New Obsession: Scrapbook Paper

But NOT for scrapbooking.

Because I don't scrapbook; not that there is anything wrong with it.

Scrapbooking is a lovely idea and I'm sure if I wanted to, I could learn to love it. However, it's one of those hobbies that sucks you in and causes you to spend copious amounts of money on all the accessories. Also, it's time consuming; and you know how busy I am!

I like the idea of scrapbooking; I just don't see myself as the type to commit to the task.

Scrapbooking requires that the scrapbooker diligently take and print lots of pictures. I'll admit that I'm getting better about taking pictures at opportune moments, blogging has helped with that immensely, but I still fall below the picture curve and scrapbooking is nothing without pictures.

And what about all those little scraps of paper?!

Stickers, embellishments, fancy-edged scissors.

Too. Much. Stuff.

Besides, in order to have a fun scrapbook, you have to do fun things. We aren't *total* losers, but I would fear that our scrapbook wouldn't be filled to the brim with fun family adventures.

Memory keeping isn't my strong suit; like I've said before: it's genetic and probably irreversible. I've come to terms with this, but because I'm stubborn and unwilling to wholly surrender to this fact, I figure I'll allow this blog to serve as my digital scrapbook. It's less messy; and I don't have to find a place to house all the scrapbook paraphernalia.

Then why, you might ask, am I so obsessed with scrapbook paper?

Well, I'll tell you, I'm obsessed because I've discovered that framed printed scrapbook paper makes for frugal wall art.

The paper choices are virtually endless.

It all started with a desire for some art work to hang in our bathroom (18 months after we moved in!) and a Michael's gift card that was burning a hole in my wallet. I didn't have any ideas, but knew that I wanted the art to be easy, frugal and clean lined.

I found myself, combing the aisles of Michaels, searching for inspiration. I landed in the scrapbook paper aisle and that's where the idea sort of took off. Luckily picture frames were Buy One Get One Free, so this cheapened up the deal even further. Scrapbook paper costs anywhere from .29-$1.79 and the frames ended up costing $5 a piece.

I prefer black picture frames, but I already have a wood framed print in the bathroom, and I'm all about the continuity; I actually went back for some black frames to hang in my hallway. Hey, $5 frames! Not too shabby.

This isn't a very good picture, and it certainly doesn't do them justice, but these are the two prints that wound up on my bathroom wall, above our garden tub.

Once these were complete, I was struck with idea to frame some other paper to hang in a tryptic of sorts.

Black frames.

Coordinating scrapbook paper, a big stamp and metallic paint.



I had a terrible time trying to photograph the finished product. I couldn't get a decent picture with them hanging on the wall because it's one of those tall walls in our stairway and I don't have a good enough camera to get a decent shot. Instead, I rested them against the wall and did my best. I wish my wall color was accurately portrayed in the pictures I take. It's an apple green color and this photo makes it look sort of dusty grayish, blueish green. But, in this case, it doesn't really matter because the hallway paint color, where these frames are hung, is much more neutral than the apple color in my living room (and kitchen).


Here's a close up of the fleur-di-lis I stamped on the golden toned paper.

All in all I'm happy with the finished product; it was frugal, easy and fun.

Sure, this wall art isn't "high end" but, frankly, neither am I!