Scrapbook Chipboard Instruction

About Scrapbook Chipboard

Chipboard is a special type of pressed fiber thick paper that is usually made from recycled paper. Traditionally used in the packaging of office supplies and paper products, it is now becoming one of the most popular scrapbooking embellishments.

Chipboard is a versatile supply that can be used on a variety of layouts. For example:

• Make a large chipboard monogram letter part of your page title.
• Cut a chipboard frame to use as a mat for your focal point photo.
• Rubber stamp a design on a chipboard tag.
• Use individual chipboard words to add interest to handwritten journaling.
• Use small chipboard stars as bullet points in a journaling list.
• Design a pretty bouquet using a variety of chipboard flowers.
• Arrange decorated chipboard shapes along the side of your page for a quick and easy border.

Buying Chipboard Embellishments

As chipboard continues to grow in popularity, scrapbookers will find that they have a variety of chipboard embellishment choices. You can buy chipboard alphabets, as well as assorted frames and simple shapes. There are chipboard stickers available in a number of themes, including chipboard designs covered in shimmery glitter to add a touch of sparkle to your layout.

Generally, you can find chipboard embellishments for your layouts wherever scrapbooking supplies are sold. For example:

• Jordan Paper Arts
• Direct 2 U Scrapbooking
• Scrapbook Adventure

Making Chipboard Embellishments

Since scrapbook chipboard can be rather expensive, it’s useful to know how to make your own embellishments from plain chipboard sheets. This scrapbook chipboard instruction can help you create one-of-kind layouts that won’t blow your budget.

Packs of scrapbooking paper are often sold with pieces of chipboard between the sheets in order to prevent tearing and wrinkling. Higher quality notebooks also have chipboard on the back cover that you can use to make your own embellishments. However, although free chipboard is an excellent resource for the thrifty scrapbooker, it may not always be acid-free. For this reason, it’s best to be cautious when using free chipboard near irreplaceable photos or memorabilia.

There are several different ways to cut your chipboard into the shape you need for layout. Many die cut machines can cut sheets of chipboard, although you may need to press harder than normal to accommodate for the thickness of the chipboard. Hand cutting shapes using a sharp craft knife is another great possibility. There are a number of free templates online you can use to create letters, flowers, tags, and other designs.

To decorate your chipboard, you can use acrylic paint and ink. Another alternative is to cover the chipboard with scraps of scrapbooking paper, then seal the embellishment with a coat of decoupage clue. Rubber stamps, rub-on letters, or stickers can be used to add additional interest to your homemade chipboard embellishments.

Adhering Chipboard to Your Layouts

Since chipboard is a bulky embellishment, finding a secure adhesive can be a tricky task. Although some premade chipboard embellishments come with an adhesive layer, you’ll generally need to find your own method of attaching the embellishment to the page. A glue stick will not work for chipboard embellishments because glue sticks are made for adhering cardstock, patterned paper, or photos. However, you can easily adhere chipboard using double-sided tape or small glue dots.

Additional Scrapbook Chipboard Instruction

For additional scrapbook chipboard instruction, check out the following links:

• Make Your Own Chipboard Alphabets
• Heidi Swapp’s Chipboard Tips and Tricks
• Printing on Chipboard and Film Negatives with the Perfect Printing Pouch