How To Add Text To Your Pages

Text is also an important part of your scrapbook page. It can be a simple title, or a long story containing the details of an important event in your life. It can be humorous or serious, light-hearted, or solemn. You can try your hand at writing verse, rhyming couplets or even haiku if you are so inclined. Whatever kind of text you favor, there are several different ways to insert it.

Many scrap-bookers prefer to write on a separate sheet of paper and then if they make a mistake, their page is not ruined. This is a good idea, but you can start off by pencilling the text in lightly and then if there is a mistake, it can be erased. Going over it with ballpoint pen, colored inks or felt-tips when you know it is right will make it stand out. There are also pens that write in silver and gold for special effects.

Stickers are another option, but cost more. These are great for titles, or perhaps for the first letter of the first word in each paragraph. Alphabet stickers can be purchased in sheets or rolls and larger ones may be bought separately. They are available in chipboard or metal and with a vast range of finishes.

Calligraphy adds a nice touch to the look of your scrapbook page and you can get lovely effects with special calligraphy pens. The nibs on these pens are shaped so that the shape of the text will vary depending on the direction of the letter. A few hours practice may be all it takes for you to write very creditable calligraphy text.

Then you might go for the faster option and type out all your text on the computer. Of course you can chose different sizes and fonts with the click of a mouse. You can also choose what color you want, so long as you have a color printer. Once you've printed out your text, you'll be able to cut it into shape with patterned scissors for a great effect. It would create an unusual border to have strips of text surrounding your page.

Whatever you decide to use, always look for those all-important words; acid-free, archival or photo-safe. Chemical reactions with the surface of your precious photos are something to be avoided at all costs. Fade-resistant is another important quality. Inks should be acid free too, so if your ink isn't labelled acid free, don't assume that it is.