Scrapbooks, Jewelry and Embellishments

Sort of a change of pace here.  I am an avid cropper, or scrapbooker.  And of course, I sell vintage jewelry.  Sometimes I buy large lots of jewelry at auctions or estate sales and get quite a mixture of items.  It's not unusual for me to get buttons, sewing notions, belt buckles, button hooks or other small miscellaneous items.  I love it!  Because these are items that I can often incorporate into my scrapbooks.

For example, I've used an old belt buckle from the 1930's and some old buttons on a page with a picture of a log cabin.  I've simply threaded the ribbon through the belt buckle to form border and added three small buttons for interest.

eBay is a great source for interesting and unusual items.  Here's a few that I currently have available.  Can't you just see this one on the right with a cream color ribbon or some lace on a vintage page from the 30's?

 The little tiny blue buckle below might work well on a baby page for a little boy with a narrow blue ribbon threaded through.   Or how about this brown buckle with a rope pattern next to it for that picture  of a child on a rocking horse or in the cowboy outfit.

In addition to using buttons and buckles, small earrings can also be used for embellishments.  These are nice because the come in a variety of sizes and shapes.  They can add a bit of sparkle too!  And it's an excellent way to use those single earrings. 

Old screw back earrings are the best for this purpose because they can be cut with your button shanker.  Just be sure not to leave any sharp edges!

Almost anything that is relatively flat and thin can be used to make scrapbook pages.  Don't limit yourself to what you can find in the store.  Take a look around and be open minded, especially when you are working on those precious vintage books.  You are very likely to find exactly the right vintage item to make that vintage page perfect.  And best of all, you don't have to spend a fortune to do it.