Getting Started Scrapbooking with Basic Supplies

Scrapbooking is one of the most popular hobbies in the country. Scrapbooking gives you a way to preserve not just your pictures, but the memories that go along with them. But with thousands of scrapbooking supplies out there, it can be very overwhelming to someone who is just getting started. While all the new scrapbooking supplies out there are fun, there are just a few basic supplies you need to get started.

Paper

The most basic scrapbooking supply you need is paper. Most people like to include a mix of cardstock (thicker, plain colored paper) and patterned paper in their scrapbooks. Scrapbook papers come in the same sizes as albums (with 12x12 the most popular) and are acid-free. Before using a paper in your scrapbook, make sure that it is acid-free; this will keep your photos and scrapbooks safe for generations to come. All of the open-stock scrapbook paper sold at major craft store chains is acid-free. Choose colors that you like and that go well with your pictures. There are also a multitude of themed paper for occasions (holidays, vacations, etc.).

Adhesives & Pens

Next to paper, the scrapbooking supply that you will use most often is adhesive. This is what you will use to glue down all of your paper and pictures in your scrapbook. Adhesive should also be acid-free, and comes in a wide variety of styles. I prefer a roller-type adhesive that comes in a refillable dispenser. Adhesive squares are also popular as are glue sticks. You will also want a pen to journal in your scrapbook with. A plain thin-tip black pen will go the farthest (of course, make sure that it is acid-free and designed for scrapbooking), but you can also buy a wide variety of tips and colors to add doodling, titles, and flair to your pages.

Albums

Finally, you need an album to put your scrapbook pages in. Choose an album that opens flat and that comes with refill pages, as few scrapbookers can complete an entire album in the 10-15 pages that come in a standard album. The easiest type of album to use is a post-bound album, which makes it easy to add extra pages and generally opens flat even when it is full.

Embellishments

Beyond the basic scrapbooking supplies are embellishments. These are the little extras that you can add to your scrapbook pages. Stickers are a very basic scrapbook embellishment supply that can add a lot to your pages. They come in every theme imaginable; there are also hundreds of letter stickers to create your titles. As you add more advanced scrapbook supplies to your pages, you can also incorporate brads, buttons ribbons, rub-ons, stamping, and more.