| Backgrounds which clash with or overshadow your | | | | is ideal for a two page layout. Finish your scrapbook |
| pictures can spoil the effect of a lovely scrapbook, | | | | background with a stamped embellishment in the top |
| so how can you be sure to preserve your memories | | | | left of one page and the bottom right of the other. |
| by creating a scrapbook as beautiful as they are? | | | | A swirl or other general ornament is great for general |
| The best page backgrounds pick up colors from the | | | | purpose pages, or choose something appropriate to |
| photographs displayed. It can be difficult to do this | | | | your theme. The size of the stamp should be |
| with a store bought background, but it is very easy | | | | proportional to the size of the photographs you |
| to achieve yourself. | | | | intend to include. Stamping the same motif at the top |
| Choose two colors from the background of the | | | | right and bottom left tells the eye to move across |
| photographs you are using and match these to a | | | | both pages and creates a unified two page layout. |
| watercolor ink (Tim Holtz Ranger Distress ink is a | | | | What if things go wrong? One of the glories of this |
| good one) Dab the ink pads themselves onto plain | | | | method is that even if you don't like the effect of |
| card, then use a slightly damp cloth to spread the ink | | | | the water color inks on the whole page, you'll find |
| in swirls at random around the page. Leave it to dry | | | | the pattern pleasing somewhere. Cut out the portion |
| and repeat with another color, or let the two | | | | you like and use it to create a cut out or a mat for a |
| watercolor ink's run together. If you want your page | | | | photograph. In scrapbooking, nothing is ever wasted! |
| to reflect a particular theme, create an abstract | | | | You'll find the method works just as well for dark |
| pattern with the ink pads and a damp cloth or brush, | | | | colored card as it does for white, cream and pastels. |
| then, once that has dried, use one color of ink and an | | | | Use light colored inks on dark colored card for a very |
| appropriate stamp to stamp evenly across the | | | | different look using exactly the same method. |
| surface of the page. Acrylic stamps are especially | | | | While watercolor inks are very effective for this |
| useful for this as the transparent mount makes it | | | | type of abstract background, colored chalks can also |
| really easy to see exactly where the stamp is going. | | | | be used. Use a purpose made chalk applicator rather |
| Another approach is to dab the ink pads on the page | | | | than a damp sponge and you will find the colors |
| and follow with a small damp sponge. (A cosmetic | | | | spread and blend very well. |
| sponge will do) If the ink is wet enough you should | | | | With only a little work you're guaranteed a |
| be able to place another sheet of card on top of the | | | | background page that will enhance those precious |
| original sheet, rub them together and then pull apart, | | | | pictures and provide an excellent base for the |
| leaving an abstract, swirling colored background | | | | embellishments and journaling which will help complete |
| behind. (This works better on card than on paper | | | | your scrapbook and preserve your memories for |
| which may be too thin). Creating two pages at once | | | | many years to come. Why not give it a try? It's fun! |