Embossing: Are you looking for quick and easy to add texture to your pages, without adding bulk? Embossing
      powders may be the answer you are looking for. Undoubtedly, Embossing is the jazziest way to enhance a stamped
      image. Stamp the image to be embossed and sprinkle embossing powder, quickly, over the wet stamped image.
       Remove any excess powder from around the stamped image by lightly tapping the paper. Use a heat source
       to make the powder melt and give the raised embossed effect.

      Monochromatic Layouts: are layouts that use one specific color, therefore always having that "pulled-together"
       look. Using colors from the same color family when creating layouts, is a simple way to draw the viewer into your
       photographs and enables you to convey a certain emotion through your color choices. Using monochromatic
       colors will help you overcome the intimidation you may feel when choosing colors for your layout, since it is easy
       to use various shades of one color.

      Too Many Pictures? Try This!
      When you have too many pictures from an event and don't want to create more than a two page layout, make
       a mini album within the page to showcase those extra pictures. Mat the mini album in a coordinating paper and tie
       it together with a ribbon or raffia.

      Background paper:Finding just the right background paper can sometimes be a challenge. Why not try making
       your own using stamps?! Stamp one or more images randomly on a co-ordinating colour of cardstock. Use either
       Versamark, or ink in the same colour as the paper for a subtle background image that won't take away from your
       layout. Also you could use the stamping wheel to create you own borders, titles, or backgrounds.

      Paper Piercing:

Piercing, also known as parchment craft or needle drawing, produces a marvelous 3-D perforated effect. Force a needle into the eraser end of a pencil (see picture below)

Then using a piece of foam or a mouse pad underneath your paper, use this tool and pierce around an image or create a design. Purchase designs, perforate stamped designs or create your own. Watch my template page for piercing templates soon!!

      Chalk is a fast growing trend in scrapbooking. The possibilities are absolutely endless! The fun is that you can turn anything boring into something very exciting. Chalk can be used to highlight and brighten die cuts, paper piecings, alphabet letters, punch art, create background paper and much more.

* Chalk is messy! It is dusty and sticks to just about anything, including your hands and the pages you are working on. If you don't want it where it is not suppose to be, find a different place to decorate your item.
* Apply chalk with the applicator that comes with your package. You can also use a cotton swab, make-up applicator, facial tissue or cotton ball.
* Improve the look of all those blah die cuts and punches. Add definition to them, add color and make them stand out!
* Opps! Made a mistake? Just erase it!!
* When using chalk, start with a darker complementing color. Apply it lightly and continue adding more shading until the right color has been achieved. It is a lot easier to darker something than it is to try and lighten it.
* Try outling the outer edge first and then add more chalk on the inside. This technique will highlight and give definition to your die cuts, paper piecing or whatever you are working on.
*Give rosy cheeks to everything!
*After applying chalk, turn your page face down on top of another piece of paper and then rub the backside of the page. This will remove any excess chalk.
*Chalk will become permanent after a short period of time. Try to rectify your mistakes quickly.
*Chalk is best when used on cardstock. Vellum paper works very well and absorbs the chalk nicely.
*Definitely consider using plastic sheet protectors to protect your pages. The sheet protectors will keep the chalk where it belongs and not on the back of your other pages.