How to Create Your Own Scrapbook Embellishments
- Rea Weeks
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Below is a beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide to making your own scrapbook embellishments—plus ideas you can mix and match anytime you sit down to craft.
Why make your own embellishments?
Creating your own embellishments helps you:
Customize every detail to fit your photos and story
Stretch your stash by using scraps, leftovers, and printable elements
Keep a cohesive look across an entire layout or album
Craft faster next time by building a small “ready-to-use” embellishment stash
Basic supplies (use what you already have)
You can make beautiful embellishments with simple tools. Here’s a helpful starting list:
Papers & surfaces
Patterned paper scraps
Cardstock (white + a few core colors)
Vellum (optional)
Kraft paper (optional)
Adhesives
Tape runner or glue stick
Liquid glue (for small pieces)
Foam tape or foam dots (for dimension)
Cutting & shaping tools
Scissors + craft knife (optional)
Paper trimmer (optional)
Corner rounder (optional)
Decorative extras (pick a few)
Markers or pens
Ink pad (for edging)
Stickers, washi tape, ribbon, twine
Buttons, sequins, enamel dots (optional)
Optional but very helpful
A few digital or printable cut files / ephemera sheets
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Step-by-step: a simple embellishment-making workflow
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by “too many options,” this process keeps things flowing and prevents decision fatigue.
1) Pick a theme + color palette first
Choose 2–3 main colors plus 1 neutral. Match it to:
your photos (clothing, background, season)
your story (birthday, travel, everyday life)
the mood (soft and cozy vs. bright and bold)
Tip: Pull 3 patterned papers you love and let them “vote” for your palette.
2) Create a base shape (this makes everything look intentional)
Most embellishments look more polished when they’re built on a base. Try:
circles
tags
banners
labels
small rectangles with rounded corners
Cut a handful of bases in different sizes. Even if they’re simple, they’ll unify your page.
3) Add one focal element
Now choose what will be the “star” on each piece:
a flower
a star/heart
a butterfly
a tiny frame
a sentiment word
a die-cut icon (camera, suitcase, book, etc.)
This is a great moment to use printable ephemera or cut files—especially when you want multiple coordinated pieces without hunting for matching products.
4) Layer for depth (easy formula)
Layering doesn’t have to be complicated. Use this quick formula:
Base (tag/label/banner)
Mid-layer (patterned paper strip, doily, vellum, or washi)
Top element (icon/flower/sentiment)
Finish by tucking a tiny piece of something behind it—like a mini banner, a torn paper edge, or a small label.
5) Add texture + “finish work”
Small finishing touches make handmade embellishments look cohesive:
Ink the edges for definition
Stitching (real or faux) around the edge
A tiny bow with twine or ribbon
A sprinkle of dots using a marker (one of my favorites)
Foam dots under the top element for dimension
6) Make them sturdy (so they last in your album)
If your embellishment feels flimsy, back it with cardstock:
Trace the finished piece
Cut a matching cardstock shape
Glue it behind the embellishment
This helps anything layered (especially vellum or thin printables) hold up beautifully.
10 easy DIY scrapbook embellishment ideas
Mix these ideas into your layouts or create a little batch while you watch a show.
Layered tags (tag + label + sentiment)
Mini photo frames (great for tiny photos or journaling spots)
Fussy-cut flowers from patterned paper
Word strips (print or handwrite short phrases)
Pocket cards trimmed into labels
Ticket stubs (real or DIY from cardstock)
Washi tape flags (fast and cute)
Paper rosettes (perfect for celebrations)
Shaker bits (sequins in a tiny acetate pocket)
Button clusters (buttons + thread + small banner)
How to store your handmade embellishments (so you actually use them)
A simple storage system makes a big difference:
Sort by color (warm, cool, neutral)
Or by theme (florals, travel, kids, everyday)
Store in small envelopes, a photo box, or clear pockets
Quick win: Make 10–15 pieces in one sitting and keep them within reach of your scrapbook area.
🌟 Final Thoughts
The easiest way to get consistent, beautiful results is to repeat a simple recipe, like:
Tag base + patterned strip + circle + word strip + enamel dot
Once you find a combo you love, make it in three colorways. You’ll be surprised how quickly your layouts come together when your embellishments are already waiting for you.
Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures
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