Scrapbooking rookie looking for basics?

Question

I'm new in scrapbooking, I just want some ideas of what are the basic tools for the beginners, because every site I see show different tools and I saw my friends with a lot of tool, which are the best tools to beginner, not only scissors and glue

Answer 1

Besides scissors and glue you'll want fun paper, cute stickers, themed appliques; anything that will add spice and character to your pages. Craft stores such as Michel's or even big stores such as Target will have tons of scrapbooking extras that won't make your book look as dull as a photo album! **Don't forget letter stickers: they are neater than handwriting everything!**

Answer 2

On dIY channel, the program Scrapbooking had an episode for the beginner with the must haves and another show to show what you could do with just scissors and glue, so go their and look at all the pictures and step by step instructions before you buy.
You know a lot of kits are set up so you can only make what is in the instructions so you buy more and some times double some tools and don't have what you want so cruise this site, you'll like it

Answer 3

Well, it's tough to know what you need because you don't have your style down yet. However, there are basics that everyone needs.
Every layout uses:
*Photos
*Paper - cardstock, pattern, specialty
*Adhesive - photo squares, two sided tape
*Cutting device - scissors, paper trimmer, blades, photo trimmer
*Writing tools - pens, markers, ink
*Embellishments - ribbons, brads, anchors, stickers, eyelets, tags, flowers, letters, buttons, stamps, diecuts, etc...

You have to get a sense of your style before you go out and buy a ton of stuff. Some people are minimalists and just like simple, sleek pages to exhibit their photos and journaling. Others are all about color, patterns, and the embellishments and like to load their pages with them. (I started out as a minimalist and now I'm somewhere in between). To make things easier, start with your first album and stick to a theme, such as Christmas (or any holiday). Then, ask to see your friends' layouts of the same or
similar theme and pick out the ones that you like best. Take note of the type of paper and embellishments they used and buy those things so that you are able to mimic the look. Don't forget to ask them if any special tools are required and to give you a demonstration. Magazines are also really helpful, because they
have a lot of layout examples and they all include the brands and products they used.

When I first started, I had no clue what I was doing. It wasn't until I started to scrapbook with my Mom, that I became exposed to all the different kinds of tools and techniques of scrapbooking. My style has evolved a lot from when I started and so have the tools that I use. The thing with scrapbooking is that there is always
something new or better that comes along to replace all of the old stuff. Before you buy, try several similar products so that you know which one you like best. The best way to do this is to go to classes, crops, or scrapbook events.

If you would like me to recommend a few of my favorite tools or products, just contact me by clicking on my avatar. I have a lot of tips I can share with you that I can't fit on here.

Answer 4

You said your friend have lots of tools, why not have a "Scrapbooking Day" and invite your friends over, play with THEIR tools, and then buy the ones that you think will be best for you. That way, you know in advance what you like and what really didnt work for you.

Answer 5

Hi there, one tool I highly highly highly recommend is a picture cropper. You can get them for pretty cheap at Jo-Ann's and Michael's. Not the fancy one, just the basic one for now since you are just a beginner. They help make the pages look more interesting. Also, I suggest taking a beginning scrapbooking class at Michaels, they offer them periodically, and are usually $15-$25 a class. Good luck and happy scrapbooking!

Answer 6

The first tools I started with were, of course, my photos. Then I found a really nice album to start with. Decorative papers and stickers are a big plus, too. So what if you don't have any of those special edge scissors-I didn't either when I first started out. I just took my straight-edge ones and cut the edge the way I thought looked best. Just experiment. Do it the way you think looks right and don't let others tell you their way. It's your memory book-do it your way (like Burger King!!). Have fun and if I can help in any way just email me. I'll be glad to help. I've been 'scrapping' for about 5 years now and I have a room in my house just for my supplies. It's outrageous! Let me know! Enjoy!

Answer 7

Hey...there have been a lot of great answers on here. Personally my 12 inch paper trimmer and my tools in my Making Memories tool kit are my Faves!!! If you need anymore help, this link is for a great Yahoo Group that is all about scapbooking. It is made up of people from all levels of scrapping and they have great info as well.

Check it out and feel free to join.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scrapbooking-made-easy

Answer 8

I say go to wal-mart, they have a section for things of that sort. Also go to your local dallor store. I know it sounds cheap because i thought the same thing but you can be surprised at what you can find for a dallor there and they are always in stock because people don't think about looking there for some things.