Mesh easily adds instant dimension
By Susan Larson
A scrapbooking element that instantly and easily adds dimension and interest to scrapbook pages of all types is mesh.
There are at least three companies that sell mesh -- Magic Mesh, Scrapyard 329 and Magic Scraps. Each company¶s mesh offers the same popular 3-D dimension, but each with a different twist.
Magic Mesh is possibly the most well-known of meshes marketed to scrapbookers. Magic Mesh comes in many sizes of weaves and over 21 colors. It already has adhesive applied-- so you can just press it into place. This mesh is also very malleable -one can pull it into somewhat different shapes. Though it is self-adhesive, Magic Mesh is repositionable so you can change your mind and move it around your page.
Scrapyard 329 has mesh made out of actual wire and comes in three colors: silver, gold and black. It lends a cool, urban look to scrapbook pages. This mesh is not self-adhesive, but a small amount of good, tacky glue or glue dots are recommended to hold it in place. The company promises that all the metal embellishments it sells are scrapbook safe.
Magic Scraps offers two different types of mesh: coastal netting and sinamay. Both of these meshes have a more random weave and a more exotic look. There are 10 colors of coastal netting and 12 colors of sinamay which features an even looser weave. Again, you need to use your own adhesive on these messages, but tacky glue, glue dots or running it through a Xyron machine works well. Magic Scraps is well-known as an innovative embellishment company.
What can you do with mesh?
* Layer it under
page elements for dimension or over elements to give a subdued look.
* Apply to cardstock or patterned paper and cut out shapes and letters You can
use a Sizzix, or other die-cut machine, a punch, Fiskars shapers or any cutting
system.
* Use it under photos or die-cuts as a textured mat.
* Create an instant border -- add it to both sides of a double-page layout for
a formal, balanced look or layer it over patterned-paper borders and die-cuts.
* Change the color of lighter mesh by chalking or staining with ink pads or
markers -- Just give it a chance to dry. Or use mesh as a stencil by chalking
over it and then removing the mesh to reveal the pattern beneath.
* Weave wire, ribbon, string, or anything through the mesh I have also seen
some very beautiful mesh toppers and accent squares accented with beads.
* Use carefully placed strip of mesh as a total background to your page.
* Cut into triangle and use as photo corners.
* Use it to border the top of a half-page memorabilia pocket.
* Make it the foundation of a page topper or cut letters for your title out of it.
From pages masculine to elegant, mesh is a great way to add dimension without bulk. Mesh is also great for other page elements such as tags, and you can get double-duty out of it by using it when you make cards.