Scrapbooking Ideas and Solutions - Know Your Paper

It is so easy to take an everyday material like paper for granted, but it is so versatile that it pays to know your basics, especially if you are an avid scrap booker. Paper is so versatile, as you can tear, cut, crease, crumple, fold or glue it. There are tempting choices of paper available in most craft shops, and if you know the basics on types of paper you can use for a project, you can dictate the end results that you can achieve on your project.

First of all we need to take note of the paper weight. This is measured in gsm (grams per square metre). Slightly stronger papers will be around 150 to 190gsm and this weight will be suitable for making small boxes. Any paper weight above 250gsm is officially classed as cardboard.

Here are a few of the different types of papers that we will be able to use for all our scrapbooking ideas and solutions.

Tissue Paper:

This type is mainly used for gift wrapping or packing of breakables. It can also be used for crafts such as paper mache. Tissue paper is light weight and fragile and can also be used to make embellishments for your pages, or you could crumple it and use it to mat a photograph.

Sugar Paper:

This type is widely available and cheap. It has a slightly grainy texture and comes in a wide variety of colours for all your scrapbooking projects.

Crepe or Crinkled Paper:

This type is wrinkled and delicate and is also great for gift wrapping. It usually comes in a variety of strong and bright colours and can also be stretched slightly. You can also apply droplets of water to this paper to achieve a lovely watermark design.

Japanese Paper:

This type is medium weight that is similar to fabric in the way that it hangs and drapes. It is to springy to fold, but can be torn to create rough feathery edges.

Coated Paper:

This type is usually coated on one or both sides with a gloss or matt finish. This type of paper is great for tearing as it reveals and interesting white layer underneath. Coated paper does not fold well, as the coating cracks and looks untidy.

Tracing Paper:

Tracing paper can be made in different weights and is transparent with a waxy texture. Besides using it to transfer motifs and trace drawings, it could also be used to form windows or frames on your layouts.

Parchment Paper:

This type is high quality and normally only available in white and other neutral colours. It is medium weight and has an old fashioned look and feel to it. Great for fancy notebooks and diaries or creating layouts with old photographs.

Bond Paper:

This is the most used, everyday medium weight paper and usually available in a limited choice of pale colours. Bond can be used for most paper making projects from origami to papier mache.

Watercolour Paper:

This type is medium weight and usually only sold in craft stores. Artists use it to do their water colour paintings, and it has a hand made quality and slightly rough texture.

Brown Paper:

This is a traditional wrapping material and is both cheap and strong. You could also use it for stamping and stencilling.

Handmade Paper:

These are normally highly textured medium to heavy weighted papers with anything from petals and leaves to glitter and grass embedded into them. Handmade paper isn't cheap but is worth the investment to add an exotic touch to your projects.

Acid-Free Paper:

This type is strong and longer lasting as all the acids are removed during processing. It is the ideal paper for scrapbooking, and the storage of old antique books and documents.

For more on Scrapbooking Ideas and Solutions, visit: http://scrapbookideasandsolutions.blogspot.com

Michel Maling
I live in Sunny South Africa in the beautiful coastal city of Port Elizabeth. I love dancing, scrapbooking, Hiking and learning all there is to learn about internet marketing. If you are passionate about scrapbooking, subscribe to my blog, as I regularly update with new ideas and tips that I discover along the way. http://scrapbookideasandsolutions.blogspot.com

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Hot New Specialty Inkjet Printer Papers For Crafts and Scrapbooking

Inkjet printers are becoming the most popular home computer printers. In contrast to a laser printer, which uses high heat to fuse powdered ink to a material like paper, an inkjet printer sprays a fine pattern of liquid ink. Without the need for heat, an inkjet printer can print on a far wider range of materials, from the delicate to the metallic. The primary quality of these materials must be their ability to absorb and hold an inked image without bleeding or spreading.

Inkjet paper is designed especially for inkjet printers. Like any paper, its many varieties are generally classified by weight, brightness, texture, and opacity. Basic inkjet office paper weight ranges from 21 to 27 lbs, and is most suitable for printing text. The amount of ink required to print a photo, however, can soak and buckle these lightweight papers. Photo paper is heavy and very opaque, even to the point where it can be printed on both sides without the images showing through.

That is why your home inkjet printer has settings (usually found under "properties" or "configuration" when printing) for the type of paper or material you are using. The printer will decrease the amount of ink it sprays to compensate for lighter-weight paper, and adjust the image colors to suit the opacity or transparency of your paper.

Yes, you can keep printing on your basic white office paper, but perhaps it is time to live a little! Here are just some of the new options available for your inkjet printer:

Photo Paper: Papers formulated for photo printing can be any weight or thickness, but they share a high opacity. The best quality photographic prints can generally be achieved with thicker papers, with a glossy finish that make photo colors more vivid. Photo papers are primarily distinguished by their surface coatings; glossy or matte. Gloss coatings are shiny and very light-reflective, with quick-drying properties to prevent the ink from smearing. Matte surfaces are flat and low-gloss. Bridging the gap are semi-gloss and luster papers.

Textured Paper: Many new inkjet papers have a textured finish, such as linen weave or canvas, which will give your finished prints a distinctive look.

Fabric Sheets: In the past, the only way for the home crafter to transfer an image to fabric was to print the image on a heat-transfer medium and then iron the medium onto the fabric. Today, you can print directly on fabric using paper-backed fabric sheets in your inkjet printer. After printing, the paper backing is removed. The fabric is generally lightweight cotton, linen, satin or silk - and a shade of white. The color of the fabric is important. Inkjet printers do not print white ink, so the white parts of your image will be the color of your fabric. Also, be aware that special photo inks in your printer will not produce as vivid an image on fabric as standard inks.

Fusible Fabric Sheets: A variation on fabric sheets, this fabric is backed with a heat activated adhesive. Print your image, trim, and iron it onto apparel, fabric crafts, scrapbooks or any flat surface for a custom applique effect.

Translucent Vellum: Vellum is a translucent paper that imitates the qualities of animal-skin parchment. Vellum is a crafter's secret weapon for achieving layering and light effects. When printing on vellum, consider how light or background will show through your image. If the image will be transmitting light, try configuring your printer for "transparency" paper, because that will deposit more ink and adjust the colors to be more vivid against a light source.

Metallic Papers: Special metallic paper surfaces can accept inkjet printing. Finishes are generally low-gloss and include color variations of gold, silver and copper. Some also have self-adhesive backing.

Transparency: The problem with inkjet printing on standard transparency material (overhead projector sheets) is that the ink smears on the non-absorbent surface. Now, special transparency sheets have been created with a fine texture that holds the ink, preventing smearing or smudging. Be sure to use the "transparency" setting on your printer to adjust the inking and color.

Magnetic Paper: Create refrigerator magnets, organizational systems, calendars, and magnetic advertising cards by printing directly on this lightweight (11 mils) magnetic material.

Specialty Sizes: We think the world is created in 8 1/2" X 11" or A4 rectangles, but there are many other sizes of inkjet paper. You can print directly on greeting cards or envelopes of all sizes. Sheets of pre-scored or perforated business cards, name stickers, tags and other shapes are available.

Waterproof Outdoor Paper: For outdoor use, consider vinyl-coated inkjet sheets that are water-resistant.

Transferring Images to Other Surfaces

Heat Transfer Paper: Images printed on transfer paper can be transferred to a surface like fabric by applying heat and pressure, usually with an iron (hence the common name of Iron-On Transfer). The image must be printed in reverse (mirror image) so it is transferred correctly. The end result is a rubbery or stiff film on the surface of the fabric, with generally sharp and vivid colors.

Peel-and-Stick Adhesive Paper: Here is a nifty shortcut for crafters and scrapbookers. Print directly on a peel-and-stick sheet, trim your images, peel off the backing and apply your images directly. There are even self-adhesive fabric sheets for making fabric stickers.

Decal Papers: Also known as "water slide decals," an image is printed on a transparent film that is then removed from the paper and adhered to a surface with water. This is especially good for uneven or natural surfaces, pottery, ceramics and glass.

Rub-On Transfers: Similar to decals, this paper produces an image on a transparent film that can be transferred to a surface with pressure.

Temporary Tattoos: Yes, you can actually buy water slide decal "tattoo paper" for your inkjet printer, to personalize your body for every occasion.

These are some of the hottest new printables to be developed for your inkjet printer. Most of them can be found at your local stationer, craft or quilting store, or online from craft suppliers or manufacturers. Experiment on your next craft or scrapbook project. You may discover that your inkjet printer and your imagination can be best friends.

Scott Henderson founded Vintage Image Craft (http://www.vintageimagecraft.com) for crafters and scrapbookers who love creating with vintage images. Visit for free ideas, techniques, instructions and vintage image downloads.

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Free Scrapbooking Paper To Print

Scrapbooking paper forms the background for every page of your scrapbook. If you begin to do many scrapbooks, it can be a major cost. To save that cost, many people look for free scrapbooking paper to print from their computers. Below, we will tell you how to find free scrapbooking paper to print. We will also discuss important things to remember about your scrapbooking paper.

Why Special Scrapbooking Paper

At first, you may be tempted to use plain construction paper for your scrapbooks - or colored paper for your printer. Scrapbooking paper is higher priced than either of those, and it doesn't seem that special!

Preservation: Scrapbooking paper is special because it is intended for the best preservation of your photos and memorabilia. Scrapbooking paper is acid-free and lignin-free. What does that mean for you?

* Acid-free: Scrapbooking paper that is acid-free has a neutral pH. At most, the pH should be between 6 and the neutral 7. The wood pulp of which scrapbooking paper is made contains natural acids. These are neutralized in production by treating the paper with a substance such as calcium. The paper may be buffered also to keep additional acids from forming.

Acid-free scrapbooking paper is used because scrapbooks are intended to last a long time. Acid-free paper will not yellow and deteriorate as regular paper will. In addition, acid-free scrapbooking paper will not harm your photos, or cause them to deteriorate.

* Lignin-free: Lignin is another substance found in wood pulp. Lignin makes acidity even worse. It intensifies acidity. Scrapbooking paper that is acid-free, but not lignin-free, will not remain acid-free as long. Lignin can be removed in the pulping process, but adds to the cost of scrapbooking paper.

You may have a newspaper that has turned brown over time. That brownness is caused by the lignin, which makes acid form inside the paper fibers. Scrapbooking paper that is lignin-free is not as likely to turn brown.

Problems with Free Scrapbooking Paper to Print

Free scrapbooking paper to print on your own machine may have drawbacks that will make you reconsider.

1. Scrapbooking paper you print will not be acid-free and lignin-free unless you purchase special paper for your printer. Such paper is available, of course. You simply need to check before you purchase.

Acid-free possibilities at office supply stores online include: regular multiuse and copy paper; color copy paper; inkjet paper; laser paper; and business stationery.

2. If you decide to find free scrapbooking paper to print, you will probably have to settle for a smaller size. Scrapbooking paper is often 12" x 12" and few printers are capable of handling that size. Even if you use 8.5" x 11" paper, your printer's margins may prevent you from printing the next convenient size of 8" x 8".

3. Free scrapbooking paper to print at home is not likely to offer as many patterns and colors. You may want to look for digital scrapbooking paper, enhance it in a graphics program such as Adobe PhotoShop, and then print it.

How to Find Free Scrapbooking Paper to Print

Scrapbooking paper found online is sometimes totally FREE - no strings attached. At other websites, you may be asked to take a survey, or sign up for a newsletter before gaining access to free scrapbooking paper.

Begin a Google search by typing the search phrase "free scrapbooking paper to print" without quotation marks. You should find several websites at the top of Google's results. Usually, what you want will be in the first 10 or 20 sites only.

When you have finished looking at those sites, type the phrase "free digital papers" or "free digital scrapbooking" without quotation marks. You should get additional websites that offer free scrapbooking paper to print.

For even more choices, simply visit scrapbooking sites. Many offer several free items to lure customers to their store.

Finally, look on your computer software for free scrapbooking paper to print. Software programs often have patterned stationery templates that make good scrapbooking paper. If you are working with Adobe Photoshop or a similar program, create your own scrapbooking paper by repeating a pattern.

Let your imagination take over, and you will soon see free scrapbooking paper in many places.

c2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about scrapbooking at http://www.scrapbooking-for-fun.com Anna is posting new articles every week on that site. You won?t want to miss her recent article on free digital scrapbooking frames.

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Ideas for Using Various Kinds of Paper For Scrapbooking and Card Making

Scrapbooking Paper

There are many types of paper to use in your scrapbooking and craft projects including vellum, cardstock, labels, and transparencies. Here is a quick bit about understanding these types of paper and ideas of how to use them. When you are buying paper, remember to make sure it is acid and lignin free to protect your pictures against deterioration.

Vellum Scrapbooking Paper

Vellum paper is translucent, meaning light can pass through it, although things cannot be seen clearly through vellum paper.

Vellum paper is categorized by weight. The samller ther number, the light the weight of the paper, and subsequently, the more transparent, or see-through, the paper is. For example 17# is more transparent than 29#. There are many weights and colors of vellum to experiment with.

You can print on vellum using any laser printer. When using an inkjet printer change your settings to economy, draft, or speed depending on yout printer so the least amount of ink possible with be used. This will decrease your chances of smearing the ink. Let the ink dry completly before handling the vellum paper.

If you have only a small piece of vellum to print on, print your message on a regular piece of paper first. Then temporarily tape the vellum over the message on your test paper and run it through the printer again.

To mount your vellum paper to your scrapbooking page, lay your piece of vellum paper up-side-down of newspaper, and lightly spray photo mounting spray on the back. The vellum paper will them mount easily to your scrapbook. Other methods include using clear photo corners, and punching holes in the vellum and using a ribbon or eyelet to attach the vellum to your page.

For scrapbooking, vellum is great for printing titles, and adding embellishments. One simple idea is to stamp or paint a design on vellum paper that is trimmed with a thin metal frame. You can attach the vellum embellishment to the page with a ribbon. This is a good idea for pages where an anitque look is desired.

Vellum Invitations - Great for weddings or other formal events


Print the information for the event on vellum paper.

Select a piece of heavy cardstock to back your vellum paper.

Cut the cardstock to be about half an inch bigger than your vellum paper in both directions.

Place the vellum on top of the card stock so there is a quarter of an inch of cardstock on each side as a border.

Punch two holes in the top of the vellum paper and cardstock that are about an inch or an inch and a half apart. And use a matching ribbon to tie the papers together.



Hint: To keep the ribbon from comming untied use a dab of clear-drying glue.

Another option is to decorate the vellum and attach it over the printed invitation. The velum can be embossed or you can add a a dash of glitter to make it sparkle.

Embossing Your Paper - Embossing is a way to really enhance your pages. Vellum looks great embossed, but you can experiment on other types of paper as well. Here is how it is done.


Stamp or print onto your paper and sprinkle embossing powder on the design while it is still wet.

Shake of the excess powder from the paper.

Use you embossing heater or other heating tool to heat the embossing powder.


Cardstock

Carstock is usually thicker than normal paper, and therefore is good to use as a base for your scrapbooking pages especially if you like to add heavy embellishments. It is also good for matting pictures onto. I like to buy smaller pieces of cardtock to mat my pictures on. That way I don't have to worry about cutting perfectly straight lines. There are many types of cardstock. Two popular types of cardstock are smooth card stock and linen card stock. Both are excellent choices for scrapbooking. Linen card stock is semi-rough and has the look of linen cloth. It is good for adding more texture to your scrapbook pages if you think they are too dull.

There are many grades of cardstock. Remember that the higher the count, the thicker the paper is.

Labels

Before I started scrapbooking I thought that labels were just for business uses like addressing letter and labeling files. I have come to find that they are actually an inexpensive way to make neat stickers. If you have a good printer, you can find pictures you like on the internet and print them onto your label paper. Then just peel them off or cut them into the desired shape and stick them onto your scrapbooking page. If you want to add dimension to your page, mount your sticker onto thick cardstock and use double-sided tape to attach it to your scrapbook.

Transparencies

A transparency is a clear piece of paper. It is competely see-through like glass. You can buy transparencies at office supply stores, and some craft stores. You have likely only seen transparencies used with overhead projectors. But here are some other ways to use them for scrapbooking. Use your imagination, the possibilities are endless.

Transparency Covers


Stamp letters on a piece of paper. Cut them out, and glue them right side up onto a transparency. You can also use shapes of any kind instead of letters.

Paint over the transparency on the same side you glued the letters. You can paint using a splattering technique, streaks, or any other way you can think of. Acrylic paint works great.

Once the paint is dry, remove the letters for a cool effect. This technique is great for page titles.

Optional: Attach the transparency using spray adhesive.


Transparency Tile Accents


Stamp an image on a transparency with solvent ink.

Trim the transparency around the image. You can also cut the image into equal size squares to create a mosaic look.

Completely cover the image with clear dimensional adhesive until it can't hold any more. Let the adhesive dry for a few hours.

When the image is competely dry, apply clear-drying adhesive to the back and attach it to your page.


Transparency Accents


Cut the desired shape of your accent out of a piece of transparency paper.

Cover the accent with crystl laquer until it can't hold any more.

Cover the accent with crystl laquer until it can't hold any more.

When the crystal lacquer is dry, peel the transparency off of the back of the accent.

Lisa Robbins is a businesswoman and an enthusiast for sports, family, and crafts. She is the creator and maintainer of ScrapsAndCrafts.com, a scrapbooking tutorial and wholesale scrapbooking supply website. She is also a contributor to ScrapbookFinds.com, a search tool for scrapbooking products.

In addition to these roles, Lisa is also one of the owners of RobbinsSports.com, a team sports and fitness products store.

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