ATTACHING STUFF TO YOUR PAGE - PART 1

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Sometimes I shy away from using a new product or an unfamiliar embellishment simply because I am unsure how to attach it to my page. Here is the “how to” on attaching some common items:

Attaching Clear Acrylic Accents

Place the clear accent face down and apply a light, even coat of spray adhesive, a single layer of double stitch tape (for smaller accents), or a clear drying liquid adhesive. (HINT: the key is to completely cover the back of the accent so the edges of the adhesive won’t show through.) Press the accent gently onto the background. Use a toothpick or stylus to remove any excess liquid adhesive that may ooze out. (If accents feature pre-drilled holes, try attaching them with brads, long eyelets, chains or ribbons.)

Attaching a Button

For a cute, homespun touch, add colorful buttons along photo mats, borders, on the “centers” of hand cut letters, or to function as envelope and pocket closures. Buttons come in traditional round shapes or geometrical styles.

Tack the button in place with an adhesive dot. Poke holes in the cardstock by inserting a paper piercer through the button holes.

Pull string, thread or fiber through the holes and knot. To save time, thread and knot the string through the button first, then simply attach the button to the cardstock with adhesive dots or glue.

Attaching Metal Accents

Metal embellishments are eye-catching for their dimension, weight and slick surfaces. They can be troublesome to adhere because of these same features. Never fear! With this technique, you will soon be affixing plaques, tiles, dog tags and more to your layouts with security and ease.

Place the accent face down on a flat surface. Dab the back with metal glue or apply several adhesive dots. For larger items, use metal glue or double stick tape. Use dimensional foam tape for added height. Flip and gently press onto background. If using metal glue, hold firmly for a few seconds to set.

Attaching Ribbon

Whether you want to tie, hang, weave or attach, there’s most likely a length of ribbon, fiber, thread, floss, twill tape, raffia or jute to suit your layout’s color and style. Thinner strands can be used in hand stitching, and thicker varieties can be printed on and stamped. Each can be custom colored with chalk, ink, dye or paint. Following are two basic methods to attach them:

Variation 1 --- For a flat finish, attach long strands by stringing them across the layout and taping the ends down in back. Ends can also be threaded through eyelets or slits cut with a craft knife or wound around brads or other fasteners.

Variation 2 --- For added dimension, wrap ribbon around the back of the project (or bring it up through two holes set with eyelets) and knot in front. (HINT: To keep the ribbon or fiber from shifting, tack it down with adhesive dots or dabs of liquid adhesive.)

Some ribbons and fibers now come with an adhesive already on them – how much easier could that be!?

For more examples of the use of these embellishments, visit The Crop Shop to see how easy they are to use.

Check out next month’s article - Part 2 Attaching Eyelets, Brads and Hinges

Source: Encyclopedia of Scrapbooking, Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Magazine

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