5 Ways to Add Texture & Dimension to your Scrapbook Pages

There is a big difference between a scrapbook layout that is flat and one that is full of texture and dimension.

The traditional style of scrapbooking is very flat and one dimensional but as the years have gone by, scrapbooking has turned into a craft that is full of texture and dimension.

On the left is one of my early pages using one of the very first electronic die cut machines.  On the right is one of my more recent pages, utilizing art mediums, fibers, resin, wire, flowers and more.  

So here are five tips and tricks I use to add dimension and texture to my scrapbook pages.

Layers, Layers & More Layers

An easy and cheaper way to add dimension is to layer your papers.  Mat your photo onto cardstock and then layer different patterned papers underneath.

Layers:  Three circle frame this photo, matted onto pink cardstock.

Distress the Edges of your paper

Take it to the next level by distressing the edges of your paper.  Use the Tim Holtz paper distresser tool or the Prima paper distresser tool.  Don't want to buy a special tool?  Then just use your hands to fold, tear and crease the edges and corners!

Distress:  These strips of layered papers feature torn edges and crinkling to add both texture and dimension.  

Use Foam Mounting Dots 

Foam mounting tape, squares and dots can be added to the backs of paper, cardstock, stickers, chipboard and die cuts to lift those elements up off your page.  Handy tip:  When using foam mounting adhesive on stickers, stick your foam onto the back of the sticker then apply some baby powder to the back of the sticker around the foam mount.  This will neutralize the sticky on the rest of the sticker, keeping it from sticking to your page in odd ways--like when it gets a little smooshed in a closed album.

Foam Mounting Adhesive:  If you look closely from this angle, you can see a few of the foam mounting squares that pop up some of the stars as well as some of the cloud layers.  

Add Ribbon or Other Fibers

Add ribbon, lace, thread, twine, jute or even wire to your layouts.  Crinkle ribbon is a great option that also lets you customize the color to match your page while adding texture.  Thread gathered into little loopy piles or nests under flowers makes a great shabby chic accent that is also cost effective.

Ribbon or Other Fibers:  This layout features some lovely cream tulle around a matted photo, adding a light
and airy feeling to the page.   

Use Mixed Media Techniques

There are a whole host of art mediums you can use in a mixed media style page.  Shimmery color mists add dimension through the dispersal of light caused by the mica in the mists.  Micro beads and art stones add a metallic or natural element.  Flocking and Flower Soft add a fuzzier texture.  Tim Holtz's crazing collage medium adds a wonderfully distressed crackled appearance to whatever it's applied to.  One of my favorite mixed media techniques for adding texture and dimension is using a stencil with gesso, gel and texture pastes.  Bonus: If you use gesso, heat your gesso with a heat tool until it bubbles.  You can even pop the bubbles for more dimension.

This layout utilities a variety of mixed media techniques including white gesso through a stencil, ink splatters,
copic markers and stamping.  

I hope that you found this useful in making stand-out and unique scrapbook pages!

Happy Scrapping,
Adrienne

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