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Remarkable Rub-Ons
Do you need something that will spice up your pages and not need an instruction manual? I often feel like some products aren’t worth the time that it takes to actually use them on my pages. When I’m at work at my local scrapbook store, I hear a lot of people tell me the same thing, and often times, they feel like rub-ons fall into this category, but I disagree.
In this article, I’ll give you the low down on rub-ons. I’m going to tell you what they are, when to use them, where they are most effective and how to incorporate them into your next page. In addition, I’ll let you in on the good and the bad sides of these scrapbooking gems.
 What are they?
Rub-ons come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re sticky on the back side (like a sticker), but they’re applied with a stylus or a popsicle stick. The most popular form of rub-ons are alphabets. The first company to make rub-ons popular was Making Memories, but almost every major player in the scrapbooking business is now coming out with their own rub-on alphabet. The benefit to rub-ons over stickers is the fact that stickers often have an outside “ring,” where rub-ons have a very clean look. Often times, you can’t even tell the difference between a rub-on and a handwritten title.
When do I use them?
Rub-ons can be used anytime! They are often used as a title instead of alphabet stickers, but they can be used as an embellishment as well. They make great monograms and since you can transfer them onto almost anything, they allow you to truly customize your embellishments.
Where do they look the best?
To me, rub-ons are always appropriate. The more you think outside the box with a product, the better it looks and that rule definitely applies to rub-ons. You can use them on pictures, on cardstock, on patterned paper or on embellishments. You can just rub away, to your heart’s content!
How do I use them on my next page?
- Try using them as part of your title in conjunction with your stickers for a new look.
- Try rubbing descriptive words directly onto your pictures to help explain to your reader what was going on or what you were feeling during that time.
- Try journaling over your rub-ons for a neat twist.
- Create the title of your next layout with rub-ons by rubbing them half on a patterned paper and half on cardstock. You really can rub them almost anywhere on your page.
What are some of the negative aspects of rub-ons?
The most obvious badaspect of rub-ons is their permanency. Once they’re down, they’re really hard to get up. Sometimes, Un-du will help, but most of the time, you’ll have to cover up your mistake. Another bad thing about rub-ons is that they don’t peel away from the rest of the pack like a sticker does. Usually, you’ll set the whole sheet of rubs on your layout and rub the letter or word that you want off. If you’re not careful, you can accidentally rub a piece of another letter or word off as well, thus ruining your work to that point. To avoid this, you can cut out the letters or words from the sheet, before application, cutting both the plastic overlay and the backing at the same time.
 Don’t let these few negative things discourage you from using these great products. Like all products, some are better than others. I recommend the rub-ons by Scrapworks, Arctic Frog, Making Memories, GinX, and Melissa Frances. Each of these companies produce a high-quality rub-on that transfers easily and yet doesn’t make very many “mistakes.” Don’t take my word for it though; you be the judge. Next time you’re at the scrapbook or craft store, pick up a set and try them out for yourself.
At this point in my scrapbooking, I prefer rub-ons to stickers and I know, if you give them a try, you’ll feel the same way. After a little practice with that popsicle stick, you’ll be using rub-ons like a pro!
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