Never Scrapbooked - help to start

[pinderella]

Thanks alot people!:rolleyes: All the fabulous scrapbook layout pictures have inspired me to give scrapbooking a go. I have tons of photos (especially Disney) and no clue where to start. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
I have some questions to start with:

1 What kind of album is best?

2 If you make your own pages, do you use cardstock or scrapbook paper?

3 What is the difference between cardstock and paper in terms of what it is used for? (I understand that cardstock is thicker, but that is all I know.)

4 What kind of glue/adhesive is best and why?

I would also love a list of ESSENTIAL supplies to get started.

Thanks, Karen

[ripkensnana]

Ooooohhhhkay.....

Welcome to the wonderful world of scrapbooking...

1. Personally, I prefer post bound albums because of being able to add or eliminate pages with relative ease.

2. Again, personal preference: I like to use scrapbook paper for the background and mat my pictures with cardstock, but you could do it the other way, or not mat the pictures at all, etc. The options are endless...

3. Actually, cardstock and paper are rather interchangeable as far as how to use it. See answer 2

4. Wow! This is truly a "sticky" question (pun intended :D ). The only thing I can say is try a variety of types of adhesive products to find which you prefer. I will say that glue dots are best for adding something non-paper to a page (like a button, flower, MVMCP bracelet, etc.). I use a bunch of different adhesives, and my mood at the moment depends on which I use. I tend to like tape runners for when I go to scrap meets and so on, simply because they're easy to use, and mess is nonexistent.

Essential supplies depend largely on budget. You will definitely need a paper trimmer of some sort, paper and or cardstock, adhesive, a scrapbook or two, and some embellishments (like stickers and/or die-cuts), plus a good pair of scissors. You can expand the list to include brads/eyelets, ribbon, decorative staples (which require a special stapler), all the way up to and including a machine to create die-cuts (or you can purchase these ready-made).

Hope this helps! :)

[BriarRose]

Welcome to scrapping!

I have an entire room that is dedicated to my crafting!

There are many places to start but browsing and experimenting is the best way to find what works for you.

I too prefer the post albums because of the adding factor.

Sticky things I like my tape runner but I also use my tiny Xyron sticker maker tons for little things up to an inch.

You can spend a ton of time and money :D I need to spend more time and less money but part of my hobby seems to be collecting stuff to scrap :D

I saw some neat little kits at Wal-mart that have stickers and pages and other things that you can just add pics to get a quick book.

Now if you can tell me where to buy energy to get to work I'm on it :D

[Flash]

If you can get your cutting stuff from Creative Memories (hi lynner) - I really like them. I am VERY new to this, so I have just basics. I found that I like to cut and crop ALOT. A good corner trimmer, mat cutters, and a page-length paper cutter are important. DO NOT try to use old scissors or cutting tools that you use for other crafts (besides paper). You will only get frustrated.:?

[ChrisR]

Oh my...where to start. :razz: I would check to see if you have any local scrapbook stores. Many of them have classes for beginners. I think Joann's and other chain craft stores may have some classes as well, depends on the individual store.

I use Creative Memories albums because I once was a consultant for them. I have literally half a closet full of empty albums. I have never been a huge fan of Post bound alubms. I don't like that the pages don't lie flat, or having to buy extenders/spacers, and my one friend of mine had a several that just fell apart.

Paper-as long as it is archival-acid free and lignin free-go crazy. Cardstock or printed paper. However, with any album that doesn't have a "base" for the pages, and just page protectors, you will probably want to mount the thin paper on to cardstock for support.

I recommend www.mousememories.com (http://www.mousememories.com) for seeing what cool Disney products are out there.

Or you could always come to the "dark side" of scrapping and try digiscrapping. :razz: I currently do both paper and digiscrapping. You would need some sort of photoediting software that allows you to work in layers. There are soooo many free digiscrapping files out on the web, as well as pay ones.

Adhesives: I use Creative Memories tape runners, because I have always liked them. Many I know LOVE ATG tape dispensers. They are a bit pricey at first, but the rolls are huge and last a long time.

HTH!! :boyears:

[Daisee]

I love to scrapbook! I am by no means a professional, but I do my best.

I have a rolly cart that has drawers in it, that I store my supplies in. When I first started, I realized that a paper cutter was a very important essential item. They come in various sizes, and are relatively inexpensive considering how much use you will get out of it. It makes for really nice, straight lines.

I usually use scrapbook papers & card stock, that I get from Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Target, and small scrapbook stores in my area. I am always checking out the clearance sections, looking for these items as well.

Check out this link....
http://www.scrapbook.com/articles/doc/3280/233.html

It is a list of essentials, and gives further details about each, and provides different brands.

Scrapping can be lots of fun. There are no limits on creativity. There are tons and tons of sites you can use for ideas.. Have fun getting started!!

[Sheryl]

Hi Karen, welcome to a new addiction. ;) I'm not sure if I like to scrap more, or shop around and buy the supplies.

I started with Creative Memories and do have many of their supplies. I then started adding from all the stores the other ladies have mentioned and believe it or not often find Disney items on sale. Just last week AC Moore had 30% off all their Disney scrapping supplies, so I was able to pick up a bunch of things cheaply there. Also use the weekly coupons because most of the stores (Joann's, AC Moore, and Michaels) will accept other store coupins.

One of the best things about scrapping is, you can do what ever you want and be as creative as you want to be, or not. It's your book, so have fun with it.

Oh yeah, and somethiing else I do. Cheat, yes cheat, I sometimes use others ideas for pages if I find myself stuck.

[BriarRose]

Oh yeah, and somethiing else I do. Cheat, yes cheat, I sometimes use others ideas for pages if I find myself stuck.


It is not cheating Sheryl :D That is the greatest form of flattery with the borrowing :D of ideas!

[Flash]

If you have an Archivers in your area, they have great coupons. Once you get their mailings you can get paper for free almost every month. It's not a lot, but when you are just starting it's great.

[BriarRose]

It is not cheating Sheryl :D That is the greatest form of flattery with the borrowing :D of ideas!



I couldn't remember the term but now I do! - scraplifting :D

[Joe]

Not just the extra energy BR, but also the extra time. It seems I've been so busy the last several months I haven't been able to get to my scrapbooking at all :sad:
Joe

[Carrie]

I started out by getting a kit that came with an album, papers, and cutouts. I then started collecting lots of stickers and paper. I went sticker crazy. Now that they've come out with so many nice embellishments, my sticker drawer sits mostly untouched. I don't use the flat stickers much because I can cut out almost anything I want on the Cricut. A great, but not cheap invention.

I have glue sticks, photo mounting squares, and runners. Mounting squares can get time consuming if you're doing a large project. But they tend to have a lot of stick to them. Different types of adhesive work better depending on how large or small the embellishment may be or what material its made from. I recently discovered Scrapbooker's Glue with 2-way applicator, made by Scotch. It looks like a really big pen that has one side for fine tip and the other side is a sponge. It has the clear liquid glue in it. It seems to be speeding up my work a little bit.

I started out doing simple layouts with paper and stickers. As I got more experienced, I'd add in another element. There are always new techniques out there. People have started putting stitches on their paper with a sewing machine and thick thread. You can tear pages to have a rough edge. You can distress the pages for a vintage look. You can add ribbon or flowers. On another board I got in on a few group buys. If you have a large group, you can usually purchase things in mass quantities for wholesale prices. That's how I got a ton of Stampin Up's gross grain ribbon in every color, and the Prima flowers in 12 different colors. Oh, I love Primas flowers.

There's no rule on what you should use cardstock for and what you should use paper for. There are some people who will only use cardstock. I have a mixture. Cardstock seems to have a nicer appearance but tends to cost more, so I use it as much as possible. But I've also found a lot of cute paper that wasn't cardstock. So I just put it all together and use both. JoAnn's recently had 40% off most of their cardmaking and scrapbooking supplies. This is when I stock up on the bulk packs of cardstock.

The best advice I can give is to browse the photo galleries on scrapbooking websites. Scrapbook.com has a huge gallery. I go there when I'm looking for a new idea. The messageboard also has tons of tips and tricks. You can make scrapbooking easy or complicated. There are some people who have hours and hours to spend on their hobby and do some very intricate work. You won't be a pro over night. I look back at my first scrapbook (Ty's baby book) and laugh at how simple it looks. But it also shows the progress I've made as I've learned more techniques. My scrapbooking is growing up with my baby.

[Carrie]

One more thing. Brads and eyelets are probably my favorite thing to jazz up a page. The crop-a-dile makes setting eyelets a piece of cake. It also punches the hole in your paper to put a brad in easily. This is my most often used tool.

I get all my tools at the stores using the 40% off one regular priced item coupons. I signed up on all of the stores' websites and they often send coupons via email.

[Sheryl]

I couldn't remember the term but now I do! - scraplifting :D

Ah yes, scraplifting sounds so much better!

[Flash]

Hobby Lobby is having a big sale in my area right now - 50% off paper!! :woot:

[LisaG]

I love my ATG. But I also use glue dots, tabs and runners. Runners mainly for classes, expos, etc.

And I agree about the Crop-a-dile as being one of the best items ever. I love setting eyelets with no noise :D

I also recommend a good pair of non-stick scissors (teflon type coating). They are great whne you realize something is too long or big and you need to cut through adhesive. Also good when you want to only use part of a sticker.

[pinderella]

Thanks for all the tips, guys! Unfortunately, there are no craft stores or even Wal-marts, K-marts or Targets here in Eleuthera (Bahamas). All of my supplies will have to be ordered off of the internet, so any online store or specific brand recomendations are appreciated.

I still can't decide what type of album I want to use. Any pros/cons?

Thanks, Karen

[Carrie]

I use only post bound books. I've never used any other style. It just made sense to me that I wanted to be able to add and remove a page whenever I wanted. I have a friend who uses only Making Memories albums and she has to glue her scrap page onto the book. There is no versatility to change anything. If you make a mistake and glue the wrong page down or change your mind later, you're out of luck. There are no moving pages around. That is why I like post bound. It seems to be the easiest style to find in the stores as well, so I'm guessing its most popular. I'm sure there are other types that work, I've just never researched them.

I have not used online stores for general scrapbook supplies. I'm sure the shipping will kill you on paper...paper is heavy. On the other hand, you have to do what you have to do. I use some discount websites for Cricut cartridges...but that's a whole 'nother can of worms.

[Ursulinda]

Welcome to your new hobby!

Digi scrapping probably is the easiest option for you because your supplies can be downloaded off the internet - no shipping to pay!

That being said, I'm one of those for whom scrapping is all about cutting paper. IF your next trip to WDW is soon, I would be bringing an extra suitcase and an empty credit card! There are several scrapbook stores within 20 miles of Disney, as well as Michaels and JoAnns.

Also, if you have an office supply and or stationery store in your town, you could easily start there.

For me, basic necessities are:


Cutter Bee scissors - I have both plain and non-stick
12 inch paper trimmer
pencil
ruler with inking edge
black gel or other sharp fine pen for journaling
adhesive - both dry and wet. I use an ATG gun because although the initial investment is high (cheaper at office supply than sb store) the cost per inch of adhesive is less. I also use pop dots, red tape, glue stick, tombo liquid, and a zig adhesive pen, each for different applications. I did not have all those to start with, but acquired them as needed.
post bound albums
a big square punch for cropping photos
Anthing more than that, is really optional. Later, over time, I added

circle, oval, wavy edged cutters from Creative Memories
gold, silver, copper pens
brads, ribbon and other embellishments -
last but not least, my very expensive toy - the cricut
To keep from buying a bunch of stuff you may not use, I'd recommend visiting http://www.simplescrapbooksmag.com/ in general and especially at their fast album formula in the downloads section. This is an album planner, that lets you think before you buy, so you can make more targeted purchaces.

Good Luck and have fun!

PS. I highly recommend mousememories.com - they are not a general scrapbooking store, but they do have cardstock and some tools and adhesive as well as the themed Disney, sports and faith stuff they specialize in, AND I know the owner to be honest and helpful.

[tinkertam]

This thread is great! I've been wanting to scrap for ages. In the dark ages, I used to "scrap." By that I mean that I was very good at getting photos in an album, adding little cartoons and journaling that I drew or wrote right on the page the pictures were mounted on. Sometimes I added things like tickets, postcards, borchures and such. So, I know I can compose a page....I think.:p

That was before there was this amazing abundance of scrapping supplies. Well, about the time the 3rd kiddo was born, I ran out of time for those albums. So, now, I have boxes of photos dating back to 1999! Which my 19 year old so kindly pointed out to me recently was "Almost Lindsay's (the youngests) entire life!" Gee thanks for the reminder!

So, the one thing that really overwhelms me and sets me back on my heels from scrapping is: WHERE TO START? I have even gone so far as to purchase supplies on clearance and have used them when I've needed to assemble memory boards for different family members and events. I even put together a scrapbook for the director of our high school's musical last year using photos I took during the production. (Which incidentally was High School Musical!) So, I have a good idea of how to do this....just where do I logically start with my nearly 10 years worth of photos, which frankly, overwhelms me. I'm thinking chronologically would be the easiest. My SIL likes to make hers all themed. Each holiday, each vacation, personal events.

And, finally, one more question: regarding your kids, if you have them, will you one day hand over these books to them? I'd like to have some to give them and some to keep for me until I at least kick the bucket! do you make two books of some things? One to keep and one to give?

Any suggestions? Because man, looking at all of your pages and reading about your ideas and plans SO make me want to get in there with you guys! Thanks for any help!

Tammy

[MissBianca]

I'm going to give a plug for digital scrapbooking--cheaper, no mess, easy to share, etc. Of course, there's reasons to do the messy kind too ;)

1 What kind of album is best?
For digital, you can use either a post bound book (I like 8" x 8") or get a company like Shutterfly to make a beautiful bound volume for you.

2 If you make your own pages, do you use cardstock or scrapbook paper?
I use professional quality photo paper when I print my pages. I like matte finish.

3 What is the difference between cardstock and paper in terms of what it is used for? (I understand that cardstock is thicker, but that is all I know.)
:whistle: :whistle:

4 What kind of glue/adhesive is best and why?
Just one of the many non-questions for digital scrapbooking. Not only that but when you work digitally, you never lose the ability to move something around.

I would also love a list of ESSENTIAL supplies to get started.
1. Computer. 2. Graphics program (I suggest Photoshop Elements and have done a couple of tutorials for it). 3. A digital scrapbook kit. I currently recommend http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com for some great kits. These assortments (http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=7&zensessionid=f75962127ac52c5ec95421241cd5e8ed) are super deals for a beginner. 4. Printer. 5. Photo paper.

[Ursulinda]

Tammy, where to begin is an interesting question. No matter where you choose to 'begin scrapping' I would BEGIN the process by sorting the photos. toss the bad ones - unless it is absolutely the only photo you have of an event or individual. How to sort them? Depends what you've got - in my case with photos dating back about 90 years, I sorted by decade first and then split by family, still organized by decade. You may choose something else.

Once you've got your photos sorted and labeled (who what when), you may find that will be enough. But maybe, just maybe for some of those photos you have a story to tell that you're excited about. To me, THAT is where you start - where you have a story and energy.

Some of those photos - you will never have energy around. Leave those in the box - you've done your best for them.

The only time i've done more than one album with the same photos was my father in laws military photos. I did one for m.i.l, one for sil, and one for my husband. When he dies, it goes to that side of the family.

After I go - whomever wants them can have them! What I think will happen? The family albums will go to the families featured. The disney albums will go to the dump, and my story albums may wind up in the local library. I won't care. I won't be there.

[LisaG]

Tammy - I agree with Ursilinda - sort everything first. I have pictures back to 92 plus my mom recently gave me a shoebox of slides from the 70s and I know they will never all be scrapbooked.

I just pick what I feel like working on or what inspires me at the moment. I found cute New Orleans stickers one day so I scrapped our trip to NO from 2001 recently.

Don't feel like they all need to be scrapped. Just organizing and dating is enough for a lot of pictures.

[tinkertam]

Hey thanks you guys. I can't wait for school to start and my routine to return to "normal." First thing I'll do is sort my photos by year and just START! I'm looking forward to this.

Tammy