Everyone seems to be using it now. It’s everywhere on scrapbook pages, craft projects, and even home decor! So what is this rage about? What’s so great about chipboard? If you use chipboard all the time, you know how fantastic it can be. But some of us are just beginning to see its amazing uses. I love chipboard because it’s cheap, easy to use, versatile, and a quick way to add texture and pizzazz to your scrapbooking endeavor!
Before going into details, I wanted to explain a bit what chipboard is for those who have never used it. Chipboard is basically thick pressed fiber paper, usually made from recycled paper. His “naked” form is the cardboard brown color we’ve all seen. If you haven’t used chipboard before, you probably still have it in your house. It has been used for years as a backing for notepads or spiral notebooks and other stacks of paper.
If you don’t have chipboard at home, many scrapbooking stores have sheets they give away for free (packages of paper usually have chipboard to prevent the paper from being damaged during shipping and are often thrown away). Other stores have caught on to the trend and charge 10 to 25 cents for a sheet of chipboard. Either way, it’s super cheap!
So now that you have your chipboard, what do you do with it? Here are some great ways to use it to make your pages “pop”!
1. Make letter or number decorations using chipboard. Use a template or die cutting machine. I also like to print my word or phrase using the size and font I want from my computer. I then place the printed paper on top of the chipboard and press hard along the outside of each letter with a pencil or pen, making an impression on the chipboard. So you just cut it. You can also buy some pre-cut letters that you simply paint or stamp, tie with a ribbon, and voila, instant embellishment! And for the spoiled scrapbooker, you can get chipboard letters/numbers that are already decorated for you.
2. Create a one-of-a-kind chipboard ornament. Make a flower out of chipboard and cover it with craft paint and a metal brooch in the center for the perfect floral accent. My favorite is making chipboard labels to add to my papers or projects. I like to cover mine with scrapbook paper and roughen up the edges. Once you punch a hole in the top and add string or ribbon, this cute little addition to your page will definitely stand out! You can also make tags like this for gifts. I have also attached chipboard labels to baskets or boxes. They make the most amazing labels for storage.
3. Picture frames or mats really stand out when they’re made of chipboard. I like the difference in dimension that chipboard gives to a page layout. Chipboard will also help your photos stand out more. Add eyelets or snaps and even appliqués to make this a unique addition to your page.
4. If you make your journal block out of chipboard, it will surely make those words more noticeable on your page. Add some lines to write on or better yet, start from the outside and write in a square or circle turning the block as you go. This will make the journal block more interesting.
5. To add a little more zest to any chipboard shape or letter:
-To alter painted or stamped forms: sand lightly, paint with crackle medium or cover with mod podge.
-Tie or staple tape or fiberboard to your chipboard.
-Glue a rickrack or ribbon around the edge of your shape.
-Mix and match chipboard letters of different styles for a trendy headline.
-Make chipboard mosaics by etching designs onto chipboard squares. Visit this website to get a cute idea!
Chipboard can be an amazing product for the beginner and the experienced scrapbooker. I hope you’ll take the time to use this new trend in your scrapbook.