Melz Dezignz Gift Ideas and Scrapbooking Supplies

Lots of quick tips for you to enjoy and use . For instructions on many scrapbooking projects click here

Make photo corners by stitching ribbon to a page.
Fabric is a great alternative when you can't find patterned paper to suit a layout. Just remember to iron the fabric first!
Tone bright colour's down by placing them on a neutral background.
Use buttons to create a border around a photo.
Highlight the main photo with a fabric frame filled with wadding.
Tie buttons to a page with cotton tie in a knot.
Use lace to make photo corners for a softer touch.
Create weathered frames with patterned paper - score and highlight the frame with ink, finish with watered down gold acrylic paint.
Create mini books on your layouts to hold journalling
Paint edges of photos as an alternative to matting them.
Use a puzzle punch to turn a photo into a jigsaw or just punch a piece from each one for continuity.
White cardstock makes summer photos stand out and brings a clean and bright look to layouts.
Use different shapes for matting photos and rounded corners for a funky feel.
Achieve even hand-stitching by first running the card through an unthreaded sewing machine.
Add a masculine touch to layouts by using jute to attach accents to your page.
Rub a gold embellishment with metallic rub-ons to get a darker antique shade.
All small alphabet letters over larger ones to give your title dimension.
Stand above your subject when taking a photo, for an interesting effect.
After typing your journalling cut it into strips for a different look.
Paint the back of acetate letters then scratch a border for definition.
Add a little texture paste to paint to give it a raised look.
attach accents to your project using double-sided foam tape to create depth.
stamp different images in random colours for a great background effect.
Use plates, bowls and glasses for easy circle templates.
Cutting the design out of patterned paper and adding it over other parts of an accent helps bring the elements together.
Cut and fold a brown paper bag to make a memorabilia pocket.
Paint, sand and rub edges of letters with ink for added emphasis.
Before stitching paper to cardstock, apply a small amount of adhesive to the centre of the paper.
Stamp full alphabets onto cardstock for a unique background design.
Mix small and large fonts for impact.
Cut striped patterned paper into strips and use them as individual elements such as borders and faux ribbon on page.
Use large letters to attract attention, then fill in the details with smaller stamps or stickers.
Include more photos on a page by cropping them tightly and arranging in a block pattern.
Apply a little talcum powder to the adhesive side of a sticker to remove the tackiness then use foam squares for a raised effect.
If an embellishment is too bright, give it a light sand to tone it down.
Use a cotton bud to ink inside the edges of letters.
Apply two or more coats of different coloured paint to chipboard. When you sand it back, all the colour's will show through.
Sequins, beads and glitter are perfect for embedding into a dimensional medium while still wet.
When printing photos at home, leave space underneath for journalling straight onto photo paper.
Sew a 12" sheet of coloured vellum to cardstock to make mini pockets and break up lengthy journalling.
Use double-sided paper to create a pocket - fold the bottom two edges into the middle and secure with eyelets.
Brush paint or gesso onto a photo then apply alphabet stickers on top.
Achieve a distressed look when sewing on accents by missing stitches and leaving loose thread at the ends.
Instead of putting your child's artwork in a drawer, make it a feature on a page.
Use a rubber mallet to flatten bottle caps, then paint and attach stickers to them.
Balance strong colour's by incorporating solid black in your layout.
Use a square punch to create windows on cardstock then attach transparency and photos to the back.
Use keywords as a border design and to tie the focal point of your journalling.
Use clothing labels from your child's no longer worn clothes as embellishments.
Use paint chips as an alternative to cardstock.

Quick Tips