Scrapbooking embellishments in many cases are the difference between a mediocre layout and a superb one. The difficulty however, is that the cost of these little trinkets can add up very quickly when you get them from a store.

So in this piece I want to show you one of my favourite cheap scrapbooking tips using an item that you already have lying around the house - jigsaw puzzles! Almost everybody has a puzzle or two just gathering dust, so here are three methods to put them to some good use in your scrapbooks.

Photo Frame

Firstly, assemble a piece of your puzzle to match the size and shape of the photograph you have chosen for your layout. Usually this is a square or rectangle, however you may also make it a rounder shape if you like.

Then, meticulously remove the pieces from the centre, leaving a boarder that’s only one row of puzzle pieces thick. You can now place the puzzle border over the top of your photo and mount it to your page.

Page Boarder

Just like the photograph frame boarder, you can apply the same method for making page boarders. You may simply have to assemble more of the puzzle, and possibly run a line of sticky tape along the back to hold it all together.

Featured Embellishment

The basic idea behind this technique is to use a chunk of the puzzle that has a picture in it, and not the boarder. So like the two methods above, assemble a piece of the puzzle with a picture in it that you would like to use.

It could be an aeroplane, a kitten, or possibly a barbie doll. When you’ve finished making the puzzle section, flip in over and once again place some sticky tape on the back to hold it all together.

You can now place the puzzle picture in your layout the same way as any other embellishment.

To get tons more simple and cheap scrapbooking ideas visit Janette Miller’s site now where you can also download ten free scrapbooking layouts!