10 Ways to Create a Scrapbook Page Title with Paint

Titles are one of the key components of a scrapbook page. While the focus of a layout will almost always be on the photos, the name of the page gives the viewer a context from which to interpret the story of the page. In this article, we'll look at paint's unique properties and how it lends itself well to creating visually pleasing title treatments.

1) Use foam stamps. Foam stamps are, first and foremost, cheap. You can usually find an alphabet set for $3 at a discount store or on sale at craft stores. Paint, too, is cheap--less than a dollar for a bottle that will last you forever, and 25 cents for a foam brush... Just squirt some paint out onto a piece of rigid plastic for a paint tray, dip your brush in the puddle, and apply to the letters. Be careful not to apply too much, or the stamps will slide around and you won't get a clear image.

2) Paint just the edges of your foam stamps. Paint is a thick and fluid medium, and will stay wet while you apply paint to the outside edges of your stamps, allowing you to create unique variations on images with just one stamp set. Play around with this, using a smaller bristle brush for a cleaner, more detailed line. If you desire further definition, just outline the letters with pen after they are dry.

3) Layer your title over a painted image. Foam image stamps are cheap, too--usually costing less than 50 cents apiece. Find a nice, versatile one, like the fleur de lis used here, and stamp it first. Paint is flat and most adhesives will still adhere to the base cardstock over a thin, dry coat of paint. Simply layer the remainder of your title on top of the stamped image to create depth and texture in your title treatment.

4) Add a metallic mixative to paint. This will add shimmer and depth. You can find these in craft stores or discount stores, next to the paint.

5) Overlap parts of a painted title. Since paint is completely flat and becomes part of the background when dry, overlapping letters, images, or big swaths of paint can form unique blends and designs. Here, I overlapped the two big letters in the title, making it look as if the C linked through the opening in the D.

6) Layer dimensional embellishments on top of paint. Again, since paint is flat and essentially becomes part of the background when dry, it provides a great backdrop. In this example, I've used rhinestone brads and flowers to create the "periods" in the D. C. title.

7) Use paint to layer your title over other elements. Paint adheres to any surface, even smooth or slick ones, such as photos or blocks of paper. Overlapping elements like this is a good way to direct the eyes. Here, the eyes hit the title, and then move seamlessly down the page to the journaling, which wraps around all of the photos.

8) Use a large swath of paint as a mat for your title. A large block of paint makes a visual pop, and the brushstrokes add non-dimensional texture and movement.

9) Enhance painted images with handwriting and doodling. Again, since paint is flat, layering other mediums on top is a cinch. Here, I've used handwriting and doodling to contrast with the more formal foam stamp font I used with paint.

10) Kiss foam stamps to add texture. Load up your letter stamp with a very thin coat of paint. Next, load up an image stamp with a contrasting color of paint. Press the image stamp onto the letter stamp, and then press on your page. Work quickly! You will be rewarded with a wonderful variation on your letter stamps, loaded with great texture and interest.