Help! What Should I Buy?
Picture this scenario: You’ve decided you want to start
scrapbooking. So you wander into a scrapbook store and
stop dead in your tracks. You never imagined there could
be so much variety for one innocent little hobby! You are
bound to be overwhelmed by the amazing amount of choice
there is.
If you’re just starting to scrapbook you may wonder what
tools and basic scrapbook supplies you really need to get
started. How on earth are you to decide what you need and
what you can live without for now? To help you get started
I've whittled down the possibilities to just the basics.
Be Safe Not Sorry
Before you spend your hard earned cash for anything, be
sure you are purchasing photo safe products. These days
almost every paper, pen, die cut and album in scrapbook
stores is marked photo safe, archival, acid-free or lignin
free. Still you should always check to be sure.
Be wary of scrapbook products sold at discount stores.
Sometimes they aren’t acid-free. Check the packaging and
if in doubt, you probably shouldn’t buy. You can check
products at home with a ph pen. They are very inexpensive
and worth the bit of insurance to make sure the products
you use in your scrapbook are really safe.
You should also use it to check your memorabilia. If you
find something that is acidic you can use archival mist, a
spray that neutralizes the acid in paper, or you can encase
the item in special photo sleeves.
Making a List, Checking it Twice
If you are just starting out, the basic scrapbook supplies
list below will get you started on the right track:
1. Scrapbook album - Of course you will need a scrapbook
album. There are more choices today than you can imagine
with different sizes, bindings and covers to choose from.
The most useful for the majority of scrapbookers is either
an 8.5” x 11” or a 12” x 12”. Most importantly be sure it
is archival quality (i.e. acid and lignin free).
2. Photo trimmer - Secondly, you will need a photo
trimmer. Of course you could use a sharp pair of
scissors. But why would you want to? It is almost
impossible to cut a straight line by hand. Would you use
lawn clippers to mow the lawn? I doubt it! I find a photo
trimmer a complete necessity.
"But", you say, "I don't want to trim my pictures."
Well... you may think you won't, but I’ll bet when you start
putting pages together you will want to trim a few pictures
to bring the focus in on the subject and to leave room on
your page for more pictures and journaling. Even if you
don't trim your photos you will want to cut mats and
probably trim paper for borders etc.
3. Adhesive - The next item is scrapbook adhesive. You
will need some way to glue your pictures, mats and other
items to your scrapbook pages. Again, be sure to use acid
free adhesive. For now you will just want a basic photo
tape or photo squares. You can always add specialty
adhesives later.
4. Pens - Photo safe pens are another necessity. Please
don’t use ordinary ball point pens or markers. They
contain acid and may bleed and fade over time. Choose pens
that are acid-free, bleed proof and fade proof. For now
you can just purchase a black pen, but if you love color,
you might want to invest a little more in a pack of pens
for some variety. You usually save by buying by the pack
and if you're pretty sure you will use them go ahead.
5. Page protectors - Page protectors may seem like an
unnecessary purchase, but believe me, I speak from
experience, they are a must! After you've invested time
and money into your scrapbook, and you've gone to great
lengths to make sure everything is acid-free, don't make
the mistake of not protecting your scrapbook pages with
page protectors. I did and lived to regret it. One little
spill can ruin an entire album. Pages rub together and
your photos will get scratched - I know - some of mine did.
Some albums come with page protectors, but if not, please
be sure to purchase them when you buy your album.
6. Cardstock - Finally invest in at least a few sheets of
cardstock. You may also want to pick up a few printed
papers too, but be careful. It's best to do a little pre-
planning of pages and buy the paper you want to go with the
pages you plan to put together, at least until you have
some experience and you feel a little more at ease deciding
what you need.
One other item that is not essential but is very helpful
is some type of idea book or magazine.
Now For Some Real Fun!
There are scads of embellishments you can purchase to add
fun and beauty, depth and character to your scrapbook. If
you just can't resist, I suggest buying a kit to start
with. That way everything will coordinate and you usually
get ideas for using them.
Once you've purchased and used the basic scrapbook
supplies, you can always go back and add embellishments
such as stickers, charms and ribbons later. Get started by
creating very simple pages using paper, then go nuts and
add all the embellishments you want. Just remember to keep
it simple.
Happy Scrappin!
