Most of us love how stamps & love stamping. So why not combine the 2? Using your stamps on your scrapbook pages to complete your layouts – gives you a much wider range of choice & options.

Backgrounds –
By using a single stamp or multiple stamps from a set or coordinating sets, you will be surprised by the totally different look to your page. Don’t stop there! Use colored inks, Versa-mark, same ink as your cardstock which will give you a soft muted background.

Borders –
By using a single stamp or multiple stamps from a set, you can create a border for your whole page or as an embellishment on its own.

Embellishments –
I love to use my stamps for single images. I often cut them out, emboss & adhere to the page individually or by grouping them. Add Brads, Buttons, Ribbon, etc to your page or to your cut out images. It will not only create more interest, but add dimension to your page.

Journaling –
I am always using my Stampin’ Write Marker – I would be lost without it! Some people love to write their feelings, memories, etc with the photo they have scrapped, while others will only add the place, date, year. It is up to the individual, but just think of those looking through your album in future years. It is entirely up to you, but use a good Marker. Another way is to type the story on your pc print out & add to your layout.

Theme Pages –
Stampin’ UP! have the best combination of products I have ever come across. All the guess work has been taken of for you. By using their DSP, matching stamp sets, embellishments, you will have a themed page finished before you know it. As previously mentioned last week, some people like to do a complete themed album. This is the perfect way to create that sort of album!

Titles, Captions & Letters –
For my Titles, etc I like to make use of a whole lot different embellishments, stamps, etc. It gives your layout another element, as well as creating something truly unique for your layout. Use of alphabet stamps, buttons, punches, phrases, etc are just some of the embellishments you can use. Give it a go! I guarantee you will love it! Use of Monograms is another option you may want to go. Highlight the first letter of the word to convey the message, eg Smile… Don’t stop there, highlight different letters in the word.

Wheels –

Now onto today’s page.

I played with these photos of my niece, Bonnie & her cousin Brooke.  As I really like the effect of the photos, I created the pages so as not to take away from the photos.

For both pages, I have pretty much stuck to the sketch.