How to Design the Front of a Scrapbook
- 1). Cut the paper for the album cover. It works best to cut it about 1/8 inch larger on three sides, excluding the binding, than your album.
- 2). Paint the entire cover instead if you wish. Mix paint colors or use one solid color. To ensure the best coverage, apply two coats of paint, allowing time for drying in between applications.
- 3). Add any embellishments, especially three-dimensional items such as brads, paper flowers or ribbons, before you actually adhere the paper on the cover. You can also layer any additional paper on the cover for added depth at this time.
- 4). Apply a thin coat of decoupage medium all over the front of the scrapbook.
- 5). Working quickly, adhere the cover to the scrapbook. Work from the middle to smooth any bubbles out.
- 6). Allow the cover to dry thoroughly.
- 7). Trim the paper from the edges carefully off the scrapbook. Don't worry if it isn't exactly even.
- 8). Sand, ink or paint the edges of the cover all the way around. This helps "hide" the imperfections from trimming the paper and adds further depth to the cover. Dust off paper specks or allow them to dry thoroughly.
- 9). Paint a thin coat of decoupage medium over the entire cover with a foam brush. Paint around, not over, any bulky embellishments. Air-dry this for about 20 minutes. Reapply decoupage.
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