Glossary of Terms

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

AAM (All About Me)	A collection of pages, sometimes in a book format, who's subject matter is all about one individual, most commonly the creator of said pages. Topics of these types of books range from physical attributes to personality traits to personal favorites.
Accordion Book/Accordion Mini Album	A multi page book where each page is folded or connected to the next in an alternating display.
Accordion Fold	A type of fold where pages are creased and layered in an alternating fashion to mimic the musical instrument's construction.
Acetate	A clear plastic that can be enhanced with color or text. Often used as a visual element that is layered within a design. Overhead transparency sheets are made from acetate.
Acid Migration	Acid migration refers to the transference of acidic levels from one item to another. When an item that is acid-free comes into contact with an item that contains an acidic level, that content will transfer from one item to the other.
Acid-free	Acidity levels are the main cause of deterioration in photographs, paper products and other materials. In order to preserve scrapbook pages, it is essential that acid-free products are used. In order for a product to be considered acid-free it must contain a Ph level of 7 or higher.
Adhesives (types)	There are two basic types of adhesives. Wet adhesives are water-based and are good for adhering small embellishments and punched pieces to papercrafting projects. Dry adhesives are a double-sided tape or tacky substance that is great for adhering photos and larger elements to craft projects.
Album/scrapbook	A book into which memories are stored through the presentation of photographs, memorabilia and the written word.
Altered Art	An artform that breaks the boundaries of traditional design. Often incorporates a variety of "found" items within a collaged visual element.
Analogous Colors	Colors which appear next to each other on a color wheel. Analogous color schemes generally contain a series of three adjacent colors. These color schemes create strong nature inspired color stories.
Archival	Materials that are long lasting, stable and chemically inert.
Archival Pens	Archival Pens are filled with pigment Ink - A type of ink that is permanent and chemically stable. It is lightfast, waterproof, fade-proof, and non-bleeding. Many scrapbooking specific pens list this as a positive feature on their product’s packaging.
Archival Spray	A liquid solution which neutralizes the destructive acids in paper and deposits a safe, permanent alkaline buffer to protect against future acid attack, making it archival safe. Also known as archival spray, papercrafters use this spray to treat paper keepsakes including scrapbook materials, newspaper clippings, certificates/awards, children's artwork and all other paper-base crafts.
Asymmetrical Design	design pattern that is different in one element or elements
Aurora Borealis	iridescent finish applied to surface of crystals – looks reflective like a rainbow with pinks, blues an yellows - also referred to as AB

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B

Bails	A metal loop that is used to attach a chain or cord to a pendant
Bead Board	grooved board used to lay out beading designs for necklaces and bracelets
Bead Caps	metal cap designed to sit on top of beads
Bead Needle	Thin needles designed to accommodate small holed beads
Bent Nose Pliers	Pliers with a bent nose and helpful for use in non-dominant
Bicone	Bead shape as double cone
Blender Pen	A soft tip tool, containing a special liquid, used to create blended watercolor effects with markers, ink pads, chalks or colored pencils. Generally additional tips and liquid refills can be purchased for the tool.
Bone Folder	This versatile tool is used to score, crease, smooth, or burnish paper, tissue, and cardstock. It makes perfect folds or creases and is great for working materials into tight corners. Traditionally, this tool was made out of real animal bones, however, modern day versions are commonly plastic or durable melamine construction.
Bracelet	Jewelry worn around the wrist
Brads	A metal fastener constructed with a head and two metal prongs used to secure one or multiple items in place. The prongs are inserted into a hole and then bent outward to secure the fastener.
Briolette	tear drop shaped faceted bead – has a top-drilled stringing orientation
Buffered	Refers to the addition of alkaline substances (magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate) that helps prevent acids from forming due to a chemical reaction in the future.

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C

Cardstock	Thick paper used primarily as the foundation for scrapbook pages or photo mats. Primarily used as solid colors, but can have patterns and textures incorporated as well. Also used by manufacturer's as a medium for stickers.
Chain Nose Pliers	Pliers used to bend wire and aid in jewelry making
Chalking	The act of adding shadow, color and shading to a page element. Chalk is a compacted powder that is available in a variety of colors.
Chandeliers	decorative drop component suspended and embellished with crystal bead
Charms	small decorative element worn on a necklace or bracelet
Chipboard	Thicker than standard paper or cardstock, this sturdier material, also known as paperboard or game board, is used as a base for albums or embellishments in papercrafting.
Choker Necklace	Necklace that lies comfortably around the neck – great for off the shoulder or V neck styles usually made with multi-strands
Circle Cutter	A tool used to create circles from photographs or paper. These tools differ in style from track systems to a fixed base with adjustable sizes. Users should test each style to find the one that works best for their personal needs.
Clasp	Term used interchangeably with closure
Closures	Fastener that opens and closes a necklace or bracelet
Collage/mixed media	The random incorporation of visual elements within a design; uses a variety of materials such as metal, inks, papers, etc.
Collar Necklace	Necklace that lies just below the base of the neck - can be single or multi-stranded for dressy or daytime
Color Wheel	A tool designed to assist crafters and artists in developing cohesive color designs.
Connectors	element used to connect jewelry together – often created with a group of pearls, crystals and gemstones with eye loops on either side
Corner Rounder	This tool creates a specific curved cut out on the 90 degree corner of a material when force is applied.
Craft Knife	A cutting tool which holds a single straight edge blade and is often replaceable when the blade is dull.
Crimps	Tube or bead used to secure stung jewelry – can be flattened with a chain nose pliers around flexible beading wire or secured with a crimp pliers
Crop (in terms of photos and "crops")	Crop or cropping refers to the removal of elements from a photograph or design to highlight and strengthen its focus. "Crops" are the congregation of scrapbookers in one location for the purpose of scrapbooking, exchanging ideas, and social interaction.
Crystal Bead	high-quality faceted glass that captures and reflects light – Swarovski® is leading manufacturer
Crystal Wheel	Tool to aid in the selecting of crystal colors
Cube	Beads having six sides

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D

Dangles	Drops used to embellish earrings, bracelet or necklace
Decorative Scissors	"A hand operated cutting tool, containing two die cut blades, which creates a decorative pattern when a flat material is placed in between the blades and force is applied to squeeze them together. Or A pair of scissors whose blades contain a die cut edge which creates a distinct decorative pattern when cutting."
Decoupage	The art of decorating an object with random cutouts that are often layered with inks or gold leaf with a sealant applied to stabilize the design. Furniture, walls, boxes and many other elements are often the foundation for this type of craft project.
Die-Cut	Noun - A piece of material which was cut to mimic a specific shape or pattern, such as a flower or house shape cut from a piece of patterned paper or cardstock. Verb - to create a shape or pattern from a master stock of material, such as the pattern created on the edge of paper with decorative scissors, steel-rule die or plastic die.
Digital	Incorporation of technology in the design process. Often refers to the process of developing layout designs through the use of computer software.
Double-Mount/Mount/Mat	The placement of a photograph onto cardstock in order to frame the image or draw focus. Single, double and triple mats are used in a variety of proportions and dimensions in order to balance contrast and continuity throughout a layout design.

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E

Ear Posts	Finding used for earrings that hugs ear closely
Ear Wires	finding used for earrings that swings freely below earlobe
Embellishment	A general term for a decorative element which is added to papercrafting projects. For example: stickers, ribbons and flowers.
Embossed	An item that has been decorated with raised elements in which portions of a design have been set in relief in order to accent and create focus on the raised aspects of the design.
Embossing (Dry vs. Heat)	The process of creating a dimensional image on paper or other porous material. Heat embossing incorporates the use of ink and a fine powder that is then heated causing a reaction within the powder that raises the design and cements it to the foundation. Dry embossing is the art of using templates, generally made of brass, and a stylus in order to create an embossed design on paper.
Engraving Tool	Tool used for etching metal and other surfaces
Eye Loops	Term used to describe a wire loop shape for connecting or attaching
Eye Pins	pin with an eye on one end used to connect two elements together
Eyelet	A ring, usually made of metal, which helps reinforce a hole. When force is applied to the ring using a specific tool, the ring expands and is set in place. This is referred to as "setting the eyelet". One way papercrafters may use one of these is to reinforce holes in the binding of a mini album.

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F

Filigree	Lace-like ornamental work and detail
Findings	group of metal components used to provide structure in jewelry designs
Flat Backs Hotfix	flat back crystals with a heat activated adhesive
Flush Cutter	Tool for trimming wires
Foam Adhesive	Made of foam that is sandwiched between two pieces of adhesive tape, this type of adhesive is used to give dimension between two elements.
Frame Pendant	Frame pendant with shaped opening for use in combination with a coordinate punch

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G

Genealogy

The process whereby an individual traces the history of their family through the use of records and database content.

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H

Heritage	Something which is inherited from one's ancestors such as traditions, customs, culture and personal items.
Hotfix Tool	Heat tool used for adhering Hotfix crystals
Hybrid	The combination of both tactile and digital scrapbooking, in which some elements of a layout design are created digitally then printed and embellished with dimensional elements.

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I

Ink pads (types)	Ink pads used for stamping come in several common types: dye, washable, pigment, chalk, embossing, watermark, and solvent. Each may be used for a different purpose or effect. See Choosing an Ink. (link to STGSART2.doc)
Inking	This refers to the varying methods used to ink a stamp. See Applying Ink to a Stamp. (link to STGSART3.doc)

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J

Journaling	Journaling is the process of preserving the Who, What, Where, When and Why of featured photographs within a layout design. An essential element to scrapbooking, the process of journaling allows the writer to transfer thoughts, feeling and emotions onto paper.
Jump Rings	Round rings with a seam to connect elements together

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K

No terms posted for this letter

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L

Lariat Necklace	Open-ended necklace held together by a flexible element such as a drop or ring, usually 48” or longer
Layout	An organized display of scrapbook elements that becomes a story-telling devise. Includes photographs, paper, titles, journaling and embellishments.
Light Box	An electric tool which uses light under a tinted glass surface this tool is primarily used to trace or emboss with stencils, paper and stylus.
Lignin-free	Lignin is an organic substance found in the cell walls of plants. It is responsible for timber-based papers turning yellow and brittle. A good example of the presense of lignin is newspaper.
Lobster Claw	Simple closure used in combination with a ring – can be found in most any size or style – very popular closure
Locket	Charm or pendant that opens and can hold an image
LSS	Acronym referring to "Local Scrapbook Store"

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M

Magnetic Closures	Closures or pendany that locks in place by force of a magnet
Matinee Length Necklace	20 - 24” longer than the princess length and well suited for professional or casual attire
Memorabilia	Elements to which a person gives particular meaning. Often these items are associated with a particular person, place or thing and help evoke memory recall. i.e. postcards, ribbons, locks of hair.
Mini Book/Mini Album	A series of pages which are bound together to form a small book.
Mod Podge	A brand of decoupage glue.
Monochromatic Color Scheme	Mono refers to single. Chromo refers to color. Therefore monochromatic refers to a color scheme which utilizes the shades and tints found within a single color.
Muted Colors	Muted colors are colors in which grey has been added to tone down the color intensity. Also referred to as "Tonal" colors.

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N

No terms posted for this letter

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O

Opera Length Necklace 28 – 34"	A single dramatic necklace usually knotted or with an accent by the neckline – can be fashioned dressy or casual, works with high or low necklaces
Oval Cutter	A tool which uses a blade and templates designed to cut out ovals.

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P

Page Protectors/Sheet Protectors	Page Protectors, or Sheet Protectors, are clear pockets which protect its contents from outside elements. Top loading and side loading are two ways in which these protectors are categorized, which have to do with the way in which the layouts are inserted into the protectors.
Paper Piecing	The incorporation of cut pieces of paper to create an image. Paper piecing ranges from simple embellishments to complex layout designs.
Patterned Paper	Paper which contains a printed design and is commonly available in 6 x 6", 8 x 8", 8.5 x 11" and 12 x 12" sizes.
Pavé	Charm or pendant with many crystals set into it
Pearls	Natural beads formed inside the shell of oysters or mussels – glass pearls are also very common and made to emulate look of natural pearls
Pendants	the focal point of a necklace, bracelet or earring
pH Level	Term of measurement referring to the level of acidic content within a material.
pH Testing Pen	A pen for the purpose of testing acidity levels. When used on a product that contains an acid-free Ph level, the ink from this pen will remain inert. If an acidity level is present a color change will occur. Best used in a non-descript location on the item being tested.
Photo Corners	A triangular shape sticker which is constructed with a "pocket" area where you slip in a corner of a photo or paper. A combination of two or more of these stickers allows for such items to be stored on a flat surface without the item being adhered to the page.
Photo Safe	In order to be considered photo-safe, a material must be acid-free, lignin-free and chemically inert, thereby preventing any future damage to photographs.
Piercing	The use of a needle, awl or paper piercing tool to puncture holes into a piece of paper for the purpose of stitching or placement of eyelets and brads.
Post-Bound	The most common type of binding used in papercrafting albums, this binding uses two or more posts which go through holes in both the pages and covers of an album. This style allows for repositioning of the internal pages and expansion of the overall album. Post extenders can often be purchased in combination with this type of binding.
Princess Length Necklace	Versatile necklace length works well for daytime or evening – perfect for crystals, pearls and for pendants
Punch	A tool which creates a specific die cut when force is applied.
Punch Art	The creation of page enhancements incorporating the layering and embellishment of punched pieces. Often incorporates elements such as chalks, inks, stamps and foam adhesive to create dimensional punch art designs.
PVC	Polyvinyl Chloride. Refers to the plastic used primarily in "magnetic" photo albums. This plastic emits a gas that upon contact begins to dissolve color and imagery from photographs.

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Q

Quadratic	Referring to a color story in which the color pallete contains a combination of four colors in varying proportions.
Quilling	Tightly rolled thin strips of paper that are combined to create visual elements for a design.

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R

RAK	An acronym often used on scrapbooking/papercrafting message boards to refer to "Random Acts of Kindness"
Red-Eye Pen	A special writing tool, who's formula does not damage the emulsion surface of a photo, is designed to darken the bright "red eye" seen in some flash photos.
Refill Pages	Refill Pages are extra base pages purchased when one wants to expand an album. Papercrafters concerned with preserving their projects should look for such items which are listed as archival safe.
Repositionable Adhesive	A type of tacky material who's chemical make up does not allow for permanent adhesion and is used to help hold an item in place temporarily.
Right Angle Weave	Stitching technique uses needle and thread to lock beads together in a fabric like effect, also referred to as RAW, great technique to use with bicone crystals
Rondelle	Flat bead used to aid in the spacing of a necklace or bracelet
Rope Length Necklace over 45" long	Longest length often found with clasps placed in strategic locations – can transform any outfit into an elegant style
Round Nose Pliers	Pliers with conical shaped nose used to bend and shape wire

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S

Sanding	The act of using a coarse paper to distress elements of a layout design.
Scoops	Tools to aid in the selecting and collecting of beads or other material
Scrapbooking	The process of transferring photographs, memorabilia, embellishments and journaling onto layout designs in order to preserve a family's legacy.
Scraps	The bits and pieces of paper and stickers that are collected over the course of time by papercrafters
Secondary Colors	Secondary colors are colors that are created when equal amounts of two primary colors are blended together. (i.e. Red + Blue = Purple, Blue + Yellow = Green, Yellow + Red = Orange).
Shape Cutters	A tool which uses a blade and template designed to cut specific shapes.
S-Hook	Closure design in the shape of an "S"
Sliders	Modern-day charm, usually a two-hole connector bead, strung on cord or elastic
Soy-based Ink	All inks have a base, whether water, petroleum, or soy. Soy inks, while not 100% biodegradable, are considered to be much "greener" than petroleum-based inks.
Spacers	Beads used to provide separation and contrast to other larger or more dramatic focal beads
Specialty Paper	Referrs to paper which in addition to pattern, color or design has been enhanced. Good examples are embossed or debossed, vellum, flocked or glittered papers.
Specialty Pliers	Specialty pliers designed to quickly make wire wrap loops – has one round nose and a concave nose
Split Ring	Ring with a split in the center
Stamps (types)	Stamps come in several different types each having their advantages or appeal: wood-mounted rubber stamps, clear stamps, and foam-mounted rubber stamps. For more detail, read Selecting a Stamp. (link to STGSART1.doc)
Stencil	A template which creates a specific shape when used with the combination of a writing, cutting or embossing tool. The desired shape is cut out of the template material which is made from acrylic, plastic or brass. One then runs a writing, cutting or embossing tool around the shape to trace, cut or emboss a desired shape.
Sticker	A design element containing an adhesive backing which can be flat or dimensional.
Storage Containers	Special designed containers for dispensing crystals
Stringing Wire	Flexible wire used to make jewelry
Swap	A term referring to the exchange of ideas or projects. In papercrafting, a swap is an event where each participating member is assigned a specific craft project for which they recreate identical copies for each contributor to the swap.
Symmetrical Design	A design that is the same on both sides, mirroring each other.

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T

Tape Runner	A plastic dispenser of dry adhesive which often contains a roller to help adhesive glide across paper for easy application. The adhesive dispensed may come in the form of thin strips, small shapes or solid tacky glues.
Tertiary Colors	Browns & Grays. These colors are created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color that contains a combination the two remaining primary colors.
Theme	The unifying subject or idea of a project.
Theme Album	A scrapbook in which each element revolves around a central topic, person or place.
Tint	Terminology which refers to the addition of white to a pure color.
Toggles	Closure used for a bracelet or necklace made up of two parts: a circle and a bar
Triadic	Referring to a color story in which the color pallete contains a combination of three colors in varying proportions.
Trimmer	This basic papercrafting tool quickly cuts down larger sheets of paper, photos or flat printed materials. Most commonly, this tool contains a grid or ruler system for accurate straight cuts for papers 12" in length.
Tweezers	Tool used to aid in picking up beads or other fine materials

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U

No terms posted for this letter

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V

Vellum

A semi translucent type of flat material. Thin versions of this material are used to trace elements due to it's translucent nature. Papercrafters often use this material to print text which is then placed over a patterned paper, allowing for both elements to be seen.

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W

Watch Face	Numbered dial of a watch to tell the time
White Metal	alloys with tin or zinc used most commonly in costume jewelry