Hot New Scrapbooking Trends

One of the hottest new scrapbooking trends is tiny mini albums measuring less than 4 inches long. Manufacturers are also releasing lots of small-scale papers and embellishments that will coordinate with these mini albums. Another hot trend that goes along with the small scale albums are stamps known as "inchies" that measure only an inch square. These might be either clear stamps or rubber stamps; both are popular with crafters and scrapbookers. Inkadinkadoo is one popular manufacturer of inchies clear stamps.

Mini Keychain Albums by Clear Scraps

Clear Scraps is leading the way with a brand new product release for 2009 known as mini keychain albums. The introductory product release debuted at the winter CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) trade show, and it included 11 brand new shapes. Each of these tiny keychain albums measures under 4 inches. Shapes include tree, cupcake, arrow, heart, owl, deco (which is basically a fancy shape with edges shaped like brackets,) tag, flower, sunflower, mini tabbed book, and card (which is basically a rectangle with rounded corners.) There is a shape to suit every style and personality.

Embellishing Mini Scrapbook Albums

There are unlimited ways you can creatively embellish these mini keychain albums by Clear Scraps. They can be embossed in the Cuttlebug machine using Cuttlebug embossing folders. They can be stamped with inchies or other stamps using Stazon Solvent ink by Tsukineko. They can be painted with alcohol inks. You can draw or doodle on them using a variety of pens and markers including Copic markers, Zig Painty Pens, Sakura Souffle Pens, American Crafts Slick Writers, and many others. Clear Scraps mini keychain albums can be sanded with sandpaper, which yields a lovely frosted effect wherever you sand it. They can be embellished with Stickles, Liquid Pearls, glitter glass or acrylic paint. You can probably think of lots more creative ways to use them too!

Patterned Papers and Stickers To Coordinate With Tiny Mini Albums

Of course, one obvious way of dressing up your tiny minis is with small-scale papers and embellishments. Adornit / Carolee's Creations has some brand new papers and embellishments that coordinate perfectly with the new Clear Scraps minis keychain albums. Check out Adornit's new "Aunt Mame" kitchen-themed collection. This collection has a fantastic variety of papers and embellishments, many of which utilize a small scale that is perfect for creating tiny mini albums. The "Red Hot" stickers, "Apples Scattered" patterned paper, and "Tickle Me Pink" patterned paper are especially appropriate for tiny mini albums. The "Fern" collection is another fantastic choice for creating tiny mini albums; there is a rich variety of patterns that would be especially cute when paired with the Clear Scraps owl shaped mini keychain albums.

Advantages of Tiny Mini Scrapbook Albums

Scrapbookers who are used to working with large 12" x 12" page layouts might find that working within such a small space is a bit of a creative challenge. However, there are many benefits to creating these tiny albums. One is the cost: these tiny scrapbook albums are so much less expensive than full sized albums. The album itself is less expensive, plus it takes fewer supplies to complete the project. Another advantage is the amount of time it takes to create these projects; you can put them together much faster than you can put together a full sized scrapbook album. These mini albums are completely portable; you can take these tiny treasures anywhere. Purse charms have been very popular and trendy, and you can use these as either purse charms or keychains. You can clip them practically anywhere! It is no wonder that so many people are enthralled with these lovely tiny scrapbook albums.