What Do I Need to Start Scrapbooking?
The best thing about scrapbooking is that although there are a
plethora of scrapbooking supplies available on the market, you
really don't need a lot to make your very first scrapbook.
Basically, all you need to scrapbook is an album, some glue, a
pair of scissors, and some photographs or newspaper clippings.
Any fabric, ribbon, or bits of leftovers from other projects can
be used to embellish your scrapbook.
As you get more acquainted with scrapbooking, you will find
products that save you time and frustration. Many of these
products are well worth the extra cost. At the top of this list
is an exacto knife. This strong and versatile blade allows you
to cut almost anything into any shape. When the blade is dull,
the end is simply broken off to reveal another sharp tip. Just
be sure to place the object you plan to cut onto a mat or wad or
newspaper before using the exacto knife. Otherwise, the knife
will cut right through your picture and into your scrapbook page
or dining room table.
The next best tool is a pair of tweezers. Trying to pick up and
place small gluey pieces is a hassle. Tweezers, though not very
high tech, allow you to move pieces without touching them.
Speaking of gluey pieces, various glues and affixing options are
available. These quick and less messy options include glue dots,
two-sided tape, Xyron, acid free photo tabs, and polypropylene
corners.
To increase the preservation of your scrapbook and your
treasures, look for albums with acid free, lignin free pages.
Both acid and lignin accelerate photo fading and general
deterioration. Lignin is a chemical found naturally in the cell
walls of plants. If the lignin is not removed in the paper
manufacturing process, the chemical will cause the paper product
to gradually yellow and crumble. Lignin and acid free products
come in virtually any color and texture.