When I first started scrapbooking eleven years ago, everything seemed so simple. You had your cardstock, scissors, stickers, adhesives, and pictures. Now, there's so much more out there! From brads and eyelets to distressing and books of only layouts.

As I became more engrossed in the world of scrapbooking, I read things on scrapbooking blogs and magazines amazed and not quite sure of what everything was. One of those things was chipboard. It seemed to be everywhere, but I had no idea what it was!

What is chipboard? In it's most basic form chipboard is a type of cardboard, usually adhered to the back of notepads. Chipboard is used in scrapbooking to give an added effect to embellishments and letters. It can be painted, distressed (ie, sanded), decorated with cardstock or pattern paper, or you can even add other stickers or embellishments on top of the chipboard.

Where can you find chipboard? You can find chipboard in odd places. An old gift box, the back of a legal pad, the box your freezer bags come in, the back of a scrapbook paper slab, even your cereal box works! You can also ask your local scrapbooking store if they have extra pieces of chipboard. They usually have plenty on hand for free! Scrapbooking and craft stores also see assorted cardstock in many shapes.

Not quite sure what to do with the chipboard?

Here's a few helpful links:

• Chipboard 101
• Embellishing with Chipboard
• Make Your Own Chipboard Alphabets
• Surefire Ways to Make Your Scrapbooking Pages Pop with Chipboard

Have Such a Time Scrapbooking!

For more scrapbooking tips, tutorials, and articles visit www.suchatimescrapbooking.com.