Scrapbooking Papers

All papers and cardstock used in scrapbooking should be acid and lignin free. Scrapbooking paper generally comes in two different sizes;

• 30 x 30cm (12" x 12")
• 21 x 28cm (8.5" x 11.5")

Other sizes you may also come across include;

• 30 x 38cm (12" x 15")
• 20.5 x 20.5 cm (8" x 8")
• 15 x 15cm (6" x 6")

There is such an abundance of patterned paper out there that it can well and truly make life difficult! when you are first starting off the best way is to match your photos to the paper. Look for the colours within your photos, check the background and the colours of the clothing worn. Also keep in mind the textures within your photographs. Try to stick to one brand and/or one line of paper to make selecting coordinating papers easier.

Cardstock

To a beginner cardstock can seem a tad boring however you will soon learn that it will be a fantastic staple to your scrapping necessities and that they are perfect for backgrounds. Even those who love the ecelectic look of a 'mish-mash' of different patterned papers still find the need for plain colours to compliment their designs. Cardstock comes in a wide range of colours, textures and even glitters to add some pizzazz.

Vellum

Vellum is a light weight transparent paper and needs to be treated delicately as it is easily creased. As vellum is transparent it is great for muting bright colours, papers and images beneath it. Using vellum is also a fantastic way to bring out of focus photographs back to life!

Vellum can be purchased plain, printed, coloured and clear. Often regular papers will have coordinating vellums. You can even buy pre-printed vellum quotes and overlays. Use chalks to change the colour of your vellum or a computer to print your own images, words and phrases. Use with stamps and embossing powders. Be careful though, vellum is less porous than most papers and if the print isn't dry it is easily smudged. One downside to vellum is that many adhesives will show through due to it's transparency. Be selective with the adhesive used and incorporate fasteners such as brads, eyelets, frames, hooks, anything of the like to fasten vellum and avoid adhesive showing through.

Transparencies

These are similar to Vellum however they are completely clear and do not give a muted look like vellums do. Most transparencies are pre-printed with images, words and phrases and can be used as a whole sheet to your layout or trimmed to your preference.

Transparencies look their best when used in conjuction with other elements, placed over a photograph, embellishment or paper. Or you could alter the paper itself. Like vellum, you can create your own printed quotes and images or use stamps and embossing powders. If you print your own photos, using transparency paper instead of typical photograph paper will create a fantastic softer look to your image.

Other papers include:

• Corrugated: Similar to the bumby interior of a box. Corrugated paper/card adds dimension, fun and visual movement on a page.

• Embossed: Raised or indented images. These papers are stamped by machines to create their images.

• Flocked: Paper coated with powders of wool or cotton (flock)

• Foil: Paper with a surface resembling metal.

• Glossy: Paper with a shiny finish.

• Handmade: Often rough and uneven in texture. Usually handmade papers have flowers, leaves and glitters embedded within them.

• Iridescent / Pearlescent: Paper with a mother-of-pearl or metallic sheen look.

• Linen: Paper that has a textured look like linen cloth.

• Mulberry: Paper with a natural organic look. Each sheet may vary slightly in colour.

• Parchment: Often a fine paper made from the skin of goats, sheep and cows. Most 'parchment' papers available have the appearance of animal skin.

• Rag: Paper with cotton fibre content.