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Supply List

I'm hoping to have each of these items connected to links to my online store at some point in the near future. But this list should help get you started!

The Basics

1. Photos, ideally grouped chronologically, by event, or by theme.
2. Scraps. Ticket stubs, pressed flowers, bulletins, locks of hair, newspaper and magazine articles, charms and more are essential for a fun scrapbook.
3. An acid-free scrapbook album of your choice. Decide on the type and size (you can read about the types available here). Keep in mind that you can have many albums for different people, events and themes--and they don't have to be the same.
4. Pages and page protectors. The paper must be acid-free to help keep the photos in good shape. Page protectors must be PVC- (vinyl-) free.
5. Buffered holders and/or paper for the scraps. I highly recommend making copies of your paper scrap treasures on acid-free paper and putting the copies in the album. (You can scan them into your computer and print out a copy on acid-free paper, if you want to save a trip.) If you have other items--coins, flowers, hair, etc. -- choose PVC-free plastic holders or envelopes that seal to store these items in your scrapbooks.
6. Acid-free adhesive. True archival quality means that your photos are not permanently mounted on your pages for future removal, if necessary. However, a permanent type of adhesive is perfectly fine for family albums, as long as it is acid-free. You will probably find the need for a dry adhesive as well as at least one liquid adhesive for the different items you include in your album, as you become more seasoned.
7. Journaling pen. Acid-free, permanent ink in a fade-resistant, water-resistant formula is best.

Personalizing Your Scrapbook

1. Decorative acid-free paper. Choose textures, patterns, and colors that compliment your photos. Use for matting and paper piecing as well as punching and backgrounds.
2. Embellishments. I love dimensional embellishments. But when you're getting started, start out with acid-free die cuts and stickers, choosing only what you need for your photos. When you're comfortable, you can get started with sewing, fibers, buttons, eyelets, stamping and more!
3. Paper trimmer. In my opinion, this actually belongs in the basics list. No single pair of scissors can trim better than a paper cutter. Try them out, consider your trimming needs and workspace size before your purchase.
4. Sharp scissors. Invest in a comfortable pair of straight edged scissors.

Getting Creative

1. Stamps and ink. Choose an acid-free, permanent, archival-quality ink and stamps that match the themes of your photos, as well as background stamps.
2. All that glitters... If you have already gotten into dimensional elements, be sure to try glitter, gems, eyelets, rivets, buttons, brads, wire and fibers to add life to your pages.
3. Acid-free markers, pencils and chalk. Great investment in versatile tools for many uses.
4. Punches. These are a fun investment. I recommend general ones, like several sizes of squares and circles (for easy and fast matting). Also several corner punches are a good idea, specifically a rounder and a Southwest punch for stringing fiber.
5. Classes, books and magazines. Getting fresh ideas and keeping on top of new products and techniques is a great resource for refreshing creativity.

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