A Need for Speed: Car Racing Embellishments

by Jennifer Wolfe-Pearce (Mar 7, 2012)

If you're a racing fan or have one in your life, you know that race-themed products are not always easy to find. So making your own embellishments by modifying existing products, using memorabilia or starting from scratch, is a great way to get the look you want. By applying your own creative touches you can turn basic supplies into a custom look.

Here are some easy options for creating your own scrapbook embellishments:

Modify off-the-shelf products.

Most scrapbookers can point to a collection of half-used sheets of stickers and die cuts. Add new life to these basic scrapbooking supplies by altering them. Try using a sanding block, jazzing them up with Stickles or spraying them with Glimmer Mist to give them a fresh new look.
Get out your embossing system and embossing folders. Think outside the box. You can use an argyle embossing folder on a square piece of paper to create a checkered flag.
Look at the negatives from the stickers. Often they're shaped like the stickers themselves and can be used as a mask for Glimmer Mist or scrapbook paints.
Make a tire tread texture. Emboss white-core cardstock with a herringbone embossing folder, and then use a sanding block to make a "tire tread" photo mat:

Use extra memorabilia from the event. Have more ticket stubs than you want to put on your layout? Consider using extra items as photo mats or use punches and foam squares to make them into 3-D embellishments for your pages. When we leave an event, I always try to pick up a few leftover programs that others have discarded. That way I can scrapbook mine and have a second to cut up into embellishments.

Take advantages of the flexibility of your Cricut or other die-cutting machine. There are several cartridges with speed- and racing-themed cuts, such as the classic fireball embellishment. Use your Cricut to create a racing car with the exact colors and number you need.

Below are some highlights from the Scrapbook.com and Scrapjazz.com galleries. Be sure to check the gallery for lots of racing layout inspiration!

Granny Gone Wild by Darlawelch

This layout has lots of elements that relate to speed. The flaming letters and fireball get your attention, while the ribbons look like they're being wind-blown. Use a punch tool to make holes to attach your ribbon.

Disney Multi Photo A Race to the Finish by Adornit

Starting with "Rev em Up" racing-themed base papers, this layout includes colorful coordinating stickers carefully placed to accentuate the bright colors common in racing-themed photos.