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What is Chipboard?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Scrapbookers often use chipboard to embellish their projects. Sometimes known as paperboard, it is a thick paper or cardboard that can be decorated to add depth and dimension to a project. It works well on many different layouts, from casual and whimsical to sophisticated and elegant. These elements do add bulk to a scrapbook layout, however, so they are best used sparingly in order to keep the album from becoming too heavy.

The easiest way to use chipboard on a scrapbook layout is to purchase a package of pre-made embellishments. In most craft stores, these embellishments are sold near the stickers, scrapbooking paper, or paper crafting supplies. Alphabet letters are the most commonly available design, although scrapbookers can also find a number of geometric shapes or accents to fit popular themes such as travel, family, children, and romance.

Chipboard is used by scrapbookers to embellish their projects.
Chipboard is used by scrapbookers to embellish their projects.

People on a tight budget, or who are simply feeling the urge to be more creative, can make their own elements from scratch. Blank chipboard sheets are available, and shapes can be cut with a craft knife or a scrapbooking die cut machine. Paint, ink, or markers can be used to decorate the cut out shapes. They can also be covered with scraps of patterned paper, then buttons, glitter, small charms, ribbon, or other accents can be added, as desired. People who have trouble finding blank sheets at a local craft store can try using the cardboard on the back of a cereal box, but projects made from this material will not be acid-free and may damage photos on the layout.

Chipboard adds bulk to a photo album, so it is best used sparingly.
Chipboard adds bulk to a photo album, so it is best used sparingly.

Because of its weight, chipboard cannot be attached with the same glue stick a person would use for attaching other elements to a scrapbook layout. To add it to a project, the crafter will need to use either a strong double-sided tape or glue dots. Some pre-made embellishments do come with adhesive already applied, however, and in this case, the backing can simply be peeled off, just like any other scrapbooking sticker.

Chipboard sheets are sold for craft projects such as card making.
Chipboard sheets are sold for craft projects such as card making.

Aside from creating scrapbook layouts, chipboard embellishments can also be used to add interest to handmade greeting cards or home decor projects. For example, crafters can try making their own refrigerator magnets by adhering a magnetic strip to the back of a favorite shape. Chipboard embellishments can also be glued to a painted canvas to make customized wall art or added to the edges of a plain wooden picture frame to create a one-of-kind accent piece for a room.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WiseGEEK team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

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Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WiseGEEK team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

manykitties2

While chipboard is popular for making sturdier scrapbooks in unique shapes, you can also use it to make great design elements for your home.

If you have a baby's room for example, you can cut out cute animals and letters to decorate the room. These can be painted to match any decor and adding sparkles, as well as other features really helps to create a more 3D wall piece.

For those who find their kitchen a bit sparse, adding some fun chipboard vegetables or fruit to your walls can look quite neat. These projects are all fun.

Can anyone think of some other unique craft uses for chipboard?

wander

If you are looking for chipboard design ideas there are oodles of sites dedicated to unique accents for your scrapbook. A lot of people prefer to make their own chipboard elements, and it really isn't too difficult to get used to working with this new material.

If you are able to draw or trace well, and have a steady hand, creating patterns on the chipboard is fairly straightforward. Many designs are available for you to buy, or print off from online sources. It is just important to remember that when working with a craft knife you need to be working on a surface that is OK to cut, as you don't want to damage your good table.

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    • Chipboard is used by scrapbookers to embellish their projects.
      By: Sergey Mostovoy
      Chipboard is used by scrapbookers to embellish their projects.
    • Chipboard adds bulk to a photo album, so it is best used sparingly.
      By: SilviuFlorin
      Chipboard adds bulk to a photo album, so it is best used sparingly.
    • Chipboard sheets are sold for craft projects such as card making.
      By: Designs by CnC
      Chipboard sheets are sold for craft projects such as card making.