you’ve decided, “Yes, I want to stamp a background.” here’s how to start.

Find your stamps and ink. I like to work with at least 3 different stamps if I’m creating a random-looking background. This works especially well with 3 different sizes of stamps.

Tips for creating a stamped background:

1. Start with your largest image. Spread them around evenly, but there is no need to be exact.

2. Next use your medium sized stamp to fill in gaps.

3. Finally fill remaining spaces with your smallest stamps.

TIP: Be sure to stamp images off the sides of the paper. They don’t have to all fit ON the page, run them right off of the edges!

Want more?

Watch this video and check out this post!

Stamping Background and Patterned Paper

Now you can create a custom stamped background for your scrapbook layouts! Would you try this? Have you tried this? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

Your next stop on the Make it Monday Blog Circle is Clicky Chick Creates where Connie will show you how to make amazing memories with a fabulous Advent Activity.

Want to see last week’s Make it Monday post? Simple can be perfect.

Like tips like this? Sign up for the Scrapbook Wonderland email list! Subscribe HERE.

Now get get stamping and let your creativity shine!

Alice.

All products used on this page are from Close to My Heart. The patterned paper is called Snowhaven. If you are looking for a consultant in Canada… I’m your gal! Click here to shop online!

Jen Wright from Jen Wright Designs

The scrapbooking world seems divided into two camps, digital vs. traditional. My friend Jen Wright had a brilliant idea to help break down some of the barriers between these two opposing camps when she asked paper scrappers to use her digital templates to inspire layouts.

I was so excited to be a part of this! I don’t know why you have to choose between digi and traditional, I think it’s much more fun to bring both worlds together.

I love using scrapbook sketches to inspire layouts. I’ve even used a card sketch to inspire a scrapbook layout. (Click here to see!) I knew working with one of Jen’s digital templates would be easy and fun.

Jen gave me a gorgeous template to work with!

I love the layers and that I could use six photos on the two-page layout.

At first glance this page seems so simple. It’s not overly complicated with tons of embellishments. The layers work to add so much texture and variety without being too fussy.

Here’s a sneak peek at the layout I created using this template.

The paper reminds me of a winter sweater.

*For a complete product list see the end of this post.

Were you surprised to see that I didn’t create a fall-themed page? One of the best tips I can share about using a sketch is to repurpose it using a completely different theme! This template would work for birthdays, weddings, summer, etc. Don’t feel that just because it looks like a fall theme that you can only use it for fall!

You’ll also want to see where I decided to place my journaling. I was so happy to have a generous space to tell my story. 🙂

Are you a digi or traditional scrapper? Have you considered scrapping outside your regular style? Have you tried hybrid scrapping?

Personally, I want to learn how to use Photoshop so I can play with some of the amazing digital techniques, and so I can take advantage of the beautiful digital papers, embellishments and templates!

Are you signed up for the Scrapbook Wonderland email list? Subscribe HERE to get your free bonus gift today, and start receiving useful tips that will help you love your scrapbooks.

Let your creativity shine, and get scrapping!

Alice.

Products used on the “Mountain Adventure” layout:

Snowhaven paper – CTMH

Red sticker letters from the Holiday Happenings Assortment – CTMH

Glitter paper – CTMH

Red sparkles – CTMH

Liquid glass as a glue – CTMH

Vellum- unknown

Snowflake embossing template: Sizzix

Sun Rays embossing template: Craft Concepts

Silver Versa Color ink

Sometimes simple is perfect. Not all layouts need glitz and glam to make them great.

If you want to create the perfect simple page there are three tips to follow to help you get it right.

If you are hopping along the Make it Monday Blog Hop you will have arrived from Scrapping Wonders where Beth was sharing projects she created using the Scor Board. I’ll share the next stop at the end of this post!

Making a simple page can be a challenge. How much is enough? How do you keep from going overboard? Is it too boring?

Here’s the three tips you need to know so you can make a perfect, simple scrapbook layout.

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE:

Keep these elements on your page simple.

• Colours
• Patterns
• Typography/Font
• Design

2. ADD IMPACT:

These simple but impactful elements will add interest to your layout.

• Title
• Embellishments

3. USE EMOTION:

Draw people into the focus of your page by making sure these elements have emotion.

• Photo
• Journaling

Let’s look at how this example using a moment on a trip to Disney follows these tips to make a perfectly simple layout.

1. Keep it simple. A black and gold colour scheme, no patterns, handwriting on lines and a photo in the center design all work to keep this layout simple.

2. Add impact. The title with a large word and a small word add impact, so does the  ruler along the edge.

3. Use emotion. The photo and journaling finish the page by drawing you into the heartbreaking moment on a trip to Disneyland.

Give these three tips a try the next time you want to create your own perfect, simple layout.

Your next stop on the Make it Monday Blog Hop Connie will show you a twist on the traditional advent calendar. Hop over to Clicky Chick Creates.

Do you have a hard time finding time to scrapbook? Read this post: 10 Easy Ways to Fit More Scrapbooking Into Your Busy Life

Is simple the perfect way to scrapbook for you? What tips do you follow? Share your tips in the comments!

Let your creativity shine, and get scrapbooking!

Alice.