Learn How to Scrapbook: Recommended Gear for the First Timer   by Dawn Hall

When starting out, you don’t need to spend a small fortune on scrapbooking supplies! In fact, with just a handful of recommended gear, you should be off to a good start. Find out what you need here, so that you can begin working on you scrapbook projects today.

You will need to invest in a good quality paper trimmer. This particular hobby requires lots of cutting, and just to get the clean, straight lines that you need for your projects, you’ll need a paper trimmer. Trimmers do come in a number of styles and sizes. For beginners, I would recommend a portable 12″ trimmer. Many are relatively low-cost and the blades are easy to switch.

You will also need cardstock and patterned paper. Make certain that they are acid and lignin free, which means your layouts last and your pictures are not damaged due to chemical compounds which are found in standard paper. Personally, I typically make use of cardstock as the foundation for my layouts, and then use the patterned scrapbooking paper layered on top of the foundation for border cuts or other details.

Any old craft glue will not do for scrapbooking projects. You will have to use acid and lignin free glues that are archival safe on your designs. The sheer number of adhesive kinds out there are often very confusing. Initially, I like to recommend purchasing a permanent adhesive tape runner with a couple of refills. These may be used to stick your snapshots, in addition to all your different page embellishments, for instance Photo Mats and die cuts, to your scrapbook pages. As time passes, you will probably supplement your adhesive supply. For instance, Zig glue pens and pop dots are useful to have, but you will most likely not need these products right away and can add these to your tool collection over time.

Stickers also are helpful for beginner scrapbookers. Letter stickers are great for creating page titles, and up until you own a die cutting machine, stickers can be used to add interest to your pages. It’s also possible to cut designs out of your Scrapbook Paper or work with rubber stamps in order to add interest to your pages. Make sure any stickers you apply are safe for scrapbooking.

Journaling is without a doubt a good solution in order to describe just what the photos in your layout are regarding as well as to tell the story regarding them. Just as with any other scrapbooking supplies, you will want to make positive any kind of pens that you work with for journal writing are acid free. Pens may also be used to add faux stitches and various other doodles to your layouts.

Do not neglect to pick up a good album and page protectors. As you finish your layouts, you will probably need a spot to stash them and keep them safe and sound. In advance of deciding upon these, however, you will need to select what dimensions your layouts are going to be. Many scrapbookers work with 12×12 for their primary albums, and then make use of mini albums to scrap special activities, such as holidays.

The last tool that first-timers will probably need in order to get off on the correct foot is a little inspiration. There are numerous various magazines and publications that give ideas and tutorials, however you can also come across a plethora of ideas on the internet. There are several various forums and blogs, where individuals put up their projects and talk about their own experiences.

About the Author

This article was written by Dawn Hall, the author of “Easy Scrapbook Sketches for 4×6 Photos”. Visit her website to download a free sampler pack of her scrapbook sketches.

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