Terrific Title Techniques

If you ask scrapbookers for a reason why they scrapbook, the majority of them will probably answer that they just want to document the stories and memories behind pictures. The title of a layout often plays a big part in preparing the viewer for what to expect; like a preview. It sets the tone for the project and is one of the things a scrapbooker cannot leave out. It can also be a way to show that your creativity is unlimited. You can do so many fun techniques with your title like, for example, layer it, attach it to your page vertically or replace letters by element stickers. The possibilities are endless and I would like to show you a handful of them in this article.

Let’s begin with three beautiful pages from Sonia, Alicia and Birgit. These three artists will show you that you don’t have to hesitate using a long title on your layout. There’s always enough space for a long title, as long as you are a little creative. What is fun about these three projects is that the titles are all made by using a variety of letter fonts. Sonia used a few small alphabet stickers in different colors on her layout and printed a part of her title on the picture too. Alicia made her layout look even more girly and dramatic by using lots of colorful alphas, both large and small. And Birgit beautifully incorporated the long title in her design by positioning it along the edges of the circle.

What a Wonderful World by Sonia Thomason

Supplies: Paper: BasicGrey, Prima Marketing, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Chipboard: Scrapmatts (Papertole Australia), Alphabet Stickers: October Afternoon, Pink Paislee, Prima Marketing, Rub-Ons: Bella Paper Crafts, Flowers, Lace: Prima Marketing, Transparency: Maya Road, Bling: Kaisercraft, Ink: Versacolor (Tsukineko), Software: Photoshop Elements, Fonts: Monotype Corsiva, Specialty Ink: Tattered Angels.

Design Notes: When you are using a long title, then breaking it up by using different styles or colours of alphas can stop it from dominating your page too much. I’ve also used an editing program to add part of the title to the photo.

With 3 Girls There’s So Much Drama by Alicia S. Giess

Supplies: Paper, Alphabet Stickers, Stickers, Buttons: Bella Blvd., Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet: Scenic Route Paper, Paint: Making Memories. Tools: Electronic Cutter, Cartridges: Cricut Expression (Provo Craft).

Design Notes: I used some old Scenic Route chipboard alphabet to trace on the different Bella Blvd patterned papers to create "drama" in my title. I then covered the chipboard with the patterned paper to give dimension to the title. The white cardstock scalloped border was randomly cut with scissors and then outlined with a black pen.

Journaling: With 3 girls, there's so much drama every day.

Van 2 Naar (Bijna) 22 in 47 Jaar by Birgit Koopsen

Supplies: Paper: ColorConspiracy, Jillibean Soup, Cardstock: Core’dinations, Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts, October Afternoon, Flowers: Prima Marketing, Journaling Spots: Jillibean Soup, Bling: Prima Marketing, Ink: Staz-On (Tsukineko), Pens: Edding, Other: brads.

Design Notes: Birgit beautifully incorporated the long title in her design by placing a part of it along the edges of the circle and another part of it above the picture. She also outlined the letters with a black marker to make them stand out a little more. The title means ‘From 2 to (almost) 22 in 40 years’ and it refers to her family having grown so much in the last 40 years.

Journaling: The journaling reads the names of Birgit’s family members that are in this picture.