The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Right Scrapbooking Supplies

Scrapbooking is a fun hobby that allows you to preserve your memories and share them with others. It doesn’t have to be difficult, but it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. 

Fortunately, we’ve put together this guide that’ll help you find the right supplies for your scrapbooking projects!

Beginner Scrapbooking- Basic Tools & Supplies
Takeaways
– The provided article offers a comprehensive guide to the different types of scrapbooking supplies you may need for your projects.
– Acid-free and lignin-free paper is crucial for preserving your memories in the long term.
– Some popular types of embellishments to use in your scrapbooking projects include stickers, washi tape, die cuts, and journaling cards.
– There are many different types of adhesive to choose from, and the one you choose will depend on the materials you’re working with and the look you’re trying to achieve.
– To keep your supplies organized, consider using plastic storage containers, a rolling cart, or a dedicated scrapbooking desk and labeling your supplies and storing like items together.

Scrapbooking Paper

Scrapbooking paper is the most important part of a scrapbook. Scrapbooking paper is available in many different types, colors and sizes. The right type of paper can make your scrapbook beautiful and organized.

There are two basic types of scrapbooking papers: cardstock (also called chipboard) and patterned/decorative/die cuts.

Cardstock is a heavy-weight paper that can be used for journaling blocks or other projects where you want to make sure your writing stays put on the page.

It’s also great for die cuts because it’s sturdy enough not to warp or tear when you cut through it with scissors or a craft knife. However, cardcraft tends to be expensive compared to other types of scrapbooking supplies so use this sparingly if you’re on a budget!

Patterned/decorative papers come in all sorts of creative designs that add interest and fun touches to any layout! 

They come in small packages but they’re often very inexpensive so there’s no need worry about running out if you’re working on multiple layouts at once (which we totally encourage).

Paper TypeDescription
CardstockA thick paper that is perfect for making scrapbook pages and adding weight to embellishments. Brands like Bazzill and American Crafts offer a wide range of colors and textures.
Patterned PaperPrinted paper that is perfect for adding interest and personality to your scrapbook pages. Brands like Graphic 45 and Pebbles offer a variety of patterns and designs.
VellumA translucent paper that can add dimension and texture to your pages. Brands like Papertrey Ink and Stampin’ Up! offer high-quality vellum options.
Specialty PaperAdd interest to your pages with papers like glitter, metallic, or embossed cardstock. Brands like DCWV and Recollections provide a variety of specialty papers to suit any project.

Scrapbook paper is the foundation of any scrapbooking project and can bring personalities and life to your pages. There are many different types of papers available, each with different colors, textures, and sizes. Brands like Bazzill, American Crafts, Graphic 45, Pebbles, Papertrey Ink, Stampin’ Up!, DCWV, and Recollections offer high-quality papers that bring durability, texture and style to your scrapbook projects. Whether you choose cardstock, patterned paper, vellum, or specialty paper, choosing the right paper can help you to express your creativity and make your scrapbook pages stand out.

A good rule of thumb is about 50% coverage per strip; just tear off as much as necessary based on how much room there is left over after cutting out everything else needed for each spread before putting together those pages–this way nothing goes wasted since it will always compliment another item somewhere else instead being thrown away completely unused.”

If you’re new to scrapbooking, fear not – there are plenty of easy techniques you can start with! Our guide on 15 Easy Scrapbooking Techniques for Beginners can help you find the perfect place to begin.

Adhesive

Adhesive is the glue that holds your scrapbook together. There are many different types of adhesive to choose from, but it’s important to remember that some adhesives aren’t safe for certain projects. 

For instance, if you’re working with paper or fabric items like photos, then you should use an acid-free adhesive so that the item won’t deteriorate over time. 

This can also be true if you’re looking at framing a piece of artwork like a painting or drawing; in this case you’ll want to make sure that whatever kind of frame material you select is also acid-free so as not to damage anything inside when exposed to moisture or humidity during display at home on the wall!

Scrapbooking doesn’t have to break the bank – our guide on Scrapbooking on a Budget: How to save money and still create beautiful projects can help you create stunning scrapbooking projects without spending a fortune.

Paint & Pens

Paint pens are a great way to add color to your scrapbooking pages without using paint. These pens come in a wide range of colors, including metallics and glitter, and can be used on a variety of surfaces like paper and chipboard.

Unlike acrylic paint, which requires you to make sure you’re using the right kind of surface or risk ruining it completely, paint pens are non-toxic and safe for use on many different surfaces. 

They’re also easy to use: just color in any shape or line you want! And because they don’t have much water content (like regular paints do), they dry quickly so that your project doesn’t get ruined by unexpected drips or spills (but it’s still important not to leave your supplies out for long periods of time).

Looking to stay current on scrapbooking trends? Check out The Top Scrapbooking Trends of the Year: What you need to know to stay up-to-date on the latest in the world of scrapbooking.

Scissors

Scissors are a vital part of any scrapbooker’s toolkit. You will need a variety of different sizes and shapes, so it’s best to buy one pair for each kind of paper you use. 

If you want to be super organized and have every single size available at all times, then you should purchase these in bulk! Scissors come in many different materials: plastic, metal, wood—you name it! But there are some things to keep in mind when purchasing your scissors:

Plastic is the most common type used by scrapbookers because they won’t rust over time or damage the paper like metal ones might (if they’re not properly cared for). Some people prefer plastic because its easier on their hands when cutting through thicker materials like chipboard or foam stickers too

Metal blades tend t o last longer than plastic ones but are very sharp which means extra caution must be exercised when using them – especially around children who may find them tempting playthings.

Wood blades can take longer than other types before being replaced due to wear & tear after repeated cutting sessions

ScissorsDescription
Fiskars Amplify Mixed Media ShearsDurable, precision-ground stainless steel blades make these scissors ideal for cutting through heavy paper, cardboard, and fabric.
Tim Holtz Mini SnipsThese compact snips feature non-stick, micro-serrated blades that provide excellent control and accuracy for precise cuts.
Westcott Precision ScissorsWith non-stick blades and comfortable grip handles, these scissors are great for detailed cutting and trimming.
Martha Stewart Crafts Embroidery ScissorsThese jewelry-like scissors feature sharp blades that make intricate cuts easy and comfortable handles that reduce fatigue during extended use.

When it comes to scrapbooking, scissors are an important tool for precise and clean cuts in your paper and other materials. It is recommended to have a variety of scissors on hand, with each pair specialized for different types of paper.

Brands like Fiskars, Tim Holtz, Westcott, and Martha Stewart provide quality products that are both comfortable to hold and effective in delivering clean cuts. Investing in the right scissors will make your scrapbooking experience more enjoyable and successful.

Embellishments

Embellishments are the extras that you add to your scrapbook. They can be anything from stickers, to buttons, ribbons, flowers and more. 

These little extras can be used to add color and texture to your pages. When choosing embellishments for your scrapbooks there are some things you should consider.

  • The first thing is what types of embellishments fit in with the theme of my scrapbook?
  • The second thing is how much variety do I want in my embellishments?

Stamps & Ink Pads

Once you know what design you want to create, the next step is choosing a stamp. You can purchase stamps individually or in sets. A single stamp may be small and cost only a few dollars, while a set of multiple stamps could run up to $20+.

Stamps come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common ones are square or round with points at each corner (like a die). It’s important to choose one that is large enough for your project; otherwise it won’t make much of an impact on your page.

You’ll also need ink pads as part of this process–and there are tons of options available! Just like with stamps, you can purchase individual ink pads or sets that offer more than one color option for a cheaper price point than buying each color separately.

If you’re working on a smaller scrapbooking project like an 8×8 photo book then using both stamps & ink pads together will help ensure that everything looks perfect when completed!

If you’ve ever wanted to create your own scrapbooking albums and journals, our guide on DIY Scrapbooking: How to Create your own Albums and Journals is the perfect place to start.

Punches

Punches are one of the most versatile tools in your scrapbooking box. You can use them to cut out shapes, letters, flowers and other designs from paper or cardstock. They can be used on a variety of materials including paper, cardstock and chipboard.

You’ll find punches in various sizes and shapes including circles, ovals and scalloped borders. Most punches will also come with additional cutting blades so that you can create precise cuts every time without having to worry about replacing the blades. 

Punches are easy to use: they have a handle which you hold while pressing down on the top plate (which has been punched out). 

When you’re finished using it just release your pressure and lift up on the handle this will eject the excess material away from your project area so there isn’t any waste left behind!

PunchesDescription
EK Tools Circle PunchThis versatile punch is perfect for creating small and medium-sized circles from paper, cardstock, or similar materials.
Martha Stewart Crafts Punch All Over the PageThese corner punches will create intricate and delicate designs on both edges of your paper or cardstock.
Fiskars Squeeze Punch MediumWith an ergonomic design and easy-to-squeeze handles, this punch will make quick and clean cuts in a variety of materials.
Stampin’ Up! Starburst PunchThe unique starburst shape of this punch is great for adding interest to cards and other paper crafts.

Punches are a must-have for any scrapbooker looking for intricate and easy-to-use designs in their crafting projects. There are various types of punches available, with many different shapes and sizes to choose from.

Brands like EK Tools, Martha Stewart, Fiskars, and Stampin’ Up! offer products that are versatile, efficient, and comfortable to use. Whether it’s creating circles, flowers, borders or intricate designs, these punches are perfect additions to any scrapbooking kit.

Die-Cuts

Die-cuts are a great way to add flair to your scrapbook pages. They can be used to cut out shapes, lettering, or other designs that you want to use in your projects. 

They come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can use them for anything from creating personalized cards to adding accents on the pages of your scrapbook album!

Die-cuts come in two main varieties: die-cut stamps and paper shapes. Die-cut stamps are made with a stamp-like design on one side. Paper shapes have no raised edges like stickers do they’re flat pieces of cardstock (or similar material) that you can use however you want!

While both types of dies come with benefits unique to their respective types paper shapes tend not only add design but also texture while being more durable than most adhesive materials the biggest difference between these two categories comes down simply whether or not they need adhesive applied before using them on projects like cards or layouts within albums (which we’ll talk more about later).

Are you struggling to decide how to preserve your most precious memories? Look no further than Scrapbooking 101: How to preserve your memories in style for some expert tips and advice.

Conclusion

You’ve come a long way, baby! We hope that this guide has helped you with your scrapbooking supplies. It can be overwhelming to choose the right products for your project, but it doesn’t have to be. 

With our tips and advice on how different products work together (or not), we think you’ll have a blast creating something beautiful and unique and maybe even get some inspiration from the examples here!

Further Reading

For more information on scrapbooking supplies and getting started with your own scrapbooking projects, check out these helpful resources:

Everything About Scrapbooking – Scrapbooking Supplies Guide: This extensive guide provides an in-depth look at all the supplies you might need for your scrapbooking projects, including recommendations for different types of projects and skill levels.

Skillshare Blog – 16 Essential Scrapbooking Supplies: What You Need to Get Started: This blog post provides a great introduction to the essential scrapbooking supplies you’ll need when starting out, including adhesive, paper, and cutting tools.

Scrapbooking Coach – The Best Scrapbooking Supplies: This article provides a list of some of the best scrapbooking supplies on the market, based on product quality and user satisfaction.

FAQs

What are the basic supplies I need to start scrapbooking?

Some basic supplies you’ll need to start scrapbooking include adhesive, scissors or a paper trimmer, paper, and embellishments. Check out our previous blog post for more information on essential scrapbooking supplies.

What kind of paper should I use for my scrapbooking projects?

You’ll want to use acid-free, lignin-free paper to preserve your memories in the long term. There are many types of scrapbooking paper available, including cardstock, patterned paper, and vellum.

What are some popular embellishments used in scrapbooking?

Some popular scrapbooking embellishments include stickers, washi tape, die cuts, and journaling cards. You can also use ribbons, buttons, and other small objects to add interest to your pages.

How do I choose the right adhesive for my scrapbooking projects?

The adhesive you choose depends on the materials you’re working with and the look you’re trying to achieve. Some common types of adhesive used in scrapbooking include glue dots, double-sided tape, and photo corners. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you.

What are some tips for organizing my scrapbooking supplies?

Keeping your supplies organized is key to maximizing your efficiency and creativity. Consider using plastic storage containers, a rolling cart, or a dedicated scrapbooking desk to keep your supplies within easy reach. Labeling your supplies and storing like items together can also help keep things organized.