Old Scrapbook Ideas

Scrapbooking is not a brand new hobby. People have been putting their memories into books since photographs could be developed. As it is with the saying "all things old can be converting to new again," likewise the craft and design of scrapbooking has found a way to make new things look old as well. Making a new scrapbook look old adds charm and whimsy to your layouts and design and makes the reader feel as if she were looking back in old time even if it was made this year.

Photographs and Images

An easy way to do this is to print the pictures in sepia or black and white tones.

Whether you are cropping new photos or old photos from years ago, there are techniques you can use to make your photos fit the style of a vintage scrapbook design. For older photos, there are Photoshop programs to fix scratches, tears and spots. Search the internet to find out tutorials that can walk you through the steps, for example. If you're not savvy with computers, don't fret; many photo labs can fix these problems for a small fee. Likewise, there are ways to make your new digital photos look retro. An easy way to do this is to print the pictures in sepia or black and white tones. If you want to snap a photo that has blurry edges like those of older photos, simply smear petroleum jelly around the edges of your camera lens. Internet has many tricks for creating vintage-looking photographs for a layout, just go search on it.

Paper Inking

If you're yearning for that discolored, darker on the edges look from your Grandmother's memory book, there's a simple way to achieve this vintage look. Take the paper you are using to mat your photo with and rub the edge directly against a rubber stamp ink pad. Brown or black ink work well to edge photos. This technique is called direct-to-paper inking. It adds a subtle touch that can make the paper look worn and it makes the photo "pop." Also try inking the edges of the actual photograph for a special look.

Distressing Papers

There are many ways to make scrapbook paper look old, worn and used. Many of the techniques can be done with household items. Try wire brushing the paper, tea dying, coffee staining or using a sponge to dab on ink. Crumpling the paper up into a ball and then flattening it back out creates a pattern of lines and small creases. You can leave it just like that or add more detail by rubbing a cotton swab in chalk and then applying it to the lines and creases. Another simple vintage technique is tearing the paper to create the look and feel you desire.

Calligraphy

Don't forget about the style of fonts you are using. A modern font may not fit the style of your vintage scrapbook. There are thousands of free fonts available on the Internet. Try using a font that looks like a vintage typewriter or calligraphy. For a truly authentic look, purchase a calligraphy marker and try to hand-write your captions and journaling boxes.