7 Essential Scrapbooking Supplies to Get You Started

If you’re bored of the plain photo albums of your family gatherings, birthdays and holidays, there are ways you can make things more exciting. Creating a scrapbook album is one of those ways. This will preserve your memories in a fun and memorable style. You’ll have all of your meaningful moments wrapped in a work of art. But to get started you’ll need to grab some essential supplies.

Album

This is the first thing you should cross off your list of supplies. It’s the base and platform where you’ll craft and create. You should buy scrapbooking supplies Australia-wide from reliable retailers to ensure you get quality. If you’re shopping online read reviews, comments, and experiences from other customers. Check the star rating and then decide if you’re going to buy.

These albums come in several sizes, and the most common one is 30x30cm. This is popular among scrapbookers because it gives them enough space for photos, writing, quotes, and decoration. If you feel you don’t need a lot of space, you can go smaller with a 20x20cm or 15x15cm one. Bigger albums are heavier when done and you may have trouble fitting them on your bookshelf. But if this isn’t an issue, go for the 30x30cm album.

There are several types of albums you can buy. The post-bound type has 2-3 posts that hold it together. They get screwed into one another and secure the pages. A great thing about it is that if you see that you’re running out of space and the album is almost full, you can add more post extenders and make it bigger. The screws shouldn’t be too close to each other or canter in the middle. This can damage the pages or make them drop to the bottom.

The D-ring album has a similar design to a binder. It usually has three rings that hold the hole-punched page protectors. It’s very easy to add and remove pages from it. The only disadvantage is its weight. Yes, they can hold a lot of photos but as you add new ones it gets heavier and bulkier. This will make it more difficult for kids to handle it, or store it.

The strap-bound album has a plastic strap that holds it together. It’s very durable, the pages are laid down nicely and it’s very versatile. The spiral-bound ones look very lovely and are easy to work with. They’re usually cheaper than the rest but you can’t remove or add any pages. The best material for a scrapbook is leather because it’s very durable and easy to clean.

Cardstock

This is the next thing you should consider buying. You can buy them from a scrapbook supplies online store or at your local shop. Always go for papers that are acid and lignin-free so the creations you make can last for many years to come. They won’t turn yellow or damage the photos in any way. These are heavy-weight papers that are easy to use and very versatile.

They can have a white core or the same-coloured core. The white core means that when you tear the paper it shows white in the middle. With the same-coloured ones, you get a torn line in the same colour. You can find them in many colours, patterns, and textures. This gives you the opportunity to match them with the background of your photos or create a contrast for a more interesting design.

Adhesives

No scrapbook supplies collection will be complete without some kind of adhesive. This is the thing that holds together the photos, ribbons, papers, buttons, or anything else you might adhere to the album. Depending on what material you’re working with, you can use different adhesives. You have tape runners, double-sided tapes, glue guns, glue dots, liquid glue and much more. Read the label on the products and find out what types of materials they work with the best.

If you want to add dimension and some texture to the layout you can use double-sided foam strips. You should use an adhesive that will last for years because you’re creating something memorable. No one wants to see fallen photos or ruined designs. Check the scrapbooking supplies Australia has to offer and you’ll find something long-lasting and high-quality to work with.

Scissors and Trimmers

To make those layouts and decorations you’ll need something to cut and trim. This is where the scissors come into play. You need sharp, precise, and sturdy tools that can make detailing possible. You can buy them in different sizes so there’s something for every paper and ribbon you shape. To keep them in good condition, try not to use them for other materials.

Trimmers can also be of big help. They can cut papers in different sizes with incredible precision in straight lines. They’re an investment worth making because you can cut multiple papers at the same time and save yourself some time. Some manufacturers even offer a self-sharpening model that will save you money in the long run.

Stamps and Ink

Stamps and ink will add a unique look to your design. You can use them to put a date, create a background, create borders, and much more. They come in many designs and a lot of suppliers make personalised ones. This means you can get your family name on a stamp, a date, flowers, shapes, buildings, food, or anything else you can imagine. Just be careful with the ink. Don’t go for a water-based one. This can smudge, fade, or widen over time. Instead, buy chalk or pigment ink.

Embellishments

Embellishments are scrapbook craft supplies that make the whole process fun and boost your creativity. They come in a big variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and textures, from flowers, journaling cards, jewels, chipboards, ribbons, charms and much more. They’re creating the theme and beauty of the page you’re making. They make the whole process a lot more exciting and give you endless choices and ideas.

Pens and Pencils

These everyday items can help you a lot in your creative process. They’re perfect to add a personal touch to the scrapbook. When you add handwritten captions, dates, names, or details worth remembering you’ll tell a complete and detailed story. When shopping, make sure you get water and fade-proof pens, and drafting mechanical pencils for the delicate detailing. It’s great if you get them in many colours so they can match every layout you create.