A Quick-Start Guide to Scrapbooking
I started scrapbooking about three years ago. When I decided to
take the big leap into what has become a beloved hobby, I had no
idea what supplies I needed or even how to plan layouts and
purchase supplies based on those plans. I ended up buying more
than I needed, along with items that I didn’t use and still
don’t use to this day. If I had taken the time to research and
plan, I would have saved a lot of time and money.
Over a long period of time, scrap booking can and will be a very
expensive hobby. But the longer you scrap and the more familiar
you become with tricks and techniques, the more supplies you
will need to be able to accomplish what you’d like with the
pages you’re planning. That doesn’t mean that you need to buy
all of those supplies at once, though. The best way to start -
and determine whether or not scrap booking is a hobby you’d like
to continue - is to start with the most basic supplies and add
as you go.
There are three things in my scrapbooking supplies that I find
to be indispensable:
* A 12″ paper trimmer is useful for trimming both 12″ by 12″, as
well as 8 ½” by 11″ papers. It works better than scissors at
cutting straight lines, and can cut more than one piece of paper
at a time. * Both 12″ by 12″ and 8 ½” by 11″ cardstock paper in
several colors. You can purchase “starter packs” of both at
stores like Wal*Mart for a low price. I also purchase white
cardstock in packs of 500, because I use it for printing
pictures, titles, journaling, and more, and go through white
faster than I do colored cardstock. * Adhesives are needed to
secure the elements of the layout to the page. I stock
everything from pop dots, to photo corners, to double stick
tape. Metal glue also comes in handy if you plan to add metal
embellishments to your layout. Spray-on adhesive is handy when
utilizing vellum, because it dries clear and leaves the vellum
unblemished.
Other items that I find I use frequently since I started
scrapbooking include:
* Eyelets and tools are a popular way to add some interest to
your page. There are several different kinds and sizes of
eyelets, so some companies make eyelet tools that are
‘universal’, meaning they have removable pieces to fit the size
of the eyelet you’re placing on the page. The most useful eyelet
tools are a hole punch, a hammer, and an eyelet setter. Other
tools include tweezers, pliers, paper piercers, and needles. *
Specialty and patterned papers help add unique touches and
variance to layouts. Specialty papers include mulberry paper,
handmade papers, vellum, transparencies, cork, and many others.
You can use these types of papers as the background for a page,
mattes for pictures, borders, and so much more. I keep patterned
papers and vellum in both 12″ by 12″ and 8 ½” by 11″ sizes,
while the others I generally stock in only 8 ½” by 11″ because
it can be pricey and I tend to use them in small quantities. *
Stamps are also a great addition to any scrapbooker’s inventory.
Stamps are available for any season, holiday, and various
occasions, as well as alphabets. I tend to purchase my stamps as
needed, because they can cost anywhere from $1 to $13 or more,
depending on the size of the stamp. If you stock stamps, you’ll
also need to stock ink pads. I also purchase the colors and
pigments as needed. * No layout is complete without photos. I
find my digital camera to be irreplaceable, as it allows for me
to print my photos at home without having to take film to be
developed, edit photos to the size I want or to fix flaws in the
photography, and prevents me from having to scan images in to my
computer to be printed. If I do use developed photos, I try not
to use the original unless I have the negatives. * Ribbon and
other fibers help dress up and add depth to layouts. I use
everything from ribbon that costs $.49 a spool, to specialty
fibers and mesh.
As you develop your scrapbooking hobby, you’ll find that you
have a need for other items, or you may find that you don’t use
the items listed above as much as you originally intended. Each
scrapbooker develops his or her own style and habits that can’t
be predicted when first starting out. The best way to get
started is to buy what you think you might use, and add to your
inventory as you find a need for an item. But most of all, it
helps to preplan layouts before you purchase anything, as most
people tend to purchase things he or she won’t use.
Scrapbooking is a very fun and addicting hobby, and can get
quite expensive in the long run. But it is worth it when you
view your completed layouts and preserved memories!
About the author:
Melissa Williams is a wife and mother of a beautiful baby boy.
She is an avid scrapbooker, card maker, crocheter, and all
around creative person. She lives in Michigan, and aspires to
start her own business selling handmade cards and scrapbooking
services. Melissa is an author on Writing.Com (
http://www.Writing.Com/ )