Are you creating the scrapbook for a particular person? If so, what would that person most enjoy seeing and reading? Pre-planning or outlining your content will give your scrapbook a natural flow and make it more enjoyable for those who will read and discuss it.

Other Supplies to Get Started

The album of course is your most important purchase, but the rest of the scrapbook supplies are where the art of scrapbooking begins! The first thing that you will need to create scrapbook pages is an adhesive. There are traditional glues available, as well as more fancy adhesives, but again, the most important thing is to get something that is photo-safe. Glues do not work terribly well for the photographs themselves, so you might want to consider photo tabs or adhesives specifically designed for use with photos.

The next thing you will need is scrapbook paper. There are literally thousands of papers available for scrapbooking. Cardstock is a thicker type of paper that can be used for mounting pictures or for background pages. Printed scrapbook paper has an existing design that will complement your own placement of elements on the page.

Vellum is a type of paper that is opaque and creates lovely effects as do textured papers. When picking your papers, think about the photos you have, and pick papers that complement each other as well as your own pictures. It's a good idea to invest in a multi-pack of colored papers or cardstock. These are good to have on hand in case you need them, and you will!

After purchasing your paper, it is time for scrapbook stickers! Stickers are just as varied as papers! There are three-dimensional stickers, vellum stickers, glitter stickers, and more! Again, think about the subject matter you are scrapping and buy stickers that go along with your pictures and the papers that you have purchased. Other embellishments include brads, tags, frames, fibers, ribbons - the list is truly endless! Look for some free scrapbooking layouts on online scrapbook sites and use the ideas you glean from those examples to put your shopping list together!

Cutting tools are another important supply. You can start small by purchasing a good pair of scissors. From there you can move on to specialty scissors with shaped edges. Elaborate cutting systems are available that allow you to easily create circles, squares, and other shapes. These can be expensive, but are worth the investment in the long run.

You will need pens to do your journaling. Make sure these are acid-free. A new trend in scrapbooking is the use of chalks to shade areas on your page. Brushing a scrapbook chalk along the edge can enhance photo mattes. This creates a pleasing effect; giving your layouts depth and making you look like a professional designer!

Tips to Creating Successful Scrapbooks

The hardest thing for the beginning scrapper is to be organized. If you cannot find your supplies, you cannot use them, and you will be frustrated. Purchase some inexpensive shelving or drawers, and get organized before you begin. Get the basics and build your collection slowly so you're not overwhelmed by the supplies themselves.

Spend some time getting ideas for scrapbook page layouts and start slowly. Do one page at a time. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, but experiment on less important photos first. If you have once-in-a-lifetime photos consider having copies made for safekeeping.

Where Can You Learn Scrapbooking?

A great idea for beginner scrappers is to take some scrapbooking classes. Any craft or scrapbook store will offer low cost classes. Some scrapbook instructors host classes in their own homes. Scrapbooking magazines are another place to learn. You can get a monthly subscription and this will ensure that you always have fresh ideas. Some communities have scrapbooking clubs where you can meet new friends and trade layout ideas.

No matter how you get started, the most important thing is to start! The longer you wait to start scrapbooking, the more photographs you are going to accumulate. Start small with some free scrapbooking ideas, and create your first page. As you keep working, you will gain confidence and begin to create beautiful albums with your scrapbook supplies. And of course, remember the most important scrapbooking tip - have fun!