Why spend your hard earned money on scrapbooking embellishments to dress up a layout? Sure, there are lots of beautiful and enticing supplies out there that would make it really easy to embellish a page. But, why not spend a little time and make them yourself?

You will be surprised at how easy it is to make your own scrapbooking embelishments. Plus, think of the satisfaction you will get out of making it yourself from scratch. You won't end up with a 'run of the mill' scrapbook layout. Instead, you will end up with a truly unique and one-of-a-kind scrapbook page that will speak volumes. Handmade scrapbook embellishments, as a handmade album, will mean so much more to your family and generations to come.

Another benefit of making your own handmade scrapbooking embellishments is that once your friends start seeing what you are doing, they may commission you to create some for them too. Before you know it, you could end up with a little cottage industry. Perhaps a little online shop which will help you to earn a little extra money with which to add some new scrapbooking tools to your scrapbook studio!

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Use a Die Cutting Machine

If you don't already own a personal die cutting machine, then you may consider investing in one. Whether you buy a fully functioning electronic die cutting machine or a hand operated one, you will be glad to have something to help you out with cutting shapes. Especially if you end up mass producing some on a larger scale for resale.

Die cutting machines are invaluable for making your own scrapbooking embellishments. Once you have a shape cut out, you can begin to add to it to customize it. Try layering other colors of paper and smaller sizes of the same shape. Sew on a button to the center of the shape or perhaps glue a bead to the center.

Old Jewelry

Take apart the beads from old costume jewelry and reuse the pieces. You may need a small pair of pliers to help pry the wires open and closed. You may also like to attach a small ring so that you can use the jewelry like a charm. Beads and charms from old jewelry can be used as scrapbooking embellishments on cards or scrapbooking layouts.

Used Books

Take pages from an old book and use it as patterned paper to create vintage flowers. Cut out a flower shape and layer on varying sizes of the same shape on top. Crinkle the paper in your hand and distress it with ink before attaching together. Attach with an eyelet and you have a flower.

Crochet

Crocheted flowers are really popular as scrapbooking embellishments. If you don't know how to crochet yourself, then your mother or grandmother may be able to help you out. There are also various places on the web which will give clear instruction on how to do this. Once you get started, you'll find out how addictive it is!

When making your own scrapbooking embellishments, it is a good idea to make a lot in advance. Then you will have some in your stash and ready to use when your next inspired idea for a scrapbook page comes along!