Scrapbooking Supplies

 When it comes to choosing or buying scrapbooking supplies, one just might shake their head in bewilderment, and try to figure out where to start.  There’s definitely not a shortage when it comes to your options. You simply might get discouraged and just forget your whole scrapbooking project.  Depending on how many scrapbooks you have done in the past will determine what supplies you need.  If you are just getting started in scrapbooking, you need the basics, such as an album, acid free paper, page protectors, scissors and adhesive.

This all sounds simple enough, right?  Right, that is until you walk into a scrapbooking store.  I know the first time I walked into one, I didn’t know which way to turn first.  I don’t know how to describe it.  I only needed a few items, but needless to say, I stayed there a long time looking up and down the aisles in amazement.  How do you stay focused when it comes to buying scrapbooking supplies?  Take a list and adhere to it.  Stay focused on why you went there in the first place.  I know from personal experience that is much, much easier said than done.

ALBUMS

Choosing an album is no longer just a choice of a few different colored ones.  Now there are different sizes. You can find anywhere from a 12” x12” down to 6” x 6” or even smaller!  They also come three ringed, postbound, hinged or spiral.  Some albums already have themes on the covers like birthdays, sports, military, which is convenient.  Depending on how big your project is will probably determine if you purchase one that you can add pages to it or not.  No matter which one you purchase, make sure it’s archival quality and that the pages are acid free.

PAPER

There are many choices out there for paper.  You can buy solid colors, patterned, themes, and decorative to name a few.  You can purchase individual sheets or kits that are already pre-decorated and have a theme, or a packet with various colors or patterns. Take your time to browse through all the different types and choose what will work best for you.

SCISSORS and PAPER TRIMMERS

You need a pair of scissors that are sharp to be able to cut items easily.  Buy a pair that is comfortable.  It’s also nice to have scissors that are able to cut decorative borders and designs. Paper trimmers come in very handy, and are different sizes.  If possible, try to buy a trimmer that you could use a 12” x 12” sheet of paper.  You can then use it to cut smaller sheets if you need to.  It’s hard to use a smaller trimmer on a large piece of paper.  You may not need a trimmer at all.  I know I have to use one, because I can’t cut a straight line to save my life.

PENS, MARKERS, CHALK AND RUBBER STAMPS.

There is an abundance of types of pens, markers and chalk.  There are magic markers, hi-liters, gel inks, shimmering ink, chalks, and colored pencils.  The list of items as well as the colors is endless. Buy colors that you can use for several projects and not just limited to your current one.  Make sure that you buy ones that are photo safe and acid free, especially if you plan on writing on your pictures so you don't damage them.

ADHESIVES

There is a multitude of options out there to fasten your items in your scrapbook.  A few examples are the glue sticks, sprayers, double-sided tapes, tapes dispensers, glue dots etc, etc, etc…  Make sure that you notice if it’s permanent or not.  Some adhesives take a few hours before they become permanent and that allows you to decide if you want to make any changes in the layout or not.  Speaking from personal experience, that is a very convenient feature for me.  I think the best thing is that adhesives have come such a long way.  They are no longer messy and get all over everything, and the fact that you can place some heavy embellishments without having to worry about them falling off is wonderful.

STICKERS

There are so many stickers to choose from that at times it almost seems impossible.  You name it; there is more than likely a sticker for it.  They too come in all different shapes, sizes and forms.  At times they have personalities of their own.  Some  are flat, poofy or glittery.  They can have themes anywhere from family, vacations, states and countries, events, animals, sports and the list goes on.  It is hard not to find stickers related to your subject.

EMBELLISHMENTS

Like stickers, there has been a drastic improvement in the embellishments currently available.  Some already have adhesives, while others have different attaching mechanism.  They can include but aren’t limited to ribbons, string, charms and eyelets. I have a lot of fun using these embellishments in my scrapbooks.  They add to the uniqueness and characteristics of the page.

SCRAPBOOKING TOOLS

Some of the tools required can be found around the house and it is less things to need to purchase.  The ones that come to my mind are tweezers, a needle to poke holes in paper or pictures and a hammer.  Items that you can buy are eyelet setter, interchangeable hole puncher, rounded edge pliers.  There are tool kits available that include some or all of these items.

Bottom line is you can spend as much or as little as you want and still come out with the desired effect with your scrapbook.  There are plenty of bits and pieces around the house to use.  Keep your mind open, and look around for some of those ideas to hit you.  Whatever you do don’t give up and continue to scrap away.