Chipboard and Scrapbooking

What exactly is chipboard? Chipboard is a cardboard-like material. It is thinner than most cardboard and thicker than cardstock. Not all chipboard is acid-free and thus safe for scrapbooks. Check the packaging and/or test with a ph testing pen. Chipboard sold for the purpose of scrapbooking embellishments are more than likely acid-free.

Where can I find chipboard? Chipboard can be found in a variety of places. The backing of a pad of paper is chipboard. Often scrapbook paper comes packaged with a sheet of chipboard for stability. Chipboard can be purchased by the sheet in some arts and crafts supply stores. And finally, chipboard is available as shapes and alphabets by various scrapbook manufacturers.

Why would I want to use chipboard in my layouts? You mean besides it being one of the hottest trends in scrapbooking? Chipboard is light-weight, inexpensive and very versatile. There are so many uses and possibilities with chipboard that you are only limited by your imagination. Let’s explore a few creative possibilities…

The easiest is purchasing pre-made chipboard pieces already embellished and ready to go! Simply adhere to your layout. But if you want to create your own custom chipboard pieces, let’s see what we can do. Let’s start with a shape that comes ready to embellish. Here a few ideas on how to embellish this chipboard piece.

Paint them. You can use any acrylic paint. Paint made especially for scrapbooking is a little thicker, which may be better for chipboard. Sand the edges for a finished look.

Cover with patterned paper. Simply trace, cut and adhere. Recommended for adhering paper to chipboard include xyron, spray adhesive, hermafix, scrappy glue and modge podge. Sanding or inking the edges provide a finished look.

Embellish with stickers, flowers, glitter and other embellishments.

You can create your own shapes and alphabets with chipboard sheets.

- Some die cut machines like Sizzix and Quick Kutz will cut through the chipboard.

- You can also use decorative punches with chipboard.

- And finally, hand cut your desired shape.

Once you have your shape/alphabet cut or punched, then cover and embellish as mentioned above. Have fun with this versatile technique!

Need answers to more of your scrapbooking questions? Dawn Stegall provides 102 of them at http://www.102ScrapbookingIdeas.com