In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed more and more often the use of corrugated cardboard in scrapbook layouts and crafting in general. I’m sure it’s always been there, but I saw Marion from A Piece of Craft in a video using it for a layout and also cutting out flowers with it…combining the rough look with really glitzy pretty stuff as well. Then I saw episode 144 of Paperclipping that totally encouraged mixing styles, including an example of corrugated cardboard use – thus adding it into my creative vocabulary. When I saw a cardboard box that had a thicker double layer structure I was literally pushed into starting a new project – immediately!
I used some inspiration from many of the fabulous bookmakers out there and added some leather strips to my cardboard book covers, sewing up the book quickly and roughly. You can tell it’s a bit roughly done – I didn’t measure anything because I was just entranced in making what was in my mind – a real thing.
I’m really surprised how nicely it came together with little planning and have realized that over time I am liking the grungy look more and more. I suppose it comes a bit naturally if you start to use more recycled materials. For example, I never buy chipboard or bookboard…I just use cardboard, food boxes, backing of notepads, etc. My task now is to embellishment this eclectic book in a fashion that contrasts with the rough and tough look it currently has. Pretty bright flowers perhaps? White lace? One thing I noticed was the ripping of the cardboard to expose the inner textured part results in a lot of linting…I’m not sure if I did something wrong or if I have to spray fixative on it. If anyone has tips, please let me know!
