Basic Scrapbook Supplies List For New Crafters
This scrapbook supplies list will give you all the best recommendations on the must-have tools to grow your craft collection.
I made this scrapbook supplies list based off of my own experience and what I would tell myself to buy if I were just starting out in this hobby. Remember, it can take time to grow your supply stash so I recommend starting off with buying only the basics. The, you can grow your collection as time goes on.
With so many new and exciting tools on the market it can be difficult to know which products are the best and worth buying in order to create stunning scrapbook layouts. Much of the tools listed below are beginner friendly and can elevate your scrapbooking technique. There are so many places where you can purchase supplies. My favorites being Scrapbook.com, Amazon, and Joann Fabrics.
Basic Scrapbook Supplies List To Get You Started
1. Photographs – Most Important
No scrapbook layout is complete without your fabulous photographs! This is easily number one on my scrapbook supplies list because it is the most important. You can scrapbook a photo of anything – family, friends, pets, places you have traveled, food, and so much more! Just make sure it is of a story worth telling. This item is easy enough to obtain, but some of my favorite ways to print of photographs are with my Instax Mini Printer, or through Shutterfly.
As scrapbookers we can often get caught up in taking the perfect photograph. We spend so much time getting everyone into a photo that we forget to capture some of ourselves too. Make sure when you are choosing which pictures to print that you pick out some that you are in as well. Of course we want to see our family members but I guarantee you will love looking back at old photos of you too.
2. Scrapbook Album
Supplies:
In order to properly preserve your scrapbooking layouts you will want to find a sturdy scrapbook album. This is the book that holds it all together. I love picking out albums and there are so many to choose from. You will first need to determine what size layouts you want to create – the most popular size being 12 x 12 inches. Other popular sizes include 6 x 8 inches, and 8.5 x 11 scrapbook albums.
Next, you’ll need to choose which type of album you prefer; binder or post bound. There really is no superior option in my opinion, just whichever one works best with your project. In my experience, a 3-ring binder scrapbook can typically hold more layouts than a post bound album. However, it takes more effort to turn the pages once they’re all laid down. A post bound scrapbook album screws your page protectors in the album which allow easy page turning, but has limited space. This may be the better option if you make layouts using thick scrapbook ephemera pieces. In my experience, I use the 3-ring binder scrapbook album for larger projects and layouts that have dimension to them. Any other time I enjoy the post bound option.
{Related Post: Pop Up Mini Album Handmade for Summer Vacation}
3. Scrapbooking Paper
Supplies:
Next on my list is scrapbooking paper. Buying scrapbook paper is easily a hobby of itself. I love browsing through all the beautiful paper patterns and designs. There are so many to choose from that it can be overwhelming for some. Preferably, there are paper packs that provide you with a ton of different patterns that can be used together and will last a long time. My favorite craft stores to buy paper from are Michaels, Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, and Scrapbook.com. Also, there are often sales where you can purchase the best scrapbook paper at half price or BOGO.
When picking out your own paper make sure you get a variety of colorful patterned scrapbook paper and plain colored cardstock. These can be used interchangeably to create more interest. Also, it is important to ensure that the paper you are using is acid free. This will prevent any fading to your layouts and will help them last for many years.
Typically, I will use a variety of 12 x 12 inch scrapbook paper as well as smaller sizes, such as 6 x 6 inches. The larger sizes are great to use for the background while the smaller sizes make it easy cut up and decorate the layouts.
4. Glue For Paper Crafts / Scrapbook Adhesive
Supplies:
Scrapbook adhesive may not be the most fun on your list of supplies needed for scrapbooking, but it is super important. Long story short, when I first started scrapbooking I used generic paper adhesive tape and years later all my pictures and scrapbook embellishments became unstuck. I spent hours going through old layouts regluing everything back together. Thus, why I put getting the perfect paper adhesive at the top of my scrapbook supplies list.
My recommendation for scrapbook adhesive is this double sided tape from scrapbook.com. It comes in multiple different widths, is very durable, and lasts a long time. This is my most used adhesive, and it is a great price for everything you get. I prefer using double sided tape that you tear by hand because I find that it does not dry out as fast as the adhesive tape runners. While tape runners require less effort to peal and apply, they also tend to have a less strong hold. However, if you suffer from joint pain a tape runner may be more gentile.
Anytime you are gluing something down on paper I recommend using glue specifically meant for paper crafting. Otherwise, the pages may warp and get all bumpy. My go-to paper glue is the Bearly Art precision craft glue. This is a fan favorite within the paper crafting community. Plus, it has different precision tip sizes that make glue thin areas super easy. This glue is great for adhering cut files and other paper embellishments.
5. Paper Trimmer and Decorative Scissors
Supplies
Next up on the ultimate scrapbook supplies list for beginners is a paper trimmer! Again, this may not be the most exciting out of all the best scrapbooking tools but it is important. One thing guaranteed is that you will use this every time you craft. While regular scissors can get the job done, a paper trimmer will make things easier and faster, while also making your scrapbook layouts look more uniform. With a paper trimmer you can precisely measure out how long you want your cut to be and make it straight.
If you can find a paper trimmer that also has a built in score board that is a huge plus. Score boards are essential for card making and constructing mini albums. It gives you precise measurements on where to crease the paper in order to achieve an even fold. Also, the score board comes with it’s own bone folder tool to easily create the creases.
In addition to paper trimmers, decorative scissors are another fun item add to your scrapbook supply list. These type of scissors can add fun edges to your pictures or paper. I enjoy using decorate scissors on my layouts to create cute borders along my photographs.
6. Scrapbook Decoration Materials/ Scrapbook Embellishments
Supplies:
Perhaps the most fun items to pick out are the embellishments and scrapbook stickers. Just like scrapbook paper, embellishments and decorations can add a lot of flare to any project. There is so much to choose from that you can find any theme of embellishments. My all time favorite scrapbook decoration materials I like to use are paper ephemera pieces, such as this craft and create paper ephemera pack from scrapbook.com. Other ideas you can use are buttons, sequins, flower embellishments, charms, and chipboard pieces.
There are countless ways you can use scrapbook embellishments in your layouts. I love adding paper ephemera around my photographs to draw attention, as well as around the title. You can find many scrapbook decoration materials online for cheap on Amazon, or any major craft store.
Mixed media is a popular scrapbooking trend that incorporates other materials besides paper. Think glitter, paint, metal charm pieces. Adding these items to any scrapbooking page will give your layout more interest and help tell your story better. Personally, my favorite mixed media add-on is paint. I love the pops of color paint that comes in a variety of colors.
Vintage scrapbook materials are also a popular item on people’s scrapbook supplies list. This can consist of old newspaper clippings, old polaroid’s, stamps, and postcards. Look around your house for these items as these could be sitting at the bottom of your drawer waiting to be upcycled. Finding old stationary items around your house for scrapbooking is a great way to save money. Plus, it counts as recycling!
7. Scrapbook Ideas That Bring You Inspiration
This may not be a tangible item on your scrapbook products list but is it still essential. Finding your own inspirational ideas for your layouts will bring you motivation to getting started with scrapbooking. Remember, there is no right way to create a scrapbook and soon enough you’ll find your own personal style. Some crafters like to use bright colors and busy patters, while others enjoy keeping it minimal. You can find inspiration anywhere. I suggest looking at blogs, Pinterest, or Instagram.
{Recommended Post: 7 Easy Scrapbook Ideas for Beginners}
If you are looking for ideas on how to construct your layouts I suggest searching for scrapbook templates. Scrapbook page templates are sort of like a map that give you a guideline on where to place a photo, title, and anything extra. Scrapbook templates help prevent decision fatigue and help you focus on what important – telling your story!
8. Scrapbook Supplies List – Extras
Hopefully after reading this far you have a thorough understanding of all the basic tools to add to your list of scrapbooking supplies. These items should ensure that you have everything necessary to begin crafting remarkable page layouts. However, if you are looking for even more supplies here are two of my honorable mentions:
First, journaling pens. While photographs are the most important aspect in a layout, you will also want to write down a caption to share the story behind the photo. When looking at your layouts years from now you may not remember exactly what the photo you took is about so take the time now to write about it. I recommend the Pigma Micron pen set. These pens do NOT bleed onto the next page. Plus, they are sharp and show up well on patterned scrapbook paper.
The next honorable mention to add to your scrapbooking supplies are stamps. While there are many crafters who love to use rubber stamps, I don’t necessarily think they are a must-have for beginners. Stamps are a lot of fun to use and you can reuse them over and over again on multiple layouts. They are also a great way to embellish your pages and add some dimension. You can find rubber stamps for scrapbooking at almost any craft store and there are ones for almost every holiday and theme.
This post is a comprehensive scrapbook supplies list to help you get started with scrapbooking.
Please note: some links to the products mentioned may be affiliate links! There is no extra cost to you, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase a product using my links. This helps my blog out and shows your support.
3 Comments
Comments are closed.