Scrapbook Page Design Tips, Use Paper Punches to Emphasize a Point and Add Dimension

Paper punches are an important tool in scrapbooking. They can be large enough to create photo frames or small enough to utilize scraps of leftover cardstock paper. Placed strategically on the page, punched paper can add drama and flair to a piece of text, title or focal point. Used correctly they bring dimension to a scrapbook page. Here are a few techniques we SDU certified scrapbook instructors use to emphasize a point and add dimension.

The Design Triangle - The design triangle is a map of where items should be placed on the page. The design triangle creates balance between embellishments, photos, text and white space. When a page feels off- as if something were missing, - look for the design triangle. If you can't find a triangle of things similar in style, color, embellishments etc, then that's where the problem lies. See illustration for an example of the design triangle.

The design triangle is a way to use paper punches. For example if your scrapbook page has a flowery theme running through it, three flower punches placed in the design triangle will pull it together and emphasize the obvious - the flowery theme.

Nesting Punches - With nesting punches you can add dimension to any scrapbook page simply by stacking them. This works for simple shapes such as ovals and squares or for shapes like dogs, clouds, hearts and stars. Use a glue pen and glue multiple layers of punches together on top of each other. Add curling ribbon and jewels to the center and suddenly your page takes on a three dimensional look.

Letter Punches - One way to emphasize a point literally is to use alphabet punches. The cool thing about these is they also come in nesting sets. You can buy them in cursive, fancy, block style, capitals or lower case letters. Punch out different sized letters, stack them, glue them and place them. The words will literally jump off the page.

Borders - Paper punches come in a wide variety of border patterns. Use border punches to create scalloped edges around whole words or sentences. Highlight titles with neon star border. Borders can be made from individual punches, a string of punches or border punches. Use borders wisely to draw attention to the point you're trying to make.

Corner Rounders - Corner rounders are punches that punch the corner of pages or photos. To create a shadow behind a title cut out a mat to go behind the title. Use a corner rounder punch to round out the corners of the mat. Cut out a mat ¼ of an inch wider and longer than the first one. Cut this one out of black cardstock. Use a corner round on the corners. You should now have a title with a drop shadow mat behind it.

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