You can start scrapbooking with the most basic of supplies. The very basics include a safe-acid free album; page protectors for the album (using safe plastic); ruler; rubber; lead pencil; scissors; photo safe adhesive; photo safe, waterproof, fade-resistant and quick drying pen; and acid/lignin free paper for background and embellishing the page. Be aware that purchasing scrapbook supplies can be expensive. Don’t rush out and buy everything at once.

 

Albums

Purchase an acid-free, lignin free, PVC free album. If money is a bit tight you could start with just the pages and save for the actual album. The choice of album is very personal. There are many different sized albums – however 12"x12" albums are by far the most popular (yes page sizes are in inches because the craft has evolved from America). The other thing to consider is if you would like a post bound, strap or ring binder type album. The cost of photo albums varies greatly from around $20.00 to over $100.00. The average price is around $25.00 to $50.00. Every scrapbooker has a different opinion on the type of album that they find easiest to use. Many scrapbookers like 3 ring binders because it is so easy to insert and remove pages. Post bound and strap-hinged albums are popular but are a little more time consuming to insert and remove pages.  Many scrapbookers like the ease of use that a top loading system provides.

 

Adhesives

For beginners a tab dispenser and dots glue dispenser are ideal. A tab dispenser such as the ones made by 3L or Herma are ideal for adhering photos and paper and is very easy to use. The dots glue dispenser is great for adhering small items such as cut outs and has the added advantage of being repositional if you make a mistake. Once you are ready to advance from basic pages vellum tape is ideal for adhering vellum (see through paper) and other see through items that you don’t want the glue visible. Double side tape is another popular item, which is transparent for adhering difficult items. Double-sided foam adhesive such as Magic Mount or Foam Layering Tape gives a 3-D effect.

 

Pens

Pens are used for adding titles to a page and for journaling. Make sure the pens you use contain pigment ink and are labelled acid-free, waterproof and permanent. Pens are available in many colours and styles. Start with a black pen, as this would probably be used the most for your journaling. The styles of pens include calligraphy, scroll, brush, bullet, chisel, dual, fine and medium tips. A favourite is the Zig Writer. Great for headings and can be used for journaling as well. The Zig Writer has a thin and thick end.

 

Scissors

A quality pair of straight, fine tipped scissors are definitely an essential scrapbooking item. Fiskar’s soft touch micro-tip scissors are popular with Scrapbookers. Their micro tip enables you to cut precisely in tight spaces, the handles are easy to grip and are suitable for left or right handed.

 

Paper

Coloured paper can be used to mat photos, create boarders, use in background and for punch out shapes. The paper must be acid and lignin free. Paper comes in a huge range of colours, textures, thickness and designs. Cardstock is heavier paper is great for use as the base of the page. Cardstock or patterned paper can be used to embellish your page.

 

Ruler

A clear ruler is ideal for scrapbooking as you can see where you have ruled your lines. A quilters’ ruler is another great tool to help ensure that your photos are straight.

 

Other Useful Supplies

Paper Trimmer

After you have obtained the basic supplies you can start scrapbooking, but of course there are many other items that can expand your creative options. Perhaps the most useful extra item to purchase is a paper trimmer, such as the Cutterpede from EK Success. It Makes full 12" cuts and is perfect for 12" X 12" papers. You can also purchase different cutting shuttles – perforating, scoring, wave, deckle, zig zag and scallop.

 

Cutting Tools

You can purchase circle and oval cutters and tools that can create all sorts of shapes. While these are not essential items that certainly save time and give you a cleaner edge than you will achieve with scissors.

 

Other Great Options

	Stickers – that are acid free provide a quick and easy way to decorate your page. Stickers are available in just about any theme.
	Die-cuts – are pre-cut shapes out of paper or cardboard. Die-cuts are available in endless range of styles and colours.
	Stencils – enable you to trace different shapes onto photos, paper or cardboard so you can cut them out. Stencils are used to make headings, your own die-cuts or to crop photos.
	Punches – are handy tools to create shapes from small to large to embellish your scrapbook pages. Punches are a great way to use up scraps of paper.
	Decorative edge cutters – can be used to make decorative edges and boards. The range of different decorative edge scissors is amazing.
	Stamps – Stamping is a popular craft in it’s own right. You can combine stamping with scrapbooking to enhance your pages. It is important to use acid-free inkpads.

 

There are many other extras, too many to list here. You will soon learn that shopping for supplies is just as much fun as scrapping.

 

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