Is scrapbooking a craft or an art? Everyone seems to have an opinion about this, and it all depends on how you look at it. But many scrapbookers did start out as painters, or turned to painting down the road. We, scrapbookers, are a versatile lot and we like to dabble in all sorts of things, including jewelry making, working with clay, sewing and crocheting, and of course – painting. When it comes to scrapbooking, the sky really is the limit. So don’t be afraid to grab your paints next time you’re scrapping because that might be just that perfect little touch your layout needs. All the artists featured here used paint to enhance their layouts, which certainly would not have been the same without it.

On this page, all the artists turned to paint to help them scrap themselves. Something about the paint helped them express their emotions more readily than pre-made scrapbook supplies ever could. Maybe it was the freedom that randomly painting and splattering allows. Tina’s beautiful and funky layout is about that freedom – her 2011 resolution is to live life, and this layout says it all even without words. All those splatters were random and came about by chance, and she was able to capitalize on it. Fauve’s bright and happy layout also utilizes paint splatters to convey that sense of lighthearted joy that her new living room gave her. And Natalie used paint to highlight a photo of herself. The paint was applied with cardboard and its imprecise application captures the essence of human nature – flawed, but perfect in its uniqueness.

2011 Resolution by Tina Walker

Supplies: Grungeboard: Tim Holtz, Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories Rub-Ons: Glitz Design, Pins: Paper Valise, Stamps: 7Gypsies, Paint: Tattered Angels, Other: paper, gesso, sewing machine, sandpaper, Etsy and Ebay finds (flowers, ribbon, lace, buttons), vintage ephemera (doilies, bingo card, old catalog cover, price tags, coat check). Tools: Stapler: Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.

Design Notes: The painting on this layout was actually 'an accident'. I ‘splattered' the paint and let it drip down the page. My intention was to use the effect with the drips going down, but actually liked it better going sideways. The white paint was a mistake. I had intended to have 'small' splatters, but the paint splattered in several large clumps. Instead of starting over, I just went with it.

Journaling: Just Live Life

Make Over by Fauve van Maanen

Supplies: Paper, Die Cuts, Journaling Spots, Stickers, Buttons: Sassafras Lass, Alphabet: Heidi Swapp, Paint: Aleene's, Pens: American Crafts, Other: Foam Hearts. Tools: Other: stapler.

Design Notes: I created paint splatters by dipping the end of a paint brush into a paint bottle and giving the brush a sweep above my paper. You might want to wear an apron while doing this.

Journaling: Love my new living room!!

Just Me by Natalie Macdonald

Supplies: Paper: October Afternoon, Pink Paislee, Crate Paper, Alphabet: American Crafts, Flowers, Bling: Prima Marketing, Ribbon: Maya Road, May Arts, Charms, Pins: Maya Road, Sketch: Pamela Young, Other: acrylic paint, pen, twine. Tools: Other: cardboard, baby wipes.

Design Notes: I used cardboard to spread the paint and a baby wipe to soften the paint against the paper.