Expert advice for hybrid crafting beginners

This is a guest post from Sharyn Law-Davis, veteran scrapbooker and moderator of the hybrid crafting Facebook page.

Many digital scrapbooking sites have embraced hybrid crafting as a way to offer get-your-hands-dirty experiences to digital-oriented scrapbookers. Though I first noticed this as a trend about 18 months ago,  hybrid crafting was something I was already doing and had been for years.

Card making, in particular, is seeing a resurgence among digital scrappers, some of whom may have been card makers years ago. They are once again embracing this art form with the help of digital kits and digital stamps as well as the more traditional stamps and inks.

A lot of my interest in hybrid crafting was due to living somewhere with no access to scrapping supplies. With a couple of digital kits, good quality cardstock and a printer, scrapbooking suddenly became far more accessible.

What do you need to get started?

Much of what you need for hybrid project you may already have in your home. Here is a list of some basics:

• Doubled-sized adhesive tape
• 3D mounting tape
• Acid-free glue designed for scrapbooking
• Small fine sharp scissors – a must!
• Distressing ink – start with a dark brown
• A nail file – great for distressed edges
• Old magazine – for a padded work surface
• Sharp craft knife
• Paper
• Printer
• An idea*

* Find a hybrid tutorial, a challenge or even just a project that inspires you to have a go. Look in hybrid galleries for fabulous inspiration.

Great sites for hybrid crafters

• The Hybrid Chick
• The Cutting Files
• Jessica Sprague
• Sweet Shoppe Designs
• KelleighRatzlaff.com

Getting started in hybrid can be as simple as printing some journaling on paper purchased from your local scrapbook store. It can also be taking a digital kit, printing the papers and elements and using it for a complete layout. Or even turning it in to something else, perhaps using it to decorate home decor.

Sharyn Law-Davis aka Shabby Shaz has a passion for scrapping memories, photography, dabbling in digital design and of course adores hybrid crafting. You can find Sharyn at An Altered Life where she shares projects, techniques and a little bit of life as an expat.