Starting Out in Scrapbooking

I'm very new to scrapbooking, but it looks like a lot of fun.  From what I understand, newcomers may want to start off with recent, less-important photos, and then work their way backwards in time.  After all, you'd rather not make little goofs with your first scrapbooking attempts on your wedding photos or newborn baby pictures, right? 

There are many supplies that you will need.  One important thing to remember is to buy albums, paper, embellishments, pens, and storage boxes that are acid-free and lignan-free.  You can even buy an acid-free testing pen to make sure that what you're using is indeed acid-free.

Here's a list of things to get started:

Album:  You'll need an album cover and pages.  Page protectors are also nice to have.

Cropping tools:  These things cut paper to the size and shape that you need:  a cutting system, shape makers, a trimmer, a corner punch, and scissors.

Adhesives:  Great things to have are a tape runner, glue dots, and photo corners.

Pens:  You'll want fine tip pens for titling and journaling, plus a photo labeling pencil for your photos.

Papers:  You'll need card stock in all different colors.  Some are pre-cut to useful sizes.  You may want to try some patterned paper and journaling boxes.

Album Kits:  You can get coordinating pre-assembled papers and stickers that match a theme.

Embellishments:  There are stickers, die cuts, brads, frames, and borders.

Organizers:  You'll want an acid-free photo box to keep your photos organized.

Idea Book:  You'll need this to get an idea of how to do your layouts and designs.

The best way to get started is to find a scrapbooking group, so you can meet other scrapbookers, get some tips, and share ideas.  You can find one at your church, library, or local scrapbooking store.  You can also contact a Creative Memories consultant or take some classes at Archiver's, Hobby Lobby, or Michael's.  Then, just make some time to work on it, and have fun!

Any scrapbooking tips that you'd like to share?

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