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Clear tutorials on scrapbooking and the products in our shop. Start with the essentials or search for a specific topic.
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The most useful guides if you are taking your first steps.
How to start scrapbooking
What scrapbooking actually is, what you can make with it, and how to take your first steps without drowning in supplies.
Basic supplies: what you actually need
The short list of essentials, what to expect from each item, and where it is worth spending a little more from day one.
Paper types and weights: which one to use when
Cardstock, patterned paper, watercolour paper and vellum. What gsm means and how to choose without getting it wrong.
Layered composition: why some pages work and others do not
The three-level structure behind almost every project that works, and where to place the focal point.
How to use clear stamps step by step
Clear, rubber and cling stamps: how they differ, how to mount them on a block and how to place the image exactly where you want it.
Ink guide: which one to use and when
Dye, pigment, archival, distress, hybrid and embossing inks explained by what they do, not by their brand names.
Topic index
Pick a category and open the tutorial you need.
Getting started
What scrapbooking is, which supplies you actually need and how to build your first kit without overspending.
- How to start scrapbooking What scrapbooking actually is, what you can make with it, and how to take your first steps without drowning in supplies. Read →
- Basic supplies: what you actually need The short list of essentials, what to expect from each item, and where it is worth spending a little more from day one. Read →
- Sizes and formats: the cheat sheet you keep coming back to Standard sizes for layouts, cards and envelopes, plus how to cut and score a base without getting the fold wrong. Read →
- What to buy first (and what can wait) A staged buying order so you do not end up with a drawer full of supplies you never touch. Read →
Paper and bases
Cardstock, patterned paper, weights, and how to combine and layer them so the result always works.
- Paper types and weights: which one to use when Cardstock, patterned paper, watercolour paper and vellum. What gsm means and how to choose without getting it wrong. Read →
- How to combine patterned papers without them fighting A simple rule about pattern scale, plus a fast way to pull a colour palette straight from your own photo. Read →
- Layered composition: why some pages work and others do not The three-level structure behind almost every project that works, and where to place the focal point. Read →
Stamping and inks
Clear and rubber stamps, ink types, heat embossing and how to get a clean, crisp stamped image.
- How to use clear stamps step by step Clear, rubber and cling stamps: how they differ, how to mount them on a block and how to place the image exactly where you want it. Read →
- Ink guide: which one to use and when Dye, pigment, archival, distress, hybrid and embossing inks explained by what they do, not by their brand names. Read →
- Seven fixes for perfect stamping What to do when the image comes out patchy, doubled or crooked, and how to repeat the same impression without drifting. Read →
- Heat embossing step by step The raised, glossy finish: what you need, the right order, and how to avoid stray specks of powder around the image. Read →
- How to clean and store your stamps A quick cleaning routine, which products to avoid, and how to store stamps so they still cling to the block years later. Read →
Dies and machines
The cutting sandwich, what to do when a die will not cut, embossing folders and stencils.
- How to use dies: the cutting sandwich explained What a die is, how to build the sandwich in your machine and how to get clean cuts first time. Read →
- Die not cutting: a troubleshooting checklist The seven most common reasons a die leaves paper half-cut, and how to fix them without damaging the machine. Read →
- Embossing folders: texture in seconds How to get clean embossed texture, which paper works best and how to combine folders with ink. Read →
- Stencils: backgrounds, layers and effects without drawing How to secure a stencil, which media to use (ink, paste, spray) and how to stop colour bleeding underneath. Read →
Colour and colouring
Alcohol markers, water-based pens and pencils: how to choose, blend and combine colours with intent.
- Alcohol markers: how to start without ruining everything The right paper, colouring order, blending tones and the mistakes that wreck a first drawing. Read →
- How to combine colours in scrapbooking without fighting them A simple 60-30-10 rule, how to use a collection and when to break the harmony on purpose. Read →
- Watercolour media and sprays: controlling the water Watercolour paper, how much water to use and how to stop bases from warping. Read →
Step-by-step projects
Complete projects to practise on: your first card, a 12x12 layout, a shaker card or a mini album.
- Your first scrapbooking card A complete project in one sitting: an A6 base, three layers and a sentiment. Ideal practice without overwhelm. Read →
- 12×12 layout: an album page step by step How to organise photo, title and journaling on a 12×12 inch page without it looking empty or overcrowded. Read →
- Shaker card: a window that moves How to build an acetate window, the foam spacer and the confetti fill without leaks or crushing. Read →
- A simple weekend mini album Basic signature structure, cover and how to plan pages so you do not stall halfway. Read →
Adhesives, care and storage
Which glue to use for each job, why acid-free matters and how to keep your supplies organised.
- Which adhesive to use for each job Double-sided tape, foam, liquid glue, dots and washi: when each one helps and what to avoid on photos. Read →
- Acid-free: why it matters in scrapbooking What acid-free / archival means, which supplies to prioritise and how to protect photos long term. Read →
- How to organise scrap supplies and actually find them A simple system by type and colour so you stop buying duplicates and start creating sooner. Read →
