Scrapbooking Glossary
Welcome to the Hip Kit Club Scrapbooking Glossary — your go-to reference for over 124 scrapbooking and paper crafting terms. Whether you're brand new to scrapbooking or a seasoned crafter looking up a technique, this A-to-Z guide explains every term in plain language with links to tutorials and supplies.
New to scrapbooking? Start with our Beginner's Guide to Scrapbooking, explore layout ideas, or browse our essential supplies guide.
A
Acetate
A clear, plastic-like transparent sheet used for overlays, windows, and shaker elements on scrapbook layouts and cards.
Acid-Free
Materials with a neutral pH (7 or above) that won't yellow, deteriorate, or damage photos and paper over time. Essential for preserving scrapbook pages for decades. Learn more →
Acrylic Block
A clear plastic block used to mount clear stamps for stamping. The transparency lets you see exactly where you're placing the stamped image on your paper. Learn more →
Adhesive Runner
A handheld dispenser that applies a strip of double-sided adhesive to paper. Faster and cleaner than liquid glue for attaching photos, mats, and paper layers. Learn more →
Album
A bound book designed to hold and display completed scrapbook layouts. Common sizes include 12×12 inches, 8.5×11 inches, and 6×8 inches for pocket pages. Learn more →
Archival
Materials specifically designed to resist deterioration over long periods. Archival-quality supplies are acid-free, lignin-free, and safe for preserving photos and memories. Learn more →
B
Background
The base layer of a scrapbook layout, usually a full sheet of patterned paper or cardstock that sets the color scheme and mood for the page. Learn more →
Bleed
When a background paper or design element extends all the way to the edge of the layout with no border, creating a full-coverage look. Learn more →
Blending
A technique of smoothly merging two or more colors of ink, paint, or chalk together to create gradients and soft transitions on paper. Learn more →
Bone Folder
A smooth, flat tool (traditionally made from bone, now often Teflon) used to create sharp creases when folding paper and to burnish adhesive transfers. Learn more →
Border
A decorative strip or design element placed along the edge of a layout or photo mat. Borders can be made from paper strips, die cuts, washi tape, or stamps. Learn more →
Brads
Small metal fasteners with two prongs that push through paper and fold flat on the back. Used as decorative accents or to attach layered elements without glue. Learn more →
Brayer
A small rubber roller used to spread ink, paint, or adhesive evenly across a surface. Commonly used in mixed media and background creation techniques. Learn more →
Buffered
Paper or board treated with an alkaline substance (like calcium carbonate) to neutralize acids over time. Buffered materials offer extra protection for long-term preservation. Learn more →
Burnish
To rub or polish a surface firmly, typically when applying rub-on transfers or smoothing down adhesive with a bone folder for a secure bond. Learn more →
C
Card Making
The craft of creating handmade greeting cards using many of the same supplies as scrapbooking — stamps, dies, patterned paper, and embellishments. Learn more →
Cardstock
Thick, sturdy paper (typically 65–110 lb weight) used as a base for layouts, photo mats, and die cuts. Available in hundreds of colors and textures. Learn more →
Charm
A small metal or resin decorative piece, often with a loop for attaching to layouts with ribbon, twine, or brads. Learn more →
Chipboard
Thick, compressed cardboard material used for sturdy embellishments, album covers, and dimensional elements. Often comes pre-cut into shapes, letters, or frames. Learn more →
Color Blocking
A design technique that divides a layout into distinct sections of solid color, creating a bold graphic look. Each block frames a photo or journaling space. Learn more →
Color Theory
The principles of how colors relate to each other on the color wheel. Understanding complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes helps create visually appealing layouts. Learn more →
Composition
The arrangement of photos, embellishments, journaling, and other elements on a scrapbook page. Good composition guides the viewer's eye through the layout. Learn more →
Corrugated
Paper or cardboard with a wavy, ridged texture. Corrugated elements add an interesting dimensional texture to layouts, especially in masculine or vintage designs.
Crop
A social gathering where scrapbookers meet to work on pages together, share supplies, and learn techniques. Also refers to trimming a photo to improve its composition. Learn more →
Crop-A-Dile
A popular multi-purpose tool that punches holes and sets eyelets and snaps through paper, chipboard, and other thick materials with one squeeze. Learn more →
Cut File
A digital design file (usually SVG format) used with electronic cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette to cut precise shapes, titles, and designs from paper or vinyl. Learn more →
D
Decorative Scissors
Scissors with patterned blades that cut paper in decorative edges like scallops, waves, or zigzags instead of straight lines. Learn more →
Design Team
A group of talented crafters chosen by a brand to create sample projects, share tutorials, and inspire other scrapbookers using the brand's products. Learn more →
Die
A thin metal template with sharp edges used to cut paper into specific shapes when pressed through a manual die-cutting machine. Learn more →
Die Cutting
The technique of using metal dies and a manual machine to cut paper into precise, repeatable shapes like frames, borders, letters, and decorative designs. Learn more →
Die-Cutting Machine
A manual or electronic device that applies pressure to metal dies or digital cut files to cut paper into precise shapes. Popular machines include the Sizzix Big Shot and Cricut. Learn more →
Dimensional Adhesive
Thick foam adhesive (dots, squares, or tape) that raises elements off the page surface, creating depth and a 3D effect on layouts. Learn more →
Distressing
A technique of intentionally aging or weathering paper and embellishments by inking edges, sanding, tearing, crumpling, or scratching to create a vintage look. Learn more →
Double-Sided Paper
Patterned paper printed with a different design on each side, giving you two coordinating patterns in one sheet for more versatile layouts. Learn more →
Double-Sided Tape
Adhesive tape with sticky surfaces on both sides, used for secure, flat bonding of paper layers, photos, and embellishments on layouts. Learn more →
Dye Ink
A water-based, translucent ink that dries quickly and blends easily. Ideal for stamping, ink blending, and creating soft watercolor-like backgrounds. Learn more →
E
Embellishment
Any decorative element added to a scrapbook page beyond photos and paper, including stickers, buttons, ribbons, sequins, chipboard pieces, and enamel dots. Learn more →
Embellishment Clustering
The technique of grouping multiple small embellishments together in an artful arrangement to create a focal point or visual anchor on a layout. Learn more →
Embossing
A technique that creates raised or recessed designs on paper. Dry embossing uses a stylus and stencil; heat embossing melts special powder onto stamped images for a glossy raised effect. Learn more →
Embossing Folder
A hinged plastic template with a raised pattern that creates textured designs on paper when run through a die-cutting machine. Learn more →
Embossing Mat
A rubber or silicone mat placed inside a die-cutting machine sandwich to add cushion for embossing folders, helping create deeper, more defined impressions. Learn more →
Embossing Powder
A fine powder that melts when heated to create a raised, glossy or glittery finish on stamped images. Applied to wet ink and set with a heat gun. Learn more →
Enamel Dots
Small, glossy, dome-shaped stickers used as colorful accents on layouts. They add a pop of dimension and color with minimal effort. Learn more →
Ephemera
Collectible paper pieces like vintage tickets, tags, labels, postcards, and printed die cuts designed to be layered and tucked into scrapbook layouts. Learn more →
Eyelets
Small metal rings set into punched holes in paper using a special setter tool. Used decoratively and to reinforce holes for ribbon or string. Learn more →
F
Faux Stitching
Creating the look of stitched lines on a layout using a pen, marker, or sewing wheel rather than an actual needle and thread. Learn more →
Fiber
Decorative yarn, thread, twine, or string used to add texture and a handmade feel to scrapbook layouts. Often tied in bows or strung across a page. Learn more →
Flat Lay
A photography style where items are arranged on a flat surface and photographed from directly above. Scrapbookers often use flat lays to share their finished layouts. Learn more →
Foam Tape
Double-sided adhesive tape with foam in the middle that creates dimension by raising elements off the page. Available in various widths and thicknesses. Learn more →
Focal Point
The main photo or element on a layout that draws the viewer's eye first. Good design creates a clear focal point through size, placement, and surrounding elements. Learn more →
Fussy Cutting
The technique of carefully cutting around a printed image or design on patterned paper using small, sharp scissors to create a custom embellishment. Learn more →
G
Gel Medium
A thick, transparent acrylic medium used as an adhesive for heavier items, a sealant, or mixed with paint to create textures on mixed media projects. Learn more →
Gel Pen
A pen with thick, opaque gel ink that writes smoothly on dark and patterned paper. Popular for journaling and adding white handwritten accents to layouts.
Gesso
A white primer applied to paper or mixed media surfaces to create a textured base that accepts paint, ink, and other media. Can be clear or colored. Learn more →
Glitter
Fine, sparkly particles used to add shimmer to layouts. Available loose, in glue pens, on cardstock, and in washi tape for various levels of sparkle. Learn more →
Grid Paper
Paper printed with a grid pattern, useful as a layout background or for aligning elements precisely. Often included in paper pads and pocket page kits. Learn more →
H
Hand Stitching
The technique of sewing through paper with a needle and thread or floss to add texture, borders, and handmade charm to scrapbook layouts. Learn more →
Heat Embossing
A stamping technique where embossing powder is melted onto a stamped image using a heat gun, creating a raised, glossy, or sparkly finish. Learn more →
Heat Gun
A tool that blows concentrated hot air to melt embossing powder. Unlike a hair dryer, heat guns reach higher temperatures with less airflow to avoid scattering the powder. Learn more →
Hybrid Scrapbooking
A style that combines traditional paper crafting with digital elements, such as printing digital designs to cut by hand or mixing printed pages with physical embellishments.
I
Ink Blending
A technique of applying ink to paper using a blending tool or sponge in circular motions to create smooth color gradients and soft backgrounds. Learn more →
Ink Pad
A flat pad saturated with ink used for rubber stamping, ink blending, and distressing paper edges. Available in dye, pigment, and specialty formulas. Learn more →
Interactive Element
A movable feature on a layout such as a flip-up photo, pull-out tag, shaker pocket, or spinning wheel that invites the viewer to touch and explore. Learn more →
J
Journaling
The written words on a scrapbook page — stories, memories, dates, quotes, or captions that give context and meaning to the photos. Learn more →
Journaling Card
A pre-designed card (typically 3×4 or 4×6 inches) with decorative borders or prompts, used for writing stories in pocket page or traditional layouts. Learn more →
K
Kit Club
A subscription service that delivers a curated collection of coordinating scrapbook supplies each month. Kit clubs take the guesswork out of matching papers and embellishments. Learn more →
Kraft
Unbleached brown paper with a natural, rustic appearance. Kraft cardstock and kraft-colored elements add an organic, earthy feel to scrapbook layouts. Learn more →
L
Layering
The technique of stacking multiple papers, photos, and elements on top of each other to create depth and visual interest on a scrapbook page. Learn more →
Layout
A completed scrapbook page design, typically 12×12 or 8.5×11 inches, combining photos, journaling, patterned paper, and embellishments into a cohesive design. Learn more →
Lignin-Free
Paper manufactured without lignin, the natural compound in wood that causes paper to yellow and become brittle over time. Important for long-lasting scrapbook pages. Learn more →
M
Machine Stitching
Using a sewing machine to stitch through paper on scrapbook layouts, adding texture and a handmade look. Use a larger needle (size 90/14) for best results on cardstock. Learn more →
Matte
A flat, non-shiny finish on paper, photos, or embellishments. Matte finishes reduce glare and give a soft, natural appearance to layouts. Learn more →
Matting
Mounting a photo or element on a slightly larger piece of contrasting cardstock to create a border that makes it stand out from the background. Learn more →
Memory Keeping
The broader practice of preserving memories through scrapbooks, journals, photo albums, pocket pages, or digital formats. Scrapbooking is one form of memory keeping. Learn more →
Metal Dies
Thin steel templates with sharp cutting edges used with a manual die-cutting machine to cut paper into precise shapes, borders, and designs. Learn more →
Mini Album
A small, handmade album (typically 4×4 to 6×8 inches) focused on a single event, trip, or theme. A creative way to showcase a collection of related photos. Learn more →
Mixed Media
A style that combines multiple art materials — paint, ink, gesso, texture paste, fabric, and found objects — on a single scrapbook layout for rich, textured results. Learn more →
Mounting
The process of securely attaching a photo to a scrapbook page using adhesive. Proper mounting ensures photos stay flat and don't shift over time. Learn more →
N
Negative Space
The empty or undecorated areas on a scrapbook layout. Strategic use of negative space gives the eye a place to rest and keeps designs from feeling cluttered. Learn more →
O
Ombre
A gradual blending of one color shade from light to dark (or vice versa). Used in paper selections, ink blending, and painted backgrounds for a sophisticated effect. Learn more →
P
Page Protector
A clear plastic sleeve that fits over a completed layout to protect it from dust, fingerprints, and damage inside an album. Available in top-loading and side-loading styles. Learn more →
Palette
The selection of colors used in a scrapbook layout or kit. A coordinated palette ties all elements together for a cohesive, polished look. Learn more →
Paper Layering
The technique of arranging multiple papers in overlapping layers to build dimension and visual depth on a layout, typically progressing from larger to smaller pieces. Learn more →
Paper Pad
A bound collection of coordinating patterned papers and cardstock, usually 6×6 or 12×12 inches, designed to work together for multiple layouts. Learn more →
Paper Piecing
Cutting shapes from multiple patterned papers and assembling them like a puzzle to create a larger image or design on your layout. Learn more →
Paper Trimmer
A tool with a straight cutting blade on a track for making precise, straight cuts on paper and cardstock. Essential for cutting photos and paper to exact sizes. Learn more →
Pattern Mixing
The art of combining multiple patterned papers (florals, stripes, dots, plaids) on one layout. Successful pattern mixing varies scale and maintains a unified color palette. Learn more →
Patterned Paper
Decorative paper printed with designs like florals, stripes, dots, or themed patterns. The foundation of most scrapbook layouts, used for backgrounds and layered accents. Learn more →
Photo Mat
A piece of cardstock cut slightly larger than a photo, placed behind it as a frame. Matting makes photos pop against busy backgrounds. Learn more →
Pigment Ink
An opaque, slow-drying ink that sits on top of paper rather than soaking in. Best for heat embossing because it stays wet long enough for powder to stick. Learn more →
Pocket Page
A page protector divided into multiple pockets (typically 3×4 and 4×6 inch slots) where you slip in photos, journaling cards, and ephemera without adhesive. Learn more →
Pocket Scrapbooking
A simplified scrapbooking style using divided pocket page protectors. Just slip photos and journaling cards into the pockets — no cutting, gluing, or layout design required. Learn more →
Pop Dots
Small adhesive foam circles used to raise embellishments and die cuts off the page, adding three-dimensional depth to layouts. Also called foam dots or 3D dots. Learn more →
Process Video
A video showing a scrapbooker creating a layout from start to finish, sharing their creative decisions, techniques, and the order they build the page.
Puffy Stickers
Thick, dimensional stickers with a soft, raised surface. Popular for adding playful texture and color to layouts, especially in kid-themed or casual pages. Learn more →
Punch
A handheld or tabletop tool that cuts paper into specific shapes (circles, hearts, stars, scallops) when squeezed. A quick alternative to die cutting for simple shapes. Learn more →
R
Resist Technique
A method where one medium repels another to create patterns, such as using a white crayon under watercolor or embossing powder to resist ink. Learn more →
Ribbon
Fabric strips used as decorative accents on layouts, tied into bows, layered across pages, or threaded through eyelets. Available in satin, grosgrain, organza, and more. Learn more →
Rub-Ons
Transfer designs on a clear carrier sheet that are applied by rubbing with a craft stick or burnishing tool. They lay completely flat on the page with no bulk. Learn more →
S
Scallop
A decorative edge pattern of repeating rounded curves, like a series of half-circles. Created with decorative scissors, punches, or scallop-edge dies. Learn more →
Score
A crease line pressed into paper (without cutting through) to create a clean, precise fold. Scoring is essential for card making, mini albums, and 3D paper projects. Learn more →
Sentiment
A short phrase, quote, or word used as a decorative text element on a layout or card. Sentiments can be stamped, printed, die cut, or hand-lettered. Learn more →
Sequins
Small, flat, shiny discs used as sparkly embellishments on layouts. Available in every color and can be glued individually or shaken inside a pocket for a shaker element. Learn more →
Shaker Element
A sealed transparent pocket filled with sequins, beads, or glitter that move when the layout is shaken. Creates an interactive, dimensional feature on a page. Learn more →
Sketch
A simple line drawing showing the placement of photos, papers, and embellishments on a layout. Sketches serve as starting-point blueprints that you customize with your own supplies. Learn more →
Smooshing
A technique of pressing ink pads directly onto paper or an acrylic block to create random, organic patterns and colorful backgrounds. Learn more →
Spray Ink
Ink in a spray bottle that creates a fine mist of color on paper. Used for backgrounds, through stencils, or to add splatters for a messy, artistic look. Learn more →
Stamp
A rubber or clear polymer image mounted on a block, used with an ink pad to press repeated designs, patterns, and text onto paper. Learn more →
Stamping
The technique of pressing an inked stamp onto paper to transfer an image or text. One of the most versatile scrapbooking techniques for backgrounds, focal images, and sentiments. Learn more →
Stencil
A sheet of plastic or cardboard with cut-out designs used as a template. Apply ink, paint, or texture paste through the openings to add patterns and textures to layouts. Learn more →
Sticker
A pre-made adhesive decoration available in countless designs including letters, icons, borders, and phrases. One of the easiest ways to embellish a scrapbook page. Learn more →
Subscription Kit
A monthly curated package of coordinating scrapbook supplies delivered to your door. Each kit includes matching papers, cardstock, embellishments, and exclusive extras. Learn more →
T
Texture Paste
A thick, spreadable medium applied through stencils or palette knives to create raised, three-dimensional textures on paper. Dries opaque white and can be painted. Learn more →
Thickers
Thick, dimensional letter stickers (a brand name by American Crafts) used for titles on scrapbook layouts. Available in chipboard, foam, puffy, and glittered finishes. Learn more →
Title
The heading on a scrapbook layout that identifies the theme or event. Titles can be created with letter stickers, stamps, die cuts, or handwriting. Learn more →
Traveler's Notebook
A leather or faux-leather cover that holds interchangeable insert booklets with an elastic band system. Popular for on-the-go journaling and compact scrapbooking. Learn more →
Trimmer
See Paper Trimmer. A straight-blade cutting tool essential for precise cuts when trimming photos, paper, and cardstock to specific dimensions. Learn more →
V
Vellum
A translucent, semi-sheer paper that adds an elegant, soft layer to layouts. Often used for journaling overlays, photo mats, and decorative accents. Learn more →
Visual Triangle
A design principle where three similar elements (same color, shape, or type) are placed to form an invisible triangle on the layout, creating balanced visual movement. Learn more →
W
Washi Tape
Decorative Japanese masking tape made from rice paper. It's repositionable, comes in thousands of patterns, and adds color and design to layouts without permanent commitment. Learn more →
Watercolor
A painting technique using transparent, water-activated pigments to create soft, flowing backgrounds and accents on scrapbook pages. Available in pans, tubes, and pencils. Learn more →
Watercolor Paper
Heavy, textured paper (140 lb or more) designed to absorb water without warping or pilling. Ideal for painting techniques on scrapbook layouts and cards. Learn more →
White Space
Intentional empty areas on a layout that give the design room to breathe. White space doesn't have to be white — it's any undecorated area that balances busy elements. Learn more →
Wood Veneer
Thin, laser-cut wood pieces used as natural embellishments on layouts. Available in shapes like hearts, arrows, frames, and words for a rustic or organic touch. Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important scrapbooking terms for beginners?
Start with these essentials: layout (a completed scrapbook page), cardstock (thick base paper), patterned paper (decorative printed paper), embellishments (decorative elements like stickers and die cuts), adhesive (glue or tape to attach elements), and journaling (the written stories on your page). These core terms cover the basics of every scrapbook project.
What does acid-free mean in scrapbooking?
Acid-free means the material has a neutral pH of 7 or higher and won't cause photos or paper to yellow, deteriorate, or become brittle over time. Using acid-free supplies is essential for preserving your scrapbook pages and photos for decades. Look for the acid-free label on paper, adhesives, and page protectors.
What is the difference between cardstock and patterned paper?
Cardstock is thick, sturdy paper (65-110 lb) that usually comes in solid colors and serves as a structural base for layouts and photo mats. Patterned paper is thinner decorative paper printed with designs like florals, stripes, or themes. Most layouts use both — cardstock for structure and matting, patterned paper for visual interest and backgrounds.
What supplies do I need to start scrapbooking?
At minimum, you need an album, cardstock, patterned paper, adhesive (a tape runner or glue dots), scissors, and a paper trimmer. A scrapbook subscription kit is the easiest way to start — you'll receive coordinating papers, cardstock, and embellishments each month, so everything matches and you can focus on creating rather than shopping.
What is a scrapbook kit club subscription?
A kit club subscription delivers a curated collection of coordinating scrapbook supplies to your door each month. Each kit typically includes patterned papers, cardstock, embellishments, and exclusive items that all work together. It eliminates the guesswork of matching supplies and introduces you to new products and techniques you might not discover on your own.
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