Scrapbooking Basics
I've covered everything you need to know about the tools needed in building a basic scrapbook. I've done some price comparisons as well to give you a heads up on what this will cost. I tried not to use specific brand names so you can choose for yourself based on your budget, preference, or available options.
Finding your Scrapbook First you need to decide on the size of your book. There are several to consider.
This is the most popular size of scrapbook because it is best for large pictures and embellishments. If you have many pictures of one event, you do not need to make a lot of pages with the same theme. Paper runs about $0.60-$1.00 per sheet depending on the pattern or designer.
This is an easy size of scrapbook because it is compatible with any computer printer and is less expensive. Paper in this size runs about $0.30-$0.50 per sheet depending on the pattern or designer.
There are smaller and variable sized scrapbooks available. They usually can have one picture per page and are used primarily as very specifically themed scrapbooks (ie. Halloween 2005, Our Trip to Disneyland, Sally at age 5, etc.)
These are cheap and easy. You can find great deals at any office supply store. You buy your binder and a box of page protectors and you're ready to fill them up. This runs about $2.00-$4.00 for the binder and about $6.00 for a pack of 50 top loading page protectors.
Post bound albums are similar to the three ring binders but it is expandable. You can buy refills for your album with extra pages and following the instruction, you expand the spine of the book making room for more pages or thicker embellishments. These albums run about $5.00-$50.00 depending on the size and embellishment on the cover. Some post bound scrapbooks are included in kits that include matching paper, stickers, metal embellishments and other extras.
Strap bound scrapbooks are just like the post bound scrapbooks. They can be adjusted by small belts or straps along the spine. The cost of these are comparable to the post bound scrapbook.
Spiral bound scrapbooks are elegant and less expensive. They run about $6.00-$15.00 depending on the size. You can also decorate the cover in your own style, but you have to cut your paper and pages to size because they do not usually come in 12 x 12 or 8 1/2 x 11 sizes. You also cannot rearrange the pages.
Choosing your Paper There are many different papers in all textures, patterns, and colors to choose from. They range from plain solids to designer paper with popular patterns. They will also vary in price according to the type, size and pattern of the paper.
This is lightweight paper and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Price will vary with the pattern but is usually less expensive than the patterned cardstock.
This is a heavyweight paper used in paper crafts (making postcards, greeting cards, business cards, etc.). It is considered a must have in scrapbooking. Usually used as a base color or for matting. It's available in a variety of weights from barely stiff to cardboard consistency.
Vellum is made from wood and cotton pulp like most paper. The difference being is that vellum is specially treated to give it a transparent look. It is referred to as the clear sheets or “see through” paper. It comes in a variety of colors and can be embossed or have a pattern. It’s great for computer printing and layering over opaque papers.
Mulberry paper is fibrous and has a handmade feel to it. It can be described as a tissue paper that’s soft to the touch. It usually comes in solid colors. It can add a subtle texture when layered in your scrapbook pages.
Most scrapbook stores will refer to non essential paper as specialty paper. It includes mulberry and vellum, but also sparkly glitter paper, mirrored finish paper, and handmade with botanicals paper. They are more expensive than cardstock or lightweight patterned paper. The price varies from about $0.60 for clear vellum to $3.00 for glitter paper. Specialty papers are basically used sparingly in embellishing rather than matting or as the primary background.
Adhesives There are many different adhesives out there and it might be a trial and error to find which one you like best. I've included a quick list of ways to keep your memories attached to the paper.
Glue sticks are easy and very inexpensive. I used to buy a pack of three for less $2.00 at an office supply store. Very handy, but very messy. I also found it hard to glue small items and fibers such as ribbon or twine.
Liquid glue is ideal for squeezing out a dab for small items and 3-D embellishments (buttons, jewels, wood or metal pieces) and fibers. Look for a clear glue that is acid free, strong bonding, and can be squeezed out of a small point like a pen.
Double sided tape is pretty self explanitory and is a little more expensive. A pack of two dispensers is about $4.50. Mounting squares basically work the same as double sided tape but is already measured into small squares. Usually found in a scrapbook or craft store, mounting squares cost about $3.50. Both of these products are great for matting photos or adhering large pieces of paper or items to your layout.
These are the newest trend in adhesives. It is a cartridge that when rolled across paper, tip down, a thin, smooth film of glue is applied. It's quick and clean. You control the amount rolled out. It's perfect for an all purpose adhesive for your scrapbook. There are several brands to choose from that run from $2.00-$6.00 depending on if you are buying a refill cartridge.
Scissors and Cutters To trim and crop paper and pictures, you will need more than just a pair of all purpose scissors. There are many tools to consider when you wish to make a scrapbook page look just right.
A good pair of straight scissors is vital. There are many brands of scissors in all price ranges out there and any one will get the job done, if they are still sharp. I recommend a small sharp pair of scissors with a very sharp point at the end. This way you can use it for quick hole punching and it will be small enough to cut around very delicate areas. A pair like this will run about $12.00-$15.00 but you will use (and love) them forever.
These are the scissors that cut out a decorative pattern. There are hundreds of designs to choose from (ric-rac, scalloped, pinking shears, etc.) and are about $2.00-$5.00. These are used for embellishments so I wouldn't get crazy with them and cut a zig-zag edge to everything on your layout.
Can you cut a perfectly straight line for 12 inches? Neither can I. That's why I have a slide cutter. They are amazing! You measure the amount you wish to trim or crop and slide the blade across. It's that easy and you get a perfectly straight edge every time. The best cutters for crafting are small (9 x 5"), medium (12 x 5" with slide out ruler up to 10 more inches), and large (12 x 12"). These run from about $10.00-$25.00. Definitely worth it.
I admit, I don't use them very often but if you plan to cut out a lot of circles, squares, or diamonds in various sizes, a shape cutter and template would be the way to go to get a perfect cut each time. The cutter has a very sharp blade in the middle of a palm sized handle and you guide it around the template. You can also adjust the depth of the blade for paper thickness. A cutter will run about $15.00-$20.00 and the templates are $5.00.
Pens When journaling or writing clever sayings on your scrapbook pages, you need a nice fine tipped pen that will show off your handwriting. Using your own handwriting is important because it adds your personality as well as preserves it for your posterity.
I use a fine tipped black or navy blue pen. Try looking in a stationary or art supplies store for a real quality pen. They come in different thicknesses of the point. The smaller the number, the finer the tip. I use 05 and 03. They will be more expensive then your run of the mill markers (about $3.00 each) but trust me, you will be amazed how a quality pen will up the quality of your work.
Writing on dark paper is impossible to see without an opaque pen. You can go with a paint pen which is usually white, silver or gold. Or, you can go with a gel pen that comes in all colors but the bright pastels will work best. A paint pen will be the easiest to see on even the darkest papers. The cheaper brands are a little temperamental though and can sometimes surprise you with a glob of paint instead of a fine line. Gel pens are much more reliable but are not always visible on darker papers. Opaque pens are about $4.00-$7.00 and Gel pens are $2.00.
What Not to Use I have found that sticking to items sold in scrapbook stores or art supply stores work best and achieve the best quality. I don't recommend using a Sharpie pen (although that is what I began with). They are too broad and bleed through the paper. I don't recommend anything that is not archival quality or acid free like ball point pens, highlighters or permanent markers. Some adhesives are damaging as well like rubber cement. Remember, nontoxic is not the same as acid free. Most items will have it written "archival safe" or "acid free" so you know, but if you are not sure (and this goes for any scrapbook item you are not sure about) ask a store clerk about how safe it is for your photos. You are not just being creative. You're preserving your memories to last a very long time.