Scrapbooking for Beginners!  by april derrick
Added: 2006/May/12

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Scrapbooking for Beginners!

Welcome to the world of Scrapbooking! According to recent statistics, Scrapbooking has been deemed one of the country’s top 10 hobbies.   If you are just getting started, then welcome aboard and get ready to
have some fun!

On this page you can find: Scrapbooking Essentials for beginners, Other well loved scrapbooking supplies, Where to find Inspiration and Education, so...Get Ready to Scrap...

The “Essentials”:

Many times, the excitement of getting started on layouts combined with limited product knowledge overshadows the new scrapper's ability to make good choices. The term “Buyer's remorse” comes to mind, and is a common emotion shared by many beginning scrapbookers and even the most advanced scrappers. Everyone, at one time or another has found it difficult to avoid the allure of a "good sale," quickly spending money on items they may not need, nor ever end up using. Speaking from my own personal experience, I was so eager to begin after a friend showed me her scrapbooks, that I ran to Hobby Lobby and bought just about every sticker and paper I could get my hands on. Later I ended up giving about half of it away because I knew I would never use it. When you’re just starting out, it’s best to begin with the “essentials” and then slowly build up your scrapbooking stash after you have completed a number of layouts. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t buy those super cool stickers, or that fantastic embellishment, I’m just suggesting that you scrap a few layouts and find your style before you buy out the store!

Walking into a scrapbook store for the first time can definitely be overwhelming! Never fear, you don’t have to turn around and run out before anyone spots you! I have compiled a list of scrapbooking “essentials” based on what thousands of scrapbookers have suggested:

• Albums
• Page Protectors
• Cardstock
• Patterned Paper
• Adhesives
• Trimmer
• Scissors
• Pens
• Exacto knife and Cutting Mat
• Ruler

1. Albums - There are several scrapbooking albums available today, and they are offered in just about any color, texture, and size that you could imagine. The most common sizes are 6x6, 8x8, and 12x12. Post bound albums seem to be the most popular, as you can simply create your layout and then drop it into the top loading page protector. You can also buy post extensions and easily expand your scrapbooks to include more pages!
2. Page Protectors - these are clear pocket pages that you simply drop your finished pages into to protect them. Generally these come with the scrapbook album, but are also sold separately in case you want to add to your album.
3. Cardstock - Cardstock is a heavyweight paper and provides a sturdy foundation for placement of your photographs, memorabilia, and it is versatile and affordable. Every scrapbooker will want to have a good supply of black, white, and natural cardstock as staples in their work area; they are used consistently in layouts. For all other colors, I suggest you buy a paper pack or two with a wide selection of hues until you get a feel for your own personal style and color preferences.
4. Patterned Paper - As long as the paper is acid-free, anything that suits your style will do. There are so many choices on the market today, you shouldn’t have any problem finding whatever theme or style you are looking for.
5. Adhesives - Adhesives hold your masterpiece together. Adhesives are available in double-sided tabs and tapes, liquids, and glue sticks. Look for those that are acid-free, nontoxic, and free of strong odors. Also, be sure to read product labels to ensure they're photo safe. Every scrapbooker has their own personal preference when it comes to using adhesives. I myself, have several different kinds that I like to work with depending on the project.
6. Trimmer - Scrapbookers use paper as their artistic medium making a paper cutter the most important tool in completing the creative process. Paper Cutters and Trimmers are a scrapbooker's best friend. Precision and ease are two important factors when considering a good paper cutter. Not all paper cutters are created equal. Higher-end trimmers may be pricier but you will be happier with them over time because they are enduring, exact, and easy to use. Fiskars cutters remain a popular choice because of price and availability. However, there are several other good cutters on the market today.

   Note: There are four types of paper trimmers used in scrapbooking: 1> Rotary cutter - circular disc in a sliding mechanism can cut when moved forward or backward; is sometimes self-sharpening. 2> Straight blade cutter - single sided blade encased in a sliding mechanism; cuts in one direction. 3> Dual straight blade cutter - mechanism is similar to the single straight blade cutter but this blade is two-sided so the cut can be made from a forward or backward motion. 4> Moveable Arm cutter -a long blade runs the length of the cutting arm or handle (traditional paper cutter)

7. Scissors - Any scissors that are sharp and have a comfortable handle will do. I personally have two, a large pair and a smaller pair for more precise cutting.
8. Pens - Black pens are another scrapbookers best friend and are foundational tools that will transfer the artistic designs in your head to layout creations on the page. Black pens assist in drawing letters, writing journaling, or adding "penwork" to layouts. Because black pens cover a wide range of artistic purposes, it is better to invest in various tip sizes to easily accommodate thin to thick tasks. Make sure that your pen contains pigment ink that is acid-free. A favorite of scrapbookers is the “zig“ memory pen. It‘s acid-free, lightfast, waterproof, non-bleeding, and quick to dry. It also has two tips in one pen, a fine tip (.5mm) and bullet tip (1.2mm)-- perfect for a variety of lettering styles.
9. Exacto knife and Cutting Mat - You will want to have an exacto knife handy for cutting things and places that your scissors just can’t get to. A self-healing cutting mat protects your tabletop from any sharp object such as an exacto knife blade, paper piercer or eyelet setter. You can find a variety of styles and sizes available at most hobby or scrapbook store.
10. Ruler - Never underestimate the timesaving tool of precision. Rulers help you measure accurately and make clean, straight lines. I suggest investing in a 12” ruler to use for all of your scrapbooking needs.

    

Other “Well loved” Scrapbooking Items:

Now that we have covered the scrapbookers “essentials”, lets list a few of the other products that scrappers just love to use and may not want to be without:

-Eyelet setter and hammer
-Tweezers
-Heat Embosser
-Chalks
-Vellum
-Stickers
-Embellishments

A lot of these items you can find right here at Memoryvilla.com, but you can also look for them at your local scrapbook store, or hobby stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or Jo-Ann’s.

Finding Inspiration and Education:

There are a number of ways to find inspiration for your layouts, educate yourself on how to use some of the various scrapbooking tools available, and find great tips on different ways to use any and all of your scrapbooking tools and embellishments.

• There are several wonderful idea books available that can help to inspire you and offer a variety of tips and techniques.
• Pick up a copy of one of the many fantastic scrapbooking magazines now available on the market.
• Join one of the many scrapbooking forums on the web where you can read how to articles, chat with other scrappers, view other layouts for inspiration, and simply make new friends who share a passion for scrapbooking.
• Non-scrapbooking magazines can also provide inspiration. They use balance, color, harmony, etc. to draw the eye to pictures they want you to see. I find great inspiration for layouts by simply looking at various ads in all different types of magazines.
• Take some classes at your local Scrapbook store! They are usually a lot of fun and you get a chance to meet new people who are either beginners like yourself, or they have been scrapping for awhile are usually anxious to help out beginners in any way they can.

*Also, Memory Villa is currently working on expanding our how to articles and great scrapbooking tips section over the next few months, so check back periodically to see what’s new!

Get Ready to Scrap!

Now that you’ve got all your supplies together, your inspiration and education underway, you should be ready to scrap! My advice is to start out simple. It is easy to be overwhelmed by what you see in the magazines, in stores, and online. But there’s no need to be scared! Some of the most attractive pages are those that are extremely simple. You're going to want to try out a lot of the new techniques that you have learned, but I wouldn’t advise trying them all out on one layout. Pick one new technique, and apply that to your scrapbook page. Eventually, after you get the hang of everything, you can begin adding more than one technique to your pages. Keep in mind that there are no mistakes in scrapbooking, just room for embellishing. Never be afraid to try new things, and new techniques.

I’ve had many friends and family tell me they could never do what I do because they aren’t creative. I personally believe this is a myth that most people convince themselves of. Sure, there are those few select people with natural artistic ability, but most people have what I call a “hidden artistic talent” just waiting to come out of hiding! By utilizing the resources listed above, you’ll soon be well on your way to creating beautiful scrapbook pages in no time at all.

Happy Scrapping,

April Derrick

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