3D on the Cheap

I don't know about you, but I love the look of “popped” up items and pockets on layouts. This “look” comes with its challenges:

• Foam squares or circles do a mighty good job of popping stuff off the page–but they can be expensive and the plastic tabs you have to peel off to reveal the adhesive can be a pain.
• Foam tapes can be pricey as well, though I do prefer these over all 3D adhesives on the market because you can cut the length you'd like.
• 3D glue dots are pretty snotty–if you smoosh your item too hard onto the page, the item can become dome shaped instead of popped because the entire dot is adhesive, not just to top and bottom.
• Pockets made from paper alone don't allow for many items to be stuck inside. Also, depending on the adhesive you use, the insert may get stuck on the adhesive on the side of the pocket when sliding it in and out.

Here's the cheap-o solution: CHIPBOARD! I've been using chipboard to do 3D effects and pockets for a while now and everyone seems to love the effects: It's cheap, most of the time you can get it for free, and its rigidity is a plus! Add a little PVA or good liquid adhesive and you've got instant 3D action.

Here's how:

POCKETS:
Cut 1/2″ thick strips of chipboard from a scrap-you'll use these to line the edges of the pocket. You need two strips as tall as the pocket and one strip as wide as the pocket. Glue the bottom strip to the bottom inside edge of the pocket. Glue the other two strips ot the sides of the pocket, trimming any chipboard that hangs out over the top. Adhere the strips to the page–this forms the pocket. You put no adhesive on the top. There is enough room in this pockets for severla pictures and inserts pull in and out nicely.

POPPING:
Adhere a scrap of chipboard to the back of the item you wish to “pop”. Layer more chipboard scraps to get a higher effect. Adhere to the page.

Have fun “popping”!

Author: Jennifer Priest

It started with jewelry, beading, sewing, home decor, painting, basket weaving, pottery, and cross-stitch. Marry that to an entrepreneurial spirit & at 9 years old a girl is selling her wares at craft fairs as far as her parents and grandparents would drive her. These days, Jennifer enjoys crafts of all genres from sewing to scrapbooking to jewelry with a little dabbling in the mixed media world. Her style is approachable and she wants everyone who sees her work to feel that they too can embrace creativity and make their home and life beautiful.