As a newbie (less than a year) in the world of scrapbooking, I understand the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start. When I began my journey, I made the mistake of buying unnecessary items and wasting money on things I never used. That's why I want to share the essential tools you need to kickstart your scrapbooking adventure without the confusion and wasted expenses. I aim to provide you with a clear, concise list of must-have tools that will set you up for success from the beginning.
One common mistake that beginners often make is overlooking the importance of essential tools. It's easy to be drawn to the decorative items but forget about the basics that make crafting significantly easier and more enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive list:
Absolute Must-Have Items:
1. Paper Trimmer:
A paper trimmer is a tool used to cut paper precisely. The Stampin’ Up! Paper Trimmer ensures clean, straight cuts.
2. Adhesives and Glue: Used to stick paper and embellishments onto your pages. The Stampin’ Up! Snail Adhesive is a popular choice.
3. Black Ink Pad: Essential for stamping clear, crisp images. The Stampin’ Up! The Basic Black Ink Pad is a versatile choice.
Used with your stamps, clear blocks will help you position and stamp images accurately. You can not stamp without these!
When selecting stamping blocks for your crafting projects, it's crucial to match the size of the block as closely as possible to the size of the stamp being used. Using a block that is too big may result in smudging or overlapping of the image, leading to a messy and unclear impression. On the other hand, using a block that is too small can make it challenging to position the stamp accurately and apply even pressure, potentially causing incomplete or uneven stamping. Ensuring the right block size for your stamp promotes clean, crisp, and professional-looking stamped images on your projects.
Stamp blocks are usually sold in sets or individually. The stamp bundles are often sold at a discounted price! Because you will need multiple blocks, the bundle is the best option for saving money!
You can use a couple of multipurpose stamp sets for various layouts. Choose something that you know will match multiple photos. For example: if you have a lot of camping photos, look for a couple of outdoor stamps that are activities you did while camping.
Stamps and dies are often sold separately. However, “Stampin’ Up!” does offer some Bundled Savings which include both! Make sure to check out the Bundled Sets here!
6. Markers or Colored Pencils: These are used to color in stamped images, adding vibrant details to your projects.
7. 12x12 White Card-stock: A fundamental material for scrapbooking pages, providing a sturdy base for layouts and stamping your embellishments.
Paper Snip Scissors are small, sharp scissors for detailed cutting. You are going to need these for various things including cutting out stamped images if you do not have a cutting machine.
9. A scrapbook sketch.
For new beginners, a scrapbook sketch is extremely helpful. A scrapbook sketch provides a visual guide showing the layout and design of a scrapbook page. It includes the placement of photos, embellishments, and other elements, as well as the sizes of the pieces to be cut. There are lots of free ones available online!
10. Patterned paper with matching cardstock.
These are often sold separately. So make sure you are grabbing both. You are going to want to make sure that what you choose to start matches your photo theme colors, and points and also goes with the stamp set you will be using.
Stampin’ Up! has “Product Suites” available Product Suites are a collection of coordinating products, like stamps, dies, papers, and embellishments, designed to work together. Each Product Suite is different and materials may vary. So make sure to check what is or isn’t included!! But these are great starting points for beginners!
Beyond the fundamental essentials
Beyond the fundamental essential to kickstart your journey, there are additional items that you'll want to gradually acquire to enhance your scrapbooking experience. These supplementary tools will not only elevate the quality of your pages but also streamline and expedite your crafting process, making it both enjoyable and efficient.
Colored ink pads are a valuable addition to your arsenal. In due time, you'll find yourself expanding your collection to include a variety of hues beyond the basics. These additional colors serve a different purpose than traditional stamping, as they are primarily utilized to infuse depth and dimension into your pages and embellishments, enhancing the overall visual impact of your creations.
Depending on your budget, “Stampin’ Up!” sells ink pads in bundles or individually.
These are the tools that are most commonly used to apply and blend ink on your pages for a soft, gradient effect or to add depth and dimension to your embellishments.
The Stampin’ Cus & Emboss Machine is a game-changer as you delve deeper into the world of scrapbooking. Investing in a die-cutting machine will revolutionize your crafting process by efficiently cutting shapes and intricate designs from paper using metal dies. This tool not only saves you valuable time and effort but also adds a touch of sophistication and intricacy to your projects. Once you have a die-cut machine don’t forget to buy the die sets that go with your stamps! These are often sold separately as well!
Dimensional and foam adhesive strips are indispensable for adding dimension and texture to your projects. While not included in the top 10 essentials list, these foam adhesive shapes are a game-changer if you want to elevate the visual appeal of your creations. They have the remarkable ability to make your embellishments stand out from the page, adding depth and dimension to a more dynamic and professional look.
Grid paper serves as a valuable tool to have, though it may not be considered essential for beginners. It functions as a protective work surface for your table and aids in achieving precise alignment in your projects.
A stamping pierce mat is another recommended item that you'll want to consider adding to your crafting supplies. This cushioned mat is placed under your paper when stamping to guarantee clear and crisp images, enhancing the quality of your stamped designs.
A stamp shammy is a reusable stamp cleaning cloth that makes stamp cleaning effortless. Just add water, then wipe the stamps.
Stampin' Mist cleans ink from stamps and helps condition rubber stamps. Use with Stampin' Scrub (sold separately) for best results.
As you progress in your scrapbooking journey, expanding your collection of stamps, patterned paper, and cardstock becomes a natural progression. When selecting these items, it's essential to consider your existing or future photos. Think about whether you have, or will, photos that would coordinate well with the stamps and papers you're eyeing. While there are countless attractive options available, it's crucial to make thoughtful purchases to avoid wasting money on items that may never find their way into your projects.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! I am here to help!
Happy Scrapbooking!
April - This Chick Loves Paper
Please note: All photos are subject to copyright
Images @ Stampin’ Up!©️
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is the sole responsibility of April Raine - This Chick Loves Paper as a Stampin’ Up!® Independent Demonstrator. The use of and content of classes, services, or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up!
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Crafting with Confidence: Want to Scrapbook? Here’s the Tools You Need to Get Started!!
Discover the must-have tools and tips to kickstart your scrapbooking journey with confidence. Elevate your projects with essential supplies and practical strategies to create stunning layouts. Make thoughtful choices to avoid wasting money on unnecessary items and let your creativity shine through on every page.
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