When it comes to memory albums, you can’t help but judge a book by its cover. Crafting an eye-popping scrapbook cover is a challenge for some, but the process can be quite rewarding once you learn how to harness your creative energy.
Making your own cover is not as hard as you may think. One way to craft a stunning cover without breaking the bank is to decorate a standard three-ring binder or a plain hardcover journal with a collection of your favorite scrapbook embellishments. Use stickers, rub-ons, or patterned paper to design an attractive cover. Another frugal idea is to use a die cutting machine to create shapes from leftover paper.
If you enjoy working with a variety of different papers, consider decoupaging your scrapbook cover. This technique is also a great way to incorporate special mementos on your cover, such as ticket stubs, meaningful newspaper clippings and personal paper items. You could also include some fun pieces of fabric to add texture to the cover, as well as photographs and letters cut-out from magazines to spell the title of your album.
To get started, gather your materials. Don’t forget the Mod Podge or other acid-free decoupage medium, and a clean paintbrush. Next, trim your paper, fabric, and photos, making sure that the sizes and shapes are appropriate for your album cover. Then, remove the pages from your scrapbook and set them aside. On a large, flat surface, open the scrapbook and place it so the cover is facing up. Apply a generous amount of Mod Podge on a portion of the cover with the paintbrush, and then arrange the materials you want displayed in that area. Be careful not to overlap your pictures during the first layer. You can craft a collage-style look as you progress, but you need a layer of Mod Podge between each item. When you’re done placing the first layer of items on the cover, apply another generous coat of Mod Podge. Repeat this process until the cover is filled. Finally, apply another layer of Mod Podge, let it dry and finish by adding one to three additional layers for protection.
Related Articles:
Do You Have a Favorite Scrapbook Brand?