Memories Deserve More Than A Shoebox ^TM

Wild About Words

by Lindsay Teague

Imagine you’ve created a layout that is just about complete. You’re going through your embellishments looking for that perfect accent for your page. Unfortunately, you’re not finding it in your stash and now you’re not feeling as confident about the outcome of this layout. Never fear, words are here.

I can think of no better way to accent a page and convey an emotion or feeling than by using the power of the written word. Oftentimes, it’s not the fancy metal accent, but the word printed on it that catches the eye and triggers a memory. Here are a few ideas for you to try next time you are at a loss for that perfect embellishment:

Get out that dusty old dictionary and type up a definition to that perfect word on the computer. Print it onto a piece of coordinating cardstock to add to your scrapbook page.

Want to be a little more on the daring side? Copy the definition multiple times in different fonts and print them on a transparency for an understated accent or background for your page.

Use a thesaurus to come up with various synonyms. Print them onto cardstock and cut them into strips. Adhere the strips down one side of the page for a great way to show your friends and family exactly what you want them to know when they look at your page.

Looking for a unique way to document a special person in your life? Go through your embellishment stash with words on them and pick out some that relate perfectly to that person. (If you don’t have any, make your own.) Do a layout about this person by simply putting his or her picture in the middle and list his or her defining characteristics around the photo.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using words to your advantage on your page. Here are a few quick ideas to add that personalized touch to your next page:

Make your own personalized bottle caps by painting them and using your rub-ons to display your word or name of choice.

Use pre-printed transparencies with descriptive words on them as a background for your page.

Use your alphabet stamps to stamp a border around the perimeter of your page.

Go “old school” and cut up your old magazines for fun, bright and unique word embellishments.

Stamp or print the perfect descriptive words onto a strip of twill to embellish your page.

Use your mismatched metal letters to make a wild and unique title for your page.

Make your own patterned paper by stamping expressive words onto a plain piece of cardstock.

Make an extremely simple layout by only using colored cardstock and a picture. Then, use large letter embellishments or letter stickers to create the perfect title and accent. The word will “pop” right off the page.

Use your square punch to punch cardstock squares or circles. Then use stamps or rub-ons on those shapes for simple embellishments.

Use the power of words literally by tearing out a page of a book to use as a patterned paper or accent for your page.

The possibilities are endless and the more you try, the more creative you’ll become. Using words as embellishments adds that unique touch to any scrapbook. When you’re stuck for an idea, words are sure to jog your creativity.