Using Dies In A Scrapbook Journal

Hello, again—Jil here with another layout in my scrapbook journal. I wanted to explore using dies in my notebook, and I’ll take you through my process.

My starting point was the 49 and Market and Sizzix Build a Burst Artsy Lace Mix stamp and die set. I’ve been using it with the stamps, but I wanted to experiment with a pattern-paper design. I also included a little stamping.

To start, I selected the smallest of the burst dies. Knowing that I would be working in a notebook format, I was prepared to design on a smaller scale and to use just part of the burst instead of a full circle. I chose patterned paper from Graphic 45 (Abundant Life March and April) and American Crafts (Discover + Create 6×8 paper pad), along with some darker colored paper scraps from my stash to add contrast to my colors, which are blue, green, and coral with a little yellow. I like how the semicircular design allows me to bring in this color and a fun combination of patterns. 

I wanted a bit of the paper carried across the spread, so I matted one of my photos on the darker blue paper. I also used a small circle punch to number my photos since my journaling would be under a flip-up and would document a bit about the story behind each photo. I die cut some of the paper with an older die set from Tim Holtz (Specimen) to create a label for one of my photos and the word “archive,” since this notebook is my archive for everyday memories. I placed the negative word die cut over a yellow circle cut from my Discover + Create paper pad. (I’ve been using up my older Vicki Boutin papers as I get ready to add to my stash her beautiful new collections coming this spring!) I ended up using another circle cut from the same paper under my art museum photo as a tab for my flip-up. The final way I used patterned paper was the tiny card from Echo Park’s The House at Pooh Corner cut from Multi Journaling Cards paper. 

For my finishing touches, I stamped the date in Catherine Pooler’s Mandarin Spice ink. I used the same ink pad with small splotches from an older 49 and Market stamp set. I love how this stamping allowed me to create a visual triangle, which I continued to build upon with blue sequins (Oslo from Catherine Pooler). In the top cluster, by the word “archive,” I included a puffy sticker, and a typewriter (from Cedar House Puffy Icon Sticker set). 

Dies are such a versatile tool, and even more so when they come with stamps. I want to remember to use them not only on my 12×12 scrapbook pages but in my scrapbook journal, too. I hope I’ve given you some ideas for dies you can pull out and use in your own documentation, whatever the format. 

Products used:

New!