Scrapbooking: Starter Supplies and Kits

Scrapbooking is all about getting those photos out of shoeboxes and attics and into albums where they can be seen and shared. This fun hobby is a creative way to protect and preserve your favorite family photos and memorabilia. Best of all, no experience or expertise is required, it’s as simple as cutting and gluing.

If you're not already part of the scrapbooking world, let me be the first to welcome you! I'll introduce you to some cute scrapbooking supplies and kits you'll need to organize the prefect scrapbook for you and your family, as well as some great design tips to get you started!

Pages:

Since you're new to scrapbooking, let me begin by explaining the pages to your scrapbook. Each 12 x 12 sheet of scrapbook paper becomes the foundation for your page. Scrapbook paper comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, everything style you can imagine, to create a completely unique page!

Photos:

The whole point to scrapbooking is to display your family photos in a cute, clever manner, so make sure that they are the main focal point of your page! I suggest that before you go cutting and gluing your beloved family photos, that you make copies of all photos you plan on using in your scrapbook. Use copies, rather than the originals to ensure your pictures are safe.

Albums:

There are two standard sizes of albums: 8.5”x11” and 12”x12”. The choice is up to you, however most scrappers will use a 12”x12” album for the family scrapbook and smaller books for themed albums, like vacation or home remodeling. When choosing a scrapbook album, remember that it'll set the theme of your scrapbook and will be the first thing people see!

Page Covers:

Once your scrapbook pages are complete, I suggest placing all finished pages into clear page covers. These covers are 3-hole punched to allow easy album assembly and protect your precious family memories from rips and wrinkles.

Scrapbooking allows you to be as creative as possible, but sometimes you need a little inspiration to get your creative juices flowing!

That's why scrapbook kits are a perfect way to design pages for your scrapbook. Kits usually include color coordinated papers, decals, and stickers you can mix and match to create a beautifully designed scrapbook page!

Whether you're daughter's getting married, you're bringing home a new baby, or celebrating your parent's 50th wedding anniversary, there's a scrapbook kit to help you design a beautiful keepsake!

You can also bring children into the fun with great kid-friendly kits like Disney Princesses, race cars, and other childrens' themes! Let them express themselves by creating a page with their friends, maybe even plan a scrapbook slumber party!

Scrapbook kits also make great gift ideas for amateur scrappers because they usually include everything one needs to get started. Fellow scrappers will also enjoy the gift of scrapbook kits. What scrapper doesn't love more supplies?

No matter what your reason for buying a scrapbook kit is, it'll always be cheaper than purchasing items individually. Scrapbooking is an expensive hobby, from the designer paper, buttons, stickers, rhinestones, and fancy paper cutters. Buying these things by themselves will tally up quickly, so purchasing them as a set will allow you to keep more money in your pocket!

Apart from buying scrapbooking supplies separately, I also suggest avoiding shopping at major arts and crafts stores like Michael's and Joann's. With large overhead and limited selection, stores like these won't be able to offer the low prices you can find online.

For online shopping, I suggest Amazon.com. Their endless selection ensures you'll find just what you're looking for, not to mention at a great price! You'll also be able to read customer reviews of fellow scrappers who have previously purchased the items you're looking at. This helps you determine the quality and value of a product.

I hope you enjoyed my beginner's guide to scrapbooking. If your scrapbooking cravings are still not satisfied, check out these websites strictly devoted to the wonderful art of scrapbooking! Have fun and God Bless!

~ Laura