Clearly Cool

Transparencies Layout Gallery

Transparencies are one of the newer mediums to hit the scrapbooking world. They function like vellum, but are transparent instead of opaque, allowing for endless possibilities. You can find pre-printed transparencies or blank ones to use in your layouts.

The most frequently asked questions regarding transparencies are:

1. Are they acid free?

Transparencies are made from plastics and certain plastics can be harmful to photos. Make sure they are labeled as safe for scrapbooks or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) free. Transparencies made out of mylar, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester ARE SAFE for your scrapbooks.¹ Certain scrapbooking companies market pre-printed and blank transparencies that are safe for your layouts. You can also purchase blank transparencies for your ink-jet printers at your local office supply store. If in doubt, email the manufacture for product details or use only with duplicate photos.

2. How do you print on a transparency?

First purchase the appropriate transparency for your printer. Set your printer settings to transparency setting (if applicable). There is usually a rough side to the transparency. Print your text or picture on the rough side. If the ink takes awhile to dry, try embossing it with clear embossing powder. Usually if the ink dries slowly the wrong type of transparency was used for your printer.

3. How do you use transparencies on a layout?

- Journal on them just like you would vellum.

- Print pictures for a soft or dramatic effect.

- Use pre-printed transparencies to enhance your layout.

- Cut portions of preprinted transparencies out and layer onto your layout.

- Paint behind the transparency with acrylic paint to make the words stand out and to add texture and color.

- Print out a title and heat emboss it.

- Layer photos, paper, and embellishments to create unique backgrounds and pages.

4. How do you attach them to a page?

- Use brads, eyelets, or nailheads.

- Use an acid-free spray glue, making sure that you don't use the glue over your photos, just on the areas around the photos.

- Use your regular adhesive and layer an embellishment on top to hide it.

- Use tacky tape (small pieces in obscure areas of your layout).

- Use vellum tape.

- Sew it onto your layout.

- Staple it.

1. http://genealogy.about.com/library/authors/ucmishkin1h.htm

1. http://www.clearfile.com/online/AP-SafeStorage-Q3.htm

Transparencies Layout Gallery

Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!
Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices!
Click here to start shopping!