by Starbuck21

Created on: June 12, 2008

Thinking about creating your first scrapbook? You can spend as much or as little as you want to get started. However, before you drive to your nearest craft store, you should accomplish a few important tasks.

First of all, figure out what you want to present in a scrapbook. Pull out the photos, concert tickets, playbills, postcards, drawings, newspaper clippings, and programs that you've been cramming into a shoebox these past few years. Can you group these items into events or special time periods in your life?

When you have formed a basic idea of what you're displaying in your scrapbook, figure out how you want to display these special items. Think about how you'd like to display them. Do you need a gargantuan book or will something smaller do? How busy do you want your scrapbook to be? Do you want a lot of decorations in it? Or do you want a clean look? Also, think about the layout. You can purchase a book to give you some ideas, or you can look online at some cute (and free) layouts to try.

With these ideas you can better create a list of tools and scrapbook goodies you need to buy. Important tools include:

Craft Scissors and Cutting Boards: Basic craft scissors can be used to cut out cool shapes or decorative frames. When you graduate to the intermediate scrapbooking level, you can purchase additional scissors with embellished decorative edges for fancier cutting. For easy straight lines you can purchase a cutter and cutting board.

Adhesives: You can't make a scrapbook without acquiring some sticky stuff! Glue sticks or double-sided tape are good for paper or other thin material. For gemstones or bulkier decorations you should use a glue gun or at least a bottle of Elmer's.

Paper: Obviously you need paper for your scrapbook, but what kind of paper? Any craft store worth its salt will have dozens of choices. For right now, only pick paper that matches the colors or theme you have picked out. For those of you on a budget, catalog and magazine clippings can be a great (and free) substitute for craft paper.

Writing Implements: You'll want to add letters to your scrapbook creation and you have many options. Nice markers or pens will give your scrapbook a journal-esque feeling. If you want something neater, stencils will give you a reusable way to create neat-looking writing. Stickers are also nice, but they're a more expensive option.

Embellishments: Only select a few embellishments to go into your first scrapbook. You don't need to cram embellishments over every square inch of your scrapbook for it to look pretty.

Scrapbook Kits: Of course, you can skip this whole purchasing process and just buy a pre-made kit. It's easier and you get a sense of what you get for your second scrapbook. However, if you really want your personality to shine through, then trust your own taste and avoid the kit.

And remember the most important thing: have fun!

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