Traditional scrapbooking is more than just arranging photos on a page—it’s about telling a story in a creative, beautiful way. And while patterned paper and photo layouts form the foundation, embellishments are what truly bring your scrapbook pages to life.
Whether you’re making a baby album, documenting a family vacation, or preserving everyday moments, the right embellishments can add depth, texture, and personality to your work. Here are some of my favorite must-have embellishments for traditional scrapbooking that you can easily find and enjoy.
Must-have embellishments for traditional scrapbooking
1. Stickers and Die-Cuts
Stickers and die-cuts are the simplest way to add flair to your pages. They come in endless themes—from holidays to nature to inspirational quotes—making them perfect for highlighting your page’s mood.
💡 Tip: Layer stickers over patterned paper or tuck die-cuts behind photos for a 3D effect.
Here are some great stickers and die-cuts from Amazon that work beautifully for traditional scrapbooking:
1. Echo Park Paper Company Ephemera Die-Cut Cardstock Pieces
Perfect for themed scrapbooking like travel, seasons, or family events. They’re printed on high-quality cardstock and come in coordinated sets.
🔗 Amazon Search: “Echo Park Ephemera Die Cuts“
2. American Crafts Thickers Alphabet Stickers
Ideal for creating bold scrapbook titles. They come in various fonts, colors, and textures—foam, chipboard, or glitter.
🔗 Amazon Search: “American Crafts Thickers Alphabet Stickers“
3. Me & My Big Ideas (MAMBI) Stickers
Fun and colorful stickers for inspirational quotes, seasonal designs, and everyday moments. Great for both scrapbooks and planners.
🔗 Amazon Search: “Me & My Big Ideas Scrapbook Stickers“
4. Tim Holtz Idea-ology Sticker Book
For a vintage or distressed look, these small word and phrase stickers are perfect for layering over photos or journaling cards.
🔗 Amazon Search: “Tim Holtz Idea-ology Stickers“
5. Simple Stories Bits & Pieces Die Cuts
Theme-based die cuts for holidays, birthdays, and more. They coordinate perfectly with Simple Stories patterned paper packs.
🔗 Amazon Search: “Simple Stories Bits and Pieces Die Cuts“
2. Washi Tape
Washi tape is a colorful, patterned paper tape that can be used for borders, photo frames, or decorative accents. It’s easy to reposition, so it’s forgiving if you change your mind mid-design.
💡 Tip: Use washi tape to create faux photo corners or divide sections on a page.
Amazon Picks:
- Scotch Expressions Washi Tape – Durable, easy to tear, and comes in fun designs.
- MT Japanese Washi Masking Tape – Authentic, smooth, and repositionable.
3. Brads and Eyelets
Brads and eyelets add both function and style. They can hold tags, secure layers, or serve as decorative elements while adding a subtle metallic accent.
💡 Tip: Use a hole punch and eyelet setter for neat application.
Amazon Picks:
- We R Memory Keepers Wide-Eyelet Pack – Perfect for adding a polished finish to tags and pockets.
- Making Memories Metallic Brads Assortment – A timeless metallic touch for any scrapbook theme.
4. Ribbon and Twine
Fabric embellishments like ribbon and twine bring a soft texture to your pages. They can be tied into bows, used as borders, or wrapped around journaling cards.
💡 Tip: Combine ribbon with buttons for a charming handmade touch.
Amazon Picks:
- Offray Satin Craft Ribbon – High-quality ribbon in multiple colors.
- Darice Baker’s Twine – Colorful and perfect for rustic or playful designs.
5. Buttons
Buttons add dimension and a vintage or playful vibe, depending on their style. You can sew them directly onto your page or glue them for a quicker option.
💡 Tip: Mix different sizes and colors for a whimsical, layered effect.
Amazon Picks:
- Blumenthal Lansing Favorite Findings Buttons – Mixed sizes and colors for endless creativity.
- Jesse James Dress It Up Craft Buttons – Themed button sets to match your scrapbook project.
6. Chipboard Shapes and Letters
Chipboard embellishments are thicker and sturdier than paper cutouts, making them ideal for adding texture and making titles stand out.
💡 Tip: Paint or ink chipboard pieces to match your page’s color scheme.
Amazon Picks:
- American Crafts DIY Shop Chipboard Alphabet – Bold, customizable letters for titles.
- BoBunny Layered Chipboard Stickers – Beautiful designs with layered details.
7. Stamped Images
Rubber and acrylic stamps let you add consistent designs without buying endless stickers. They’re perfect for borders, backgrounds, and titles.
💡 Tip: Use archival ink to prevent smudging and fading.
Amazon Picks:
- Hero Arts Clear Stamp Sets – Crisp impressions for all themes.
- Tim Holtz Cling Rubber Stamp Set – Ideal for vintage or distressed scrapbook styles.
8. Journaling Cards
Journaling cards are pre-decorated cards you can write on. They help tell the story behind your photos and add a decorative touch without taking much space.
💡 Tip: Layer journaling cards behind photos for a peek-a-boo effect.
Amazon Picks:
- Project Life Core Kit – Ready-made journaling cards in beautiful designs.
- Echo Park Journaling Cards – Coordinates perfectly with matching paper collections.
9. Sequins and Gems
If you love sparkle, sequins and gems are the way to go. They add instant glam to your scrapbook and catch the light beautifully.
💡 Tip: Use sparingly for an elegant touch rather than overwhelming the page.
Amazon Picks:
- Darice Assorted Sequins – Colorful mix for sparkle and dimension.
- K&Company Adhesive Gems – Self-adhesive gems for quick and easy decoration.
Final Thoughts
Embellishments are the magic touch that turns a scrapbook from ordinary to extraordinary. Start with a few essentials—like stickers, washi tape, and ribbon—and then build your collection over time. Remember, the goal is to enhance your photos and stories, not overwhelm them.
The beauty of scrapbooking is that it’s as unique as the memories you’re preserving—so have fun experimenting with different embellishments until you find your signature style.
