Have you ever wondered where fellow scrappers get hard to find materials to supplement great ideas for new and unique embellishments?  You can either never find these things in your local scrapbooking or craft stores, or, you find them in small quantities and limited choices at an expense.  Or, if you can't find the embellishments you're looking for, make your own and do it cost effectively with these quick tips!

While it is not recommended that you use materials that are not acid/lignin free or archival safe in your scrapbooks, for those rebels out there, here are a few materials that you can obtain from your local hardware store to achieve a great look to any scrapbook page.  Whether or not they are archival safe is research you will have to take on yourself....

Foil Tape in the duct work isle - Yep!  You'll find a huge roll of shiny, silver foil tape typically used to seal your home's duct work.  There are rolls out there with the brand name printed on the foil.  Obviously that's not the ideal embellishment for any page.  Instead, look for one very popular name brand which sells their large roll in just plain, beautiful, solid, shiny silver foil.  It's great for covering any medium such as buttons, glass edging or blocks of wood.  Embellish it with letter, number or any other type of stickers, paint or whatever you can think of.  You can also cover pieces of cardboard with it and use your embossing tool to engrave whatever you like. 

Multi-color Marking Tape - This tape comes in a mutli, vibrant color pack of about 5 rolls.  It is typically used to mark the various utility lines in your home, such as gas, water and wiring.  But what if you used some of these vibrant colors on a fun scrapbook page?!  It's quick and far less messy than paint.

Small Hinges - If you can't find the right style, finish or metal in your scrapbook store, look in the hardware store for hinges in a multitude of finishes and styles to match your favorite page.

Tile Backer Tape - This is a roll of self adhesive, white mesh typically used in combination with the grout for tiling your home.  I used this tape (with wire) to create a goal for a soccer page featuring my son as goalie.  The page turned out great and I may try it again for a basketball hoop. 

Again, whether to use these materials in your scrapbook pages is your decision.  I personally have friends who snub the acid/lignin-free rule to enhance scrapbook pages.  In fact, scrappers want to enhance their pages with embellishments they obtain from a special event rather than recreating a piece with archival safe products that they have to go out and buy.  So, why not go a step further and save a few bucks by utilizing your local hardware store?  The secrets out and there are many more to be shared.  Look for future articles and tips at http://www.InnovativeKeepsakes.com.

Author and Copyright 2006,
InnovativeKeepsakes.com Jewelry & Gifts.

Have any great tips or resources to share with other scrapbookers?  Write us at info@innovativekeepsakes.com so that we may include it in this or a future article.  Refer to the title of this article and don't forget to provide your name, city and state so that we may give you credit.

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