With any scrapbook design, we strive to create a unified layout that tells our story. Each and every item we add to our page, whether it’s a piece of patterned paper or an embellishment, adds visual weight. Using transparencies gives us the opportunity to add in lightweight layers.

  Transparencies are thin and pliable. This makes it easy to slip them under items and  over others. We can see that an item exists on the layout, but if we can see through that  item just a little bit,  it feels less heavy.

Need a little extra weight? It’s not a problem with a transparency. Back it with a solid  piece of cardstock and you will find that it adds a little bit of heft.

Another bonus of the transparency is its glossy texture. Items with a little bit of sparkle  or gloss appear a bit lighter than items with a matte finish. Shiny objects also convey a  sense of youth or freshness.

Ideas for Working with Transparencies

– Layer a blank transparency over a piece of patterned paper to add a glossy texture. It will lighten the mood of the layout.

-Experiment with making your own embellishments

– Anchor your letter stickers to transparency strips. You get a sense that the letters are not floating for you can see that something is there underneath the letters.

Once in a Lifetime, Our Three Cats Occupy the Same Space by Christy Strickler |Supplies Digital Papers and Elements: Crazy for you by One kit by One Little Bird Designs;Cardstock: Colorbok; Letters: Jillibean Soup, Webster’s Pages; Wood Veneer: Freckled Fawn; Flowers: Basic Gray;Jewels: Hero Arts; Other: Transparencies; sequins, glass beads, pearls; appears in an article for Get It Scrapped

Additional Resources

The Hybrid Experiment: Transparency Flowers