New England Eeyore
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2004
We crazy swappers thought it would be helpful to have a glossary of swap elements to help the new swappers learn our “language.” 
This list is meant to be a general guideline for new swappers. Hostesses of a particular swap may have their own set of rules that supercede any explanations here.
Note: for the examples I tried to limit it to photos where the element was alone in the photo, so that limited it to a few swaps. Make sure you browse the “Swap Gallery” for TONS more examples.
This site is fantastic for all sorts of techniques: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/articles.html. I’ve linked to this site for specific articles relating to the elements.
Most commonly used elements:
Topper – a “title” for the page, horizontal, usually 8 inches wide so it can be used on a variety of page sizes. No handwriting is used but computer fonts, die cut letters or stickers can be.
Examples:
Zoo Topper
Adventureland Topper
Donald Topper
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/toppers.html
Borders - usually vertical, 11 or 12 inches in length, depending on the swap, usually done in a pair
Examples:
Borders 1
Borders 2
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/borders.html
Journaling boxes – a space to journal on, typically at least a 3x3 inch writing area, double matted and embellished somehow, usually 2 per person
Examples:
Journal box 1
Journal Box 2
Journal Box 3
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/journaling_boxes.html
4 Embellished squares – small decorative elements, should be double matted and embellished. AKA deco squares. A specific type of these is serendipity squares.
Examples:
Four squares
Four squares 2
Links:
Serendipity squares: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/article_serendipity_squares.htm
Deco squares : http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/deco_squares.html
Stamped Serendipity squares: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/stamped_serendipity.html
Embellished Shapes:
Requirements are the same as embellished squares, but instead can be any other shape.
Examples:
Embellished Snowflakes
Embellished circles
Embellished flowers
Photo Frames – usually 2 per person, a frame to surround a 4 x 6 person, embellished in some way. Sizzix makes several frame dies or you can create your own.
Examples:
Frames
Frame (With license plate)
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/punched_frame.html
Photo Mats – a mat to fit a 4 x 6 picture, double matted and embellished in some way, usually 2 per person. Bottom mat is usually 4.5 x 6.5, top mat is usually 4.25 x 6.25
Examples:
Photo Mats
Photo Mats 2
Photo Mats 3
Tags – A decorative element that may be shaped like the typical tag shape (like a mailing tag) but there is lots of room for flexibility in size and shape. A swap may call for two tags per person, or one large tag. They should be double matted and have either fibers or eyelets in the holes.
Examples:
Tag that could be used as a journal box
Tag that is a shaker box
2 tags
2 Tags
Slide Mounts –You can alter or embellish and actual slide mount or create your own out of cardstock. The mounts are available in a variety of colors and shapes, or Sizzix makes a die with 4 shapes on it. Usually 2 per person.
Examples:
3 slide mounts
Altered Slide Mount Swap - lots of examples
Links:
Easy altered slide mounts: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/altered_slidemounts.html
Make room for slide mounts on your layouts: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/article_slide_mounts.html
Covering slide mounts with paper: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/covering_slide.html
B&MB's class:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1505431
Box 'n Tag – one journaling box and one tag, as defined above.
Examples:
Box and Tag
Box and Tag 2
Mini file folder – just as it sounds, Sizzix makes a couple dies for this or you can create your own using a template.
Examples:
File Folder 1
File Folder 2
File Folder 3
File Folder 4
File Folder 5
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/file_folder.html
Template: http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/images/minifolder.gif
Library pocket and tag – A tag inside a pocket (like the pockets you will find in some library books). Sizzix makes a die for the pocket or there are many templates online. You make these whatever size you like by editing the size of the template. There is flexibility for shape as well.
Examples:
Pocket and Tag 1
Pocket and Tag 2
Link:
http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/library_pocket.html
Templates:
http://scrapbooking.about.com/library/weekly/bllibrarypockettemplate.htm
http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/library.htm
Matted Poem or song Lyric – Some sort of poem/lyric/quote or other passage that is printed (no handwriting), double matted and embellished.
Examples:
June 08 Quote Swap - many many examples
Shaker Box – a 3-D element with small beads, glitter, punches or other items inside that when you shake it, move. Hence the name. See the links for detailed instruction on how to make them.
Examples:
Tag that is a shaker box
Shaker box
Shaker Box 2
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/article_shaker_boxes.html
Tips from DISers: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1100112
Miss Bianca's DIS Shaker Boxes 101 class: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1338040
Paper Piecing – layering patterned paper or cardstock on top of each other to create an accent. Coloring books are a great source for patterns. See more detailed directions in links. Cricut and Sizzix also allow you to create paper piecings.
Examples:
Cricut Paper piecing
Sizzix Paper piecing
From-scratch Paper piecing
Links: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/paper_piecing.html
http://scrapbooking.about.com/od/piecingtechniques/Paper_Piecing_Techniques.htm
http://scrapbooking.about.com/od/freepatterns/Free_Paper_Piecing_Patterns.htm
Bottlecaps – this involves altering the commercially available plain bottle caps.
Examples:
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2051606780098429939aTGlqe
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2044590370098429939erSeDF
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/bottlecap_ideas.html
License Plate:
The collective brainpower that is the Creative Community could not come up with a coherent way to describe these items. Look at these pictures and go from there.
Examples:
3 examples
License Plate
License plate 2
Altered Letter:
At least 4 inches big. Double matted. Embellished at least 2 ways. This can be sewn, inked, chalked or other embellishments appplied such as Jolee's, QK , stones, etc.
Examples:
Altered Soccer "S"
Altered Peter Pan "P"
Altered Germany "G"
Matchbook:
Just like it sounds, a workable matchbook that opens to hold one or more pieces of paper that could be used for journalling or smaller photos.
Examples:
Matchbook cover
Matchbook open
Altered paper clips:
Should be 2 inch jumbo clips, altered in some way.
Examples:
Altered Paper Clips
Altered Paper Clip Swap Group 1
Altered Paper Clip Swap Group 2
Altered CD:
Decorative element. Can be made using two methods - 1) by covering an actual CD with cardstock or printed paper and embellishing appropriately OR 2) by cutting a paper circle the size of a CD (approx. 5" diameter) and embellishing accordingly. Typically 1 per person.
Examples:
Altered CD 1
Altered CD 2 (part of kit)
Featured Instructions- B&MB's Classroom Tutorials:
Die Cut Layering 101
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1336450
Shaker Box 101
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1338040
Clipboard 101:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1497522
Slide Mounts 101
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1505431
Newbies – feel free to ask any questions you have. Veterans – feel free to post things I’ve missed that you think should be on the list, any tips you have for newbies, or any websites you find helpful.
This list is meant to be a general guideline for new swappers. Hostesses of a particular swap may have their own set of rules that supercede any explanations here.
Note: for the examples I tried to limit it to photos where the element was alone in the photo, so that limited it to a few swaps. Make sure you browse the “Swap Gallery” for TONS more examples.
This site is fantastic for all sorts of techniques: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/articles.html. I’ve linked to this site for specific articles relating to the elements.
Most commonly used elements:
Topper – a “title” for the page, horizontal, usually 8 inches wide so it can be used on a variety of page sizes. No handwriting is used but computer fonts, die cut letters or stickers can be.
Examples:
Zoo Topper
Adventureland Topper
Donald Topper
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/toppers.html
Borders - usually vertical, 11 or 12 inches in length, depending on the swap, usually done in a pair
Examples:
Borders 1
Borders 2
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/borders.html
Journaling boxes – a space to journal on, typically at least a 3x3 inch writing area, double matted and embellished somehow, usually 2 per person
Examples:
Journal box 1
Journal Box 2
Journal Box 3
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/journaling_boxes.html
4 Embellished squares – small decorative elements, should be double matted and embellished. AKA deco squares. A specific type of these is serendipity squares.
Examples:
Four squares
Four squares 2
Links:
Serendipity squares: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/article_serendipity_squares.htm
Deco squares : http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/deco_squares.html
Stamped Serendipity squares: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/stamped_serendipity.html
Embellished Shapes:
Requirements are the same as embellished squares, but instead can be any other shape.
Examples:
Embellished Snowflakes
Embellished circles
Embellished flowers
Photo Frames – usually 2 per person, a frame to surround a 4 x 6 person, embellished in some way. Sizzix makes several frame dies or you can create your own.
Examples:
Frames
Frame (With license plate)
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/punched_frame.html
Photo Mats – a mat to fit a 4 x 6 picture, double matted and embellished in some way, usually 2 per person. Bottom mat is usually 4.5 x 6.5, top mat is usually 4.25 x 6.25
Examples:
Photo Mats
Photo Mats 2
Photo Mats 3
Tags – A decorative element that may be shaped like the typical tag shape (like a mailing tag) but there is lots of room for flexibility in size and shape. A swap may call for two tags per person, or one large tag. They should be double matted and have either fibers or eyelets in the holes.
Examples:
Tag that could be used as a journal box
Tag that is a shaker box
2 tags
2 Tags
Slide Mounts –You can alter or embellish and actual slide mount or create your own out of cardstock. The mounts are available in a variety of colors and shapes, or Sizzix makes a die with 4 shapes on it. Usually 2 per person.
Examples:
3 slide mounts
Altered Slide Mount Swap - lots of examples
Links:
Easy altered slide mounts: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/altered_slidemounts.html
Make room for slide mounts on your layouts: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/article_slide_mounts.html
Covering slide mounts with paper: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/covering_slide.html
B&MB's class:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1505431
Box 'n Tag – one journaling box and one tag, as defined above.
Examples:
Box and Tag
Box and Tag 2
Mini file folder – just as it sounds, Sizzix makes a couple dies for this or you can create your own using a template.
Examples:
File Folder 1
File Folder 2
File Folder 3
File Folder 4
File Folder 5
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/file_folder.html
Template: http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/images/minifolder.gif
Library pocket and tag – A tag inside a pocket (like the pockets you will find in some library books). Sizzix makes a die for the pocket or there are many templates online. You make these whatever size you like by editing the size of the template. There is flexibility for shape as well.
Examples:
Pocket and Tag 1
Pocket and Tag 2
Link:
http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/library_pocket.html
Templates:
http://scrapbooking.about.com/library/weekly/bllibrarypockettemplate.htm
http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/library.htm
Matted Poem or song Lyric – Some sort of poem/lyric/quote or other passage that is printed (no handwriting), double matted and embellished.
Examples:
June 08 Quote Swap - many many examples
Shaker Box – a 3-D element with small beads, glitter, punches or other items inside that when you shake it, move. Hence the name. See the links for detailed instruction on how to make them.
Examples:
Tag that is a shaker box
Shaker box
Shaker Box 2
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/article_shaker_boxes.html
Tips from DISers: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1100112
Miss Bianca's DIS Shaker Boxes 101 class: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1338040
Paper Piecing – layering patterned paper or cardstock on top of each other to create an accent. Coloring books are a great source for patterns. See more detailed directions in links. Cricut and Sizzix also allow you to create paper piecings.
Examples:
Cricut Paper piecing
Sizzix Paper piecing
From-scratch Paper piecing
Links: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/paper_piecing.html
http://scrapbooking.about.com/od/piecingtechniques/Paper_Piecing_Techniques.htm
http://scrapbooking.about.com/od/freepatterns/Free_Paper_Piecing_Patterns.htm
Bottlecaps – this involves altering the commercially available plain bottle caps.
Examples:
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2051606780098429939aTGlqe
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2044590370098429939erSeDF
Link: http://www.scrapfriends.us/articles/bottlecap_ideas.html
License Plate:
The collective brainpower that is the Creative Community could not come up with a coherent way to describe these items. Look at these pictures and go from there.
Examples:
3 examples
License Plate
License plate 2
Altered Letter:
At least 4 inches big. Double matted. Embellished at least 2 ways. This can be sewn, inked, chalked or other embellishments appplied such as Jolee's, QK , stones, etc.
Examples:
Altered Soccer "S"
Altered Peter Pan "P"
Altered Germany "G"
Matchbook:
Just like it sounds, a workable matchbook that opens to hold one or more pieces of paper that could be used for journalling or smaller photos.
Examples:
Matchbook cover
Matchbook open
Altered paper clips:
Should be 2 inch jumbo clips, altered in some way.
Examples:
Altered Paper Clips
Altered Paper Clip Swap Group 1
Altered Paper Clip Swap Group 2
Altered CD:
Decorative element. Can be made using two methods - 1) by covering an actual CD with cardstock or printed paper and embellishing appropriately OR 2) by cutting a paper circle the size of a CD (approx. 5" diameter) and embellishing accordingly. Typically 1 per person.
Examples:
Altered CD 1
Altered CD 2 (part of kit)
Featured Instructions- B&MB's Classroom Tutorials:
Die Cut Layering 101
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1336450
Shaker Box 101
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1338040
Clipboard 101:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1497522
Slide Mounts 101
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1505431
Newbies – feel free to ask any questions you have. Veterans – feel free to post things I’ve missed that you think should be on the list, any tips you have for newbies, or any websites you find helpful.
Thank you! 
