Simple Scrapbook with Retired Rubber Stamps

What Is A Simple Scrapbook?

Simple scrapbooks are projects where a lot of the work is pre-designed and completed. All the scrapper needs to do is add some embellishments and pictures and the page is ready to go.

To know what a simple scrapbook is, one must know what a complex scrapbook is. A complex scrapbook has many elements and layers that involve many accessories, pieces of equipment and costly embellishments. To create a simple scrapbook, the scrapper will abandon all the time consuming and complicated elements. All that is needed are a sharp scissors and some good adhesive.

These are some of the elements that can help a scrapper to create a simple scrapbook.

Have the Basics

To have a simple scrapbook the scrapper needs to just have the basic elements. Attractive quality paper is the base. Then include a heading of the theme for the page. Add a mat that will support one nice photograph. Add the photograph to the mat. These are the basics of a scrapbook page. Anything beyond these basics is simply for fun and creativity.

Pre-Cut Mats

Using a pre-cut mat is an excellent way to add dimension and emphasis to a focal point on a scrapbook page. What makes it simple is that the scrapper doesn't need to cut the frame to size and often not do the layering. The pieces are already created. It just requires add the picture and adhesive.

Sticker Borders

A fast element to add to the page is a border, but the easiest border to add is a sticker border. To add this element the scrapper doesn't even need to add adhesive to the border. It is as simple as peel and stick.

Pre-cut Die Cuts

Cutting individual die-cuts can be time consuming and can require purchasing a lot of templates. A simple version is to buy packages of pre-cut die cuts. These can be purchased in themes such as birthdays or vacations. Then the scrapper only needs to add adhesive to make the items stick to the page. No time consuming cutting.

Sticker Letters

Using self-adhesive letters can be a great way to add simplicity to a scrapbook. Select the main letters for the heading desired and add it to the page itself or to a boarder piece and then add to the page. This is much faster than doing a lot of die cuts or journaling to say the same thing.

Metal Accessories

Metal Accessories such as grommets and eyelets can take time to add to a page. They usually require a matt, punch and other tools. To make the scrapbook page simple, purchase papers, mats, and notes that have the metal effects already incorporated. The result will look like a lot of time and effort was put into adding these effects, but the company did all the work for the scrapper.

Pre-designed Pages

A very simple way to make a scrapbook is to purchase a pre-designed flat paper scrapbook. These books can be purchased easily. They have headings and borders as well as printed embellishments on the pages. It does not have dimension, but it is especially a great option for children who wish to make their own scrapbooks without spending a lot of time on them. All that is needed for these scrapbooks is pictures.

Scrapbook Kits

Another great option instead of taking the time to design pages personally is to purchase a pre-designed kit. With this purchase the scrapper will receive a scrapbook, matching papers, stickers, borders and embellishments. The concepts of the pages are already created. All the scrapper needs to do is arrange the pages. What makes this a simple scrapbook is that most of the thinking and designing is done for the scrapper. Pages can be put together in minutes and it will look like hours were spent on the pages.

Small Accordion Books

Thinking small can be a great way to make scrapbooking simple. Accordion books are basically pieces of cardstock that have been folded like an accordion and then tied. It makes it easy because the pages are small. One picture will fit on the miniature page and the next page can be used for embellishments. A mini-accordion book can probably be put together in about one hour. These are fun books to make for moms and grandma's to keep as a purse pocket scrapbook.

Simple Themes

It is best to complete a simple themed project first. Beginning with a big even such as a wedding day can be a rough start just because there is an awful lot of material to scrap. A simple scrapbook also means selecting a simple theme. Instead of choosing to scrap the entire wedding, instead just do a small book about the honeymoon or a bridal shower. Divide the theme down and this will make the scrapbook a little simpler.

Enjoy using these simple scrapbooking tips and the idea of making a scrapbook will appear to be an easy project.

Finding Those Scarce Retired Rubber Stamps for Scrapbooking and Crafting

Are you having trouble finding just the right rubber stamp design? Of course, with creativity, you can always manage to create your own designs and shapes, but there are probably some unique rubber stamps that you might have missed buying when first released, but can be found a few months later, in the retired category of rubber stamps. With a little persistence, if there is a rubber stamp set or design you are looking for, it will often have a second life, making it possible for you to find again.

Retired stamps are those art rubber stamps that have been kept aside by stamp illustrating companies, as new designs have now arrived. Retired stamps are usually released annually by the company, for resale, in that particular category. Because they offer unique designs compared to what is available in the market, retired stamps are very popular among buyers.

Usually, the retired rubber stamps will be a small or large set of related stamps with a specific theme. Popular retired stamp themes include: animal themed sets, children or babies, and flowers and nature. Hard-to-find sets with very specific and unique designs will also have an increasing popularity after their retirement, since a specific design subject may be few and far between. In fact, it may be such a unique theme or interest, that there may be only one set every created for that design.

However, even the 'retired' category rubber stamps are only offered for a specific time period. If you missed the time frame when the stamps are offered directly from the company, you still have some other alternatives. One great choice is joining online groups or clubs that specialize in rubber stamp sells and trades. There are many rubber stamping tip groups, but you are better off finding those that only do product trades or sells, as you'll have the best selection to choose from. Another solution is to check out rubber stamp specialty websites, as there are several who specialize in a specific company's retired designs.

If you are yearning for a specific retired rubber stamp design, don't give up! A great way to find these treasures is to start a want list, and keep it handy while you're cruising online or browsing rubber stamp groups. If you see a stamp or set that looks familiar, you can always refer to your list, and snatch up the appropriate rubber stamp. Remember, retired doesn't necessarily mean gone forever.