Scrapbooking Basics: The Supplies

When you go into a craft, or scrapbook supply store, it can be somewhat overwhelming as you stroll through the aisles. Just like grocery shopping, if you don't have a list of what to get you can easily get distracted, or overwhelmed by all there is on the shelves. The "impulse shopping" bug can take hold, and you end up leaving the store with a lot of things that you did not intend to get. Or you walk out, utterly confused and frustrated, having purchased nothing.

Armed with a list of the basics, you will have a better idea of what you are looking for, which will help you be more focused. And you will have a more enjoyable experience. Below is your shopping list of some basic scrapbooking supplies.

1. Paper - Basic scrapbook papers are usually sold as individual sheets. They may be solid, patterned, or even themed. Cardstock is thicker paper that is often used for layout backgrounds. What you get may depend on the pictures you intend to put in your layout, and the size of your project. Scrapbook paper and cardstock is sold 12 x 12 inch or 8 x 11 inch sheets. What is most important, and a basic rule of scrapbooking, is the paper and cardstock must be acid and lignin-free.
2. Scrapbook Album - There are several sizes to choose from when it comes to picking out an album for your project. Standard album sizes are 12 in. x 12 in., 8 x 11, 6 x 6, and you may find smaller yet, 4 in. x 4 in. The larger sized albums offer more room for photos and layouts, and are good for archiving larger events, or chronicling a longer period of time. Smaller sized albums are good for scrapbooking a special occasion, and for gifts or brag books.
3. Paper and Photo Trimmers - Basically, if you have a sharp pair of scissors, you have what you need to trim paper, or crop photos. However, there are paper trimmers of varying size that will make cutting photos or paper to size a lot quicker and neater. These are similar to cutting boards, but are smaller and more specific in purpose. A paper trimmer also comes handy for cutting a perfectly straight edge, and is quicker and safer than using a craft knife with a ruler.
4. Photo-safe Adhesive - For basic scrapbooking, to adhere photos into your layout a glue stick, liquid glue pen, or double sided adhesive does the trick. As with other photo archiving supplies, the adhesive must also be photo-safe, meaning acid-free. Be aware, there are temporary (repositionable) and permanent types of adhesive. You may also choose to use photo corners. They all have their uses. As do liquid vs. tape adhesives. Ahhh-but that's for another article.
5. Journaling pens - Telling the story or documenting the details of a special occasion in a scrapbook is referred to as journaling. While the writing can be done with a word processor, putting the journaling in your own handwriting adds a more personal touch and an added sentiment to your project. Look for acid free, archival quality pens. They come in a variety of colors, so you are sure to find the right pen to fit your scrapbook project.

These are the basic supplies that will get you started in laying out your photographs in a scrapbook. Having them at hand when you sit down to start your project will help the process go more smoothly. Pretty soon you'll have your pictures arranged in your scrapbook, with the story told through your journaling. Be it a gift for someone else, or a book to hold your family photos, even using just the basic supplies, you can create a memento that is sure to be appreciated by all who look through it, for years to come.

About the Author: Lauren Haugh is Top Line Creations Independent Consultant, #420635, and your Retreat Coordinator at Mom's Online Retreat.  © 2006

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