How to Get Started Scrapbooking

Take a stroll though any scrapbook store or the scrapbook aisle in any craft store and you'll feel overwhelmed with all the stickers, stamps, paper, tools, inks and more. It can seem like you'll need to spend a small fortune just to get started let alone for upkeep. Most of us don't want to spend a big initial investment in something we're not sure we will love so the good news is that you can start to scrapbook without breaking the bank.

When you are just getting started, only buy tools you will use a lot. A punch with baby feet is adorable, but how often will you use it? I didn't start out with any punches other than a corner rounder. It's one of the few tools you can use quite often without all of your pages looking the same. Even though there are hundreds of tools in the stores, you really don't need them until you get started and determine if you will use them often.

The one tool you will use often is a good paper trimmer. A twelve inch trimmer will allow you to cut paper and photos. You can get one for under fifteen dollars or maybe less with a store coupon. Look for a ruler grid and a sharp blade either rotary style or guillotine.

Paper can get very expensive if you buy every one you like. Larger craft stores will often run great sales on open stock paper and that's the time to stock up. You can also buy paper in sets which saves money and they coordinate with each other. Your local scrapbook store will probably have a better selection of specialty paper for special pages. If you can get other paper cheap, it's still worth it to buy a few special sheets.
Alphabet stickers can get expensive and you are always left with extra of less common letters. Die cut machines are great for cutting your own letters, but are too expensive for the beginner. Look for title packs from Die Cuts With a View or other companies that have many titles in one pack. You can trade what you don't use with a friend.

Just because something is sold for another purpose doesn't mean you can't use it for scrapbooking. Specialty scrapbook ribbon is very expensive compared to regular craft ribbon. Start out with your basic colors in craft ribbon for fifty cents a spool. For specialty colors you can buy more expensive ribbon in the scrapbooking section.

Another must is adhesive. Glue sticks are safe to use but once it dries it tends to be brittle and your pages could fall apart. It's great to use for paper to paper but a tape runner is better for adhering photos. You don't need to outline the entire photo, just a quarter of an inch on each corner is enough. If you use less, it will last a long time.

You will also need a great pair of scissors. Medium sized tend to be the best to trim papers, ribbons, and photos.
Getting started scrapbooking doesn't have to be expensive. If you decide you really like the hobby, you can purchase more supplies over time. If you don't like it, there will always be another scrapper willing to take your stash off of your hands.