I was thinking about picking up scrapbooking. What do I need to do to start?

Question

I know most people who scrapbook get really into it, and accumulate a TON of supplies, and papers, and decorations... and I might end up doing that one day. However, I don't really have the money or the space to get too involved at the moment. But I do want to dabble in it a little, and see how it goes, or more importantly if I'm any good at it. What are some essentials that I need right away? How do I get started? Are classes the best way to get going? Is it normal to make a million trips to the craft store at the beginning? What are some great websites you enjoy using? Thanks for all the help/tips you can offer!

Answer 1

I didn't take any classes, but rather just went to Wal-mart and Hobby Lobby and looked at their clearance section. I bought the scrapbook package thing which came with a book, paper, and other things to decorate with. Then I printed off some photos. I do scrapbooking for gifts. It's all about what you want to do and be as creative as you want. I've used newspaper for backgrounds before. Don't buy anything expensive just yet especially if you don't know if you are going to like it or continue on with it as a hobby.

Answer 2

First, choose an album.

Post bound (aka. drop-in) albums- Metal posts through holes in the page protectors and you 'drop in' your pages. Pros, you can move your pages around even after you've put them in the album. Cons, being open at the top allows for dust to get in or if you by chance pick up your album the wrong way for dropping pages, refills can often be hard to find as they vary from brand to brand, and since the refills are just the page protectors you will still need to purchase paper to insert.

Strap-hinge albums- Two plastic straps thread through staple like things on the sides of the pages. Pros, your pages won't fall out of your album, protectors are sealed at the top and bottom so no dust gets in, there is no more paper to buy you can put the refills in the album and adhere pictures (you can add paper for decoration if you like, but it is not neccessary). Cons, it is not easy to move pages around.

The album should come with pages, but not many so refills will be important to find too.

Next step trimming paper and pictures to adhere to your page. You will need a paper trimmer and scissors.

Next, adhesive. You can use anything, photo squares, photo corners, tape runners, even glue sticks. Just make sure they are acid and lignin free (this means that they are free from the chemicals that will turn you photos yellow and brittle).

Next comes journaling, you'll need some photo safe (acid/lignin free) pens.

After that comes embellishing. This is where most people go overboard. So to be frugal, try to take it lightly here. It can be as simple as using your pens to doodle on your pages and itcan be as complicated as you want it to be. To be frugal, try not to make a million trips to the craft store because there will always be something you find to cute to pass up even if you don't have a use for it just yet. Try to keep in mind what photos you will be working on and buy embellishments accordingly.

I think classes are probably a waste at this point, it is all your personal preference and no one can teach you that. All they can show you are techniques and you'll be better equipped for that once you find out if you even really like scrapbooking.

Answer 3

Hi, Michelle:

What do I REALLY need to start scrapbooking?  This is truly the hundred dollar question—or is it?  If you walk into your local scrapbook store or attend a party, you will be tempted (as I was) to buy everything you are told you absolutely have to have.  Most of the items I purchased in my first month I’ve never used (yep, just taking up space in my valuable/limited storage area—time for a garage sale).  Don’t make the same unnecessary purchases and then be unhappy or disappointed with your efforts (and a lot lighter in the wallet).  Try out several different types of the same tool to see what works best for you—your friends can show you how their tools work.

Here is what I recommend to get started:

A GOOD pair of scissors just for scrapbooking.  These should be sharp and pointed for cutting in small/tight areas.  There are many kinds available—get what is easiest for you to use.  I use and recommend Cutterbees.  They are knife-sharp right to the point—great for cutting out the smallest details.

Archival quality adhesive.  Again, mainy types are available—use what is easiest for you.  I prefer and use a tab dispenser so I don’t have to pull off little tabs.  I also use glue dots where I need transparency.

A GOOD trimmer.  There are rotary, knife blade, and guillotine-type trimmers available. I’ve used all three types and I use and recommend a rotary trimmer.  There is less chance that your paper will tear, and the blade seems to last longer.  You also want the trimmer you choose to handle all of your trimming needs (small to 12x12 and bigger).

A journaling pen.  This should be archival quality ink (look for  the ACMI seal—big ”AP” in a circle).  Absolutely do not use a ball point pen or a pencil.

A good quality album.  There are many different kinds available—strap hinge, 3-ring, spiral bound, post bound.  Some are top loading, some are side loading.  Just be certain that the album will stand up to the weight of 3-5 inches of page layouts and frequent page turning.  There is nothing sadder than to see your hard work fall apart as people look through it.

These are the only tools you really need to get started.  Spend wisely, buy the best you can afford—the investment will be worth it.  Add a few kits and your photos, and you’re scrapbooking!

Definitely look for classes in your area.  You will find that craft stores and local scrapbooking stores (LSS) have classes all the time.  Another source for classes are your local independent consultants.  These folks are in this business because they have a passion for scrapbooking, and as a resource for how-to's and techniques, there is no better source.  Also, you are supporting a local business and your local economy when you take their classes or purchase from them.  BONUS:  You get more personal one-to-one instruction.  You can just give them a ring or send an e-mail with questions.

Now here's some other important, but easy-to-remember thoughts to keep in mind when you are shopping.  First, if you like it and it's archival safe and meets your budget, then you should use it.  Again, you should use what's comfortable for you.  There's lots of wonderful products out there that meet this requirement.  Probably one of the most important things to always keep in mind is archival quality or the time it takes for something to start to degrade.  When an item degrades, or breaks down, it will also break down anything it is touching, sometimes even migrating from one page to another.  You do not need to be a scientist to make this determination--companies have made it easy for us.  Here's what to look for:

The "AP" or ACMI seal (as mentioned above under journaling pen).  This symbol and "Conforms to ASTM D-4236" are on many products.  This means they are non-toxic and will not break down for a very, very long time.

Look for the term "archival"--means it will not break down for many decades (how long is dependent upon the manufacturer).  Also the term "photo safe"--this one is not quite the same as "archival"--this means the product will not start to break down for 5-10 years or so (versus 100 years for archival, for example).

If you print your own pictures, watch the type of photo paper you use.  "Instant Dry" will start to fade a lot sooner than the regular "let me sit for several hours" paper.  The regular photo paper has a special coating that swells and absorbs the ink when it hits the paper, and as it dries, the ink is drawn into the paper and sealed.  This is what you want.  Instant dry is great for photos you just want to share and don't expect to last the life of a scrapbook.

I hope this information is helpful to you, and I apologize for the long answer.  I started scrapbooking several years ago, and I also do my own photo processing on my computer.  This information is based on things I found when I was looking for answers to some of the questions you have asked.  I enjoy it so much that I became and independent consultant, and I also teach classes and workshops.  I have listed some resources for you as well.

Last, but not the least of it, ENJOY IT!!

Lynne Newton

Scrapbook Advisor #1360

Picture Perfect Scrapbook Co., LLC

Answer 4

Hey Michelle!

I used to work for a scrapbooking store and the classes ARE the way to go. They are usually affordable. Also, alot of the scrapbooking stores like Archiver's or Scrapbook Studio (Cord Camera), I *think* Michaels have a craft room you can use and you can use their cutters and die cuts for free.

Pick out paper or cardstock that you like (some of the paper is patterned with trees or clouds etc..and get some photos you like..get some cardstock too and you can take the cardstock and make a border slightly bigger than your photo.

You'll need a glue/tape type device...I use dot rollers and it's nice, it's double sided tape and it comes in repositional and permanent (repositional does become permananent after a period of time, but it can be repositioned quickly if need be.

You should get yourself some good scissors. Regular scissors may work in the beginning but if you really get into 'cropping' you should get yourself a good pair of scissors like Cutterbee (http://store.scrapbook.com/cutbeescis.ht...

A paper trimmer can range anywhere from 5.00 to 50.00 dollars depending on the size of the trimmer and the brand. I bought mine for 50. It's a Desktop Trimmer, it's big enough to trim 12 x 12 paper.

It IS normal to make a million trips to the craft store at the beginning because your finding out what you need. My husband and I made our own wedding invites and I've had other couples ask me to make theirs because they liked ours so much..

Again, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me a note.

If you want some more ideas send me an email and I can help you out some more

Answer 5

To get started, the truly basic supplies include photos, scrapbook papers of whatever size you'd like your scrapbook to be (they can be cut to size), scissors, glue sticks or osome other adhesive, a good journaling pen (I prefer black gel pens), and a ruler. For my style of scrapbooking, I also like to use black ink to rub against the borders of my papers. If you don't feel you are a good cutter, even after lining things up with a ruler, you may want a paper cutter instead. Simplescrapbooksmag.com is a great site to refer to. Howtotvonline.com is also a site to use that has a scrapbooking section. I love to watch Making Memories TV on BYUTV for ideas. As far as classes are concerned, I didn't take classes to begin. Websites, magazines, and TV shows really help me learn techniques, but it depends on how you learn best. No, millions of trips at the beginning shouldn't be necessary. But after you know how you'd like your page to look, you may wish to search different stores for the perfect embellishments for your page's theme.  

Answer 6

I think the most important thing to remember there is no wrong way to do your page.  Its yours have fun with it.  You do need a good acid free adhesive or all of your work is not going to last.  When you are going to get started organize your pictures and start with them.  then go to the store and only purchase what paper and embellishments you think would go with those pictures instead of just random grabbing like I use to do.  

Ann Marie Lessner

www.stampwithann.myctmh.com