Vintage Scrapping

Vintage scrapping remains popular for many crafters who love the timeless appeal of this distinctive paper crafting style.

Typewriter style fonts add vintage appeal to scrapbook layouts.

Vintage scrapbookers try to make their projects resemble family albums from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Trademarks of the vintage style include:

• Pages that make liberal use of brown, tan, cream, black, grey, and other neutral colors
• Embellishments such as buttons, keys, old postcards, and pressed flowers
• Use of newspapers, handwritten letters, or maps as background elements
• A collage-inspired design, as opposed to the clean and simple look favored by contemporary scrapbook artists
• Handwritten journaling
• Use of script or typewriter fonts for title treatments
• An emphasis on projects that include genealogical research

While the vintage style doesn't appeal to everyone, it can be fun to try this look even if you normally take a more modern approach to your projects. Part of the appeal of scrapbooking is experimenting with different creative approaches!

Many different scrapbook supply manufacturers have released product lines with a vintage look. K&Company and Anna Griffin are perhaps best known for vintage patterned papers and embellishments, but many of the BasicGrey products will work for vintage projects as well. Karen Foster Designs also has an Ancestry line that is a beautiful addition to any vintage layout.

However, if you find a product you like that seems a bit "modern" for your tastes, you can still incorporate it into your layout. Just use one of the following tricks to give a vintage look to the item:

• Sand cardstock with a white core to add texture, then drag a brown ink pad across the surface.
• Crumple patterned paper, then spritz the sheet with a bit of walnut ink to give it an old fashioned charm.
• Tear the edges of your border and matting papers instead of making perfectly straight cuts with your scissors.
• Layer fabric scraps, ribbon, and lace across plain paper to make a unique background for your project.
• Use brown chalk and a cotton swab to give bold stickers and die cuts a vintage look.
• Paint embellishments with a coat of acrylic paint, then wipe off the excess for a distressed appearance.
• Print out free clip art with a vintage look to make your own embellishment tags.
• Look for beads, buttons, charms, and other interesting items at thrift stores and garage sales to use to make your own unique scrapbook design elements.

What's a digital scrapper to do when she's craving a dose of vintage style? Even though vintage elements are often associated with traditional paper scrapbooking, you can get the same look in the digital environment using these free scrapbooking kits:

• Vintage Florals from Shabby Princess contains several papers with a vintage feel, as well as a number of useful embellishments.
• Vintage Oreos from Summertime Designs is a lovely black and white kit that's guaranteed to give a timeless look to all your pictures.
• Vintage Pearls from Designs by Helen is a simple kit with a classic blue and brown color scheme that works well for both masculine and feminine layouts.
• Crumpled Old Cardstock from Oscraps is a fun addition to any vintage project.

Although vintage scrapping is often associated with heritage photos, you can scrapbook almost any type of picture using vintage inspired techniques. After all, today's memories will eventually be considered "vintage" by your ancestors.

To make modern photos fit in better with a vintage themed scrapbook project, consider converting them to black and white or sepia tone using your favorite image editing software. Depending upon the type of digital camera you have, you may even be able to snap pictures in a separate black and white or sepia tone mode.

• Simple 8x8 Layouts for Scrapbooks
• Scrapbook Page Layout Designs
• Free Scrapbook Layout Ideas

• Download Free Cursive Handwriting Fonts
• Discount Cricut Machines
• Free Scrapbook Templates
• Free Scrapbook Clip Art
• Wedding Scrapbook Ideas

• Black and White Photography Tips
• Category:Scrapbook Themes
• Digital Scrapbook Vintage Elements
• Free Clip Art Flowers
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