Get the Right Scrapbook and Scrapbooking SuppliesBefore you get started, you’ll need a few essential scrapbooking supplies. The scrapbooking album you choose can help determine the entire look and feel of your scrapbook. If you plan to make a scrapbook for a special event, like a wedding or baby’s first birthday, you may want to choose an album that expresses that theme. A simpler design might be in order if you’re planning to document a year in the life of your family. Size is important, as well. There are a variety of sizes available on eBay, including 5x7, 6x6, 7x7, 8.5x11, 12x12 and more. It’s best to choose a larger size if you’ll be using photos, as you’ll need extra space to add embellishments and writing. Whatever type or size you choose, make sure your scrapbook album is archival. This means that it’s made with acid-free materials, and included paper is also lignin-free and buffered. Ever flipped through an old book with yellow, brittle pages? Lignin, a component of wood pulp, was the culprit. That “antique” look is probably not what you want for your scrapbook. Buffered paper is important because it will keep the acid in photos or other trinkets from affecting your scrapbook’s appearance. With a few well-chosen photos, you can create a theme or tell a story with your scrapbook. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that if three photos per page look good, seven will look even better. Showcase your best pictures. A little judicious editing gives each page a stronger impact. If needed, crop your photos, then mat them in your album page. If you don’t already have dozens of photos stashed away for scrapbooking, consider getting a camera or photo printer to make your memories last. Although a picture is worth a thousand words, you may still want to write out a few sentences that express the emotions and memories that your photos stir up. A funny anecdote or a memorable quote can also make your album even more personal, and journaling is becoming a popular trend in scrapbooking. Pens and markers come in a variety of colors and in widths ranging from ultra-fine to super-thick. Choose pens that complement your scrapbook’s theme and that are easy to write with. And when shopping for pens, remember that acid is the enemy. Be sure to buy acid-free pens. Embellishments include everything you can imagine for decorating your scrapbook from names such as Making Memories and Jolee’s Boutique. You can use punches or eyelet setters to add grommets or eyelets to your pages, then lace them up with specially designed brads. You can jazz up your scrapbook with dazzling buttons. Spruce it up with stickers from famous makers like Creative Memories, or create your own with Xyron sticker-makers and laminators. Dress up your scrapbook with decorative fibers and trims for a look that’s good enough to wear. Deck scrapbook pages out with craft paper shapes such as die cuts, punchies, and paper piecing from popular brands like Sizzix, Sizzlit’s, Paper Bliss, and Paperkins. And mark up your scrapbook with your favorite rubber stamps from Stampin' Up! and others. You can also find retired and hard-to-find rubber stamps and dies on eBay. Just use your imagination! Popular cutters and trimmers such as Accucut, the Sizzix Machine, the petite Sidekick, and QuicKutz let you easily die cut shapes, letters, and numbers from a wide variety of materials, including paper, fabric, and rubber so you can custom-embellish every page of your scrapbook. Many manufacturers make specially designed dies such as Sizzlits that, when popped into your cutting machine, let you create expert shapes, titles, words, and phrases. Don’t forget Coluzzle clear templates for cutting perfect ovals, circles, rectangles, mats, and borders. And be sure to have a nice sharp pair of scissors, like those by Fiskars. Once you’ve created a visually pleasing page layout, you’ll want to ensure that your photos and embellishments stick for good. Look for an adhesive designed to work with photos and heavier cardstock. Again, acid-free is a key component to search for when you shop. When you’re done, don’t forget to organize all your scrapbooking goodies in a convenient storage solution like Cropper Hopper or Crop in Style, so they’re always right at hand. You can find a wide selection of new Creative Memories products, usually sold by consultants, on eBay. Unlike other, more general scrapbook supplies, Creative Memories products use templates that work together. You'll also be able to find retired and discontinued Creative Memories products on eBay that are no longer available to most consultants. |
