Essential Supplies to Begin Scrapbooking
Everyone is doing it - scrapbooking that is - and you think
you'd like to give it a try, too. However, you're really not
sure what the difference is between a scrapbook and a
traditional photo album. You're also not sure what supplies
you'll need. A quick lesson on the essentials of scrapbooking
will bring you right up to speed.
Modern scrapbooks are different from traditional photo albums in
a few respects. They hold both photographs and memorabilia. For
that reason they are sometimes referred to as memory books.
There is also an emphasis on writing, or journaling, in
scrapbooking. Each scrapbook should tell a story.
Scrapbooks are also more aesthetically pleasing than traditional
photo albums. Attention is paid to the layout of the pages.
Often, pages are decorated with colorful paper and stickers,
although this is not necessary.
The biggest distinction between a modern scrapbook and a
traditional photo album is the emphasis on the preservation of
the photos and memories. The albums, papers, pens, and adhesives
should all be photo safe. Photo safe is a term that means that
the materials used in creating a scrapbook are designed to do
the least amount of long term damage on your photos and
memorabilia. Damage includes fading, yellowing, and a
degradation of the paper the photos or memorabilia are printed
on.
Because of this emphasis on preservation, specific, specialized
supplies are required when scrapbooking. These supplies can be
purchased at many art supply stores, specialty scrapbooking
stores or from many online retailers.
The supplies you will need to create your first scrapbook are:
Photos and memorabilia - Before beginning any album you should
have its contents organized. You may want to do a themed album
(baby, wedding, vacation, etc.) or a chronological family album.
Either way, having the album's contents collected before you
begin will help you complete your album more efficiently.
A photo safe album - The album you purchase should be free from
acid and lignin (a substance in wood that will turn paper
unstable and cause it to yellow). It should also be the correct
size for the project you are tackling. This is where having your
photos and memorabilia organized beforehand comes in handy. If
you're creating a brag book for grandma of her new grandchild, a
small album that has only one or two photos per page may be
appropriate. If you're chronicling your child's athletic career
and have large newspaper clippings, a larger album would be the
appropriate choice.
A photo trimmer - Photo trimmers come in handy to crop out any
unwanted parts of a photograph or to trim decorative paper. They
do the job quickly and neatly.
A good pair of scissors - There are some jobs the photo trimmer
just can't do. A good, sharp pair of scissors will come in handy.
Photo safe pens - Special pens are sold that are created to be
photo safe. Look for pens that say "acid free", "photo safe" or
"archival quality" on them.
A photo safe adhesive - Special tape and other adhesives that
are photo safe should be purchased. Page protectors - Page
protectors are photo safe plastic covers that slip over
completed pages. Some albums come with them. If yours does not,
buy them.
Decorative papers and stickers - These are not essential to
creating an album, but many people involved in scrapbooking like
to embellish their pages with them.
Once you've gathered all your supplies, you are ready to get to
work. If you need a little inspiration, you can find ideas for
your scrapbook on internet sites, in scrapbooking magazines, and
from other scrap-bookers.