Foolproof Ways to Make Your Scrapbook Pages Pop with Chipboard

Everyone seems to be using it now. It’s all over the place on scrapbook pages, craft projects, and even home decor! So what is this rage about? What’s so cool about chipboard? If you use chipboard all the time, you know how great it can be. But some of us are just beginning to see its amazing uses. I love chipboard because it’s cheap, easy to use, versatile, and a quick way to add texture and pizzazz to your scrapbooking endeavor!

Before I get into the details, I wanted to explain a little bit about what chipboard is for those who have never used it. Chipboard is basically thick, pressed-fibre paper, usually made from recycled paper. Her “naked” form is the cardboard brown color we’ve all seen. If you haven’t used chipboard before, you probably still have it in your house. It has been used for years as a backing for notepads or spiral notebooks and other stacks of paper.

If you don’t have chipboard at home, many scrapbook stores have sheets they give away for free (packages of paper are often chipboard to prevent the paper from being damaged during shipping and are often thrown away). Other stores have caught up with the trend and charge 10 to 25 cents for a sheet of chipboard. Either way, it’s super cheap!

So now that you have your chipboard, what do you do with it? Here are some great ways to use it to make your pages “pop”!

1. Make letter or number ornaments using chipboard. Use a template or die-cutting machine. I also like to print my word or phrase using the size and font I want from my computer. I then place the printed paper on top of the chipboard and press hard along the outside of each letter with a pencil or pen, making an impression on the chipboard. So you just cut it. You can also buy some pre-cut letters that you simply paint or stamp, tie with a ribbon and voila, instant embellishment! And for the spoiled scrapbooker, you can get chipboard letters/numbers that are already decorated for you.

2. Create a one-of-a-kind chipboard ornament. Make a flower out of chipboard and cover it with craft paint and a metal clip in the center for the perfect floral accent. My favorite is making chipboard labels to add to my papers or projects. I like to cover mine with scrapbook paper and abrade the edges. Once you punch a hole in the top and add string or ribbon, this cute little addition to your page will definitely stand out! You can also make tags like this for gifts. I have also attached chipboard labels to baskets or boxes. They make the most amazing labels for storage.

3. Picture frames or mats really stand out when they’re made of chipboard. I like the difference in dimension that chipboard gives to a page layout. The chipboard will also help your photos stand out more. Add grommets or snaps and even appliqués to make this a unique addition to your page.

4. Making your journal block out of chipboard will surely make those words stand out more on your page. Add a few lines to write on or better yet, start from the outside and write in a square or circle rotating the block as you go. This will make the journal block more interesting.

5. To add a little more zest to any chipboard letter or shape:

-To alter painted or stamped shapes: lightly sand, paint with crackle medium, or cover with mod podge.

-Tie or staple tape or fiber to your chipboard.

-Glue a rickrack or ribbon around the edge of your shape.

-Mix and match chipboard letters of different styles for a modern headline.

-Make chipboard mosaics by engraving designs on chipboard squares. Visit this website for a cute idea!

Chipboard can be an amazing product for the beginner and the experienced scrapbooker. I hope you take the time to use this new trend in your scrapbook.