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 12×12 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

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If you DON’T know how to use Photoshop, then I suggest you try making your digital scrapbook at CropMom (http://www.cropmom.com).

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