Scrapbook Rub-Ons

Scrapbook rub-ons are another embellishment found in your local or online scrapbooking store. Learn about how you can apply these scrapbook products on your page.

Different from scrapbook stickers, rub-ons are flat and you need to use a tool such as a Popsicle stick to rub over the text to transfer. Their use can give the page a clean look. They can be applied anywhere on the page.

For Mother's Day this year I put together a Cat Scrapbook about all the kitties we have had over the years. I had a number of these in phrases for cats used to decorate those pages. I would put them across the top as well as along the sides.

Rub-ons come in many sizes, colors and shapes, but alphabets are the most commonly used and are extremely versatile. Use them for a title, a monogram, part of your journaling, or as descriptive words on your photographs.

Practice may be in order when first working with rub-on accents. You want to try to get the whole text on the page, rubbing on it well enough. If you do not, a part of it can end up missing. Use them on cardstocks, patterned papers, ribbons, metals and other embellishments.

If you make a goof, removing it can be difficult because of it's permanency.

Applying a rub-on to your scrapbook page is relatively simple.

First, start with a flat surface. Second, cut out the phrase or word you want to use. Lay it carefully down on the section of the page you want it. Take an object or helpful tool and press down on it until the words disappear from the overlay.

Next, gently lift off the sheet from your project. To make sure the scrapbook rub-ons are completely flat, use a tool such as a baking sheet to place over your completed work and smooth it out.

If it did not come off perfectly, carefully reposition the sheet over the spot and rub again for the missing portion.

For removing strayed or damaged rub-ons from your page, use an adhesive tab. Press and lift the strayed or unwanted rub-on.

You can also use an adhesive remover such as Un Du Adhesive considered a life-saver by some who scrapbook.

Use a jelly roll pen when repairing missing parts for black or white rub-ons.

If all that fails, the mistake must be covered up, another part of the scrapbooking process. Be creative.

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