Best Scrapbook Starter kit?

[TheOtherVillainess]

Is there a scrapbooking starter kit ou t there you'd recommend?
I want to start a book for DS and I'm not sure where to start. I figured a starter kit would help though.

TOV

 

[WDWAurora]

I'm not sure if I would start with a kit or not. Do you know anyone who does Creative Memories? I would start by attending one of their parties. While I utilize only one of their products (corner rounder) I think they teach how easy it can be to make pages that really tell the story and they also tell you how to know if products are quality. Rather than buy a kit, I would go to Target, buy a 9.99 toploading album, and buy a pack of cardstock (acid and lignin free). If you like, you could start with patterned paper instead, which is what I prefer. Watch the sales ads for Michael's and AC Moore and go in and pick out what you like rather than what comes prepackaged. Does any of that make sense?

 

[Spinning]

You crack me up! I enjoyed your post from way back as Ursula!
Motherhood seems to suit you!
Anyway welcome to the scrapping side of the DIS! Great group of people with lots of ideas.

I don't think I would go the way of a kit either. I started with a kit and didn't use much of it.

If you have a local scrap book store (LSS) I would head there first. They have lots of ideas and classes. If not check out Michael's and ACMoore see if they have any ideas.
Also check out websites to look at layouts.
But if you want to start on your own think about your style.
Do you like everything in order? are you a wee bit scattered and have pictures all over the place? If so buy a photo box and organize your photo's she what you pictures you have taken. Make a list or bring the photo's to the store with you and match up the paper and stickers with the photos.

You will need to buy:
1. good adhesive (glue/tape) I like hermifix tabs and dots
2. pen (fine tip is what I like but that is a personal choice)
3. sissors (I like short pointy ones)
4. some type of paper cutter fiskar makes a nice one just make sure to buy the 12 inch one.
5. Album again this is a personal choice. I love top loading. Albums that come with the sleeves in it. Just make sure it is a true 12x12 so you don't have to trim you paper.
6. Decorative and solid paper.
7 stickers and embellishments. This to me is the trickest part! It is very easy to go over board and buy lots and lots of stickers. But until you figure out what you like go easy.

That is pretty much all you need to get started. Then if you find you like it (it is very addictive!) you can branch out into all kinds of wonderful stuff! I also love a personal trimmer but you don't need that right away.

You can also look for a Creative Memory consultant in your area. They do have some very nice baby pages and their tools are top notch. They are a strap hinge book.
Good luck and enjoy hope we some layouts!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

The previous ideas are all great and I'm for not going the kit route also.

If you can figure out someone you already know that scraps (and you may be surprised how many are in your circle of friends/acquaintances that do!) try to get together with them. Generally scrappers love to show off their work and help each other with ideas and suggestions.

Deb

 

[Maple]

I haven't been scraping that long. I laugh but I bought a kit from WM and started out doing a pet album. My friend did loan me her cutting system from Creative Memories. I agree with the others, either get with a Creative Memory consultant or take a class at a local scrap store. You can start out very simply with not needing a whole bunch of stuff but it is nice to get a basic knowledge of what to do with it.
Good luck, it will be so much fun.

 

[OurDogCisco]

I really like the kits from QVC especially for beginners.... They usually include everything but the photos, adhesive & cutting tools.

Here's one:

http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?class=0012&tmp=hp&cont=snht

Here's a link to all the kits:

http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?class=0012&tmp=hp&cont=snht

I'd go with the kits that include a 12 by 12 album. I really wouldn't buy the starter kit from Creative Memories (I think, I paid close to $300 for it). I did and then discovered I had a different style. I don't completely regret it but I wish I spent more time looking at different products.

P.S. can you tell I love QVC....

 

[bananiem]

The kits I've seen contain a lot of stuff I wouldn't use, personally. (Though SOMEBODY must like it or they wouldn't sell it, right?) I agree to go get an album, take lots of pictures, decide which ones you want to use, use cardstock or paper for pages and mat the pictures. Be sure to journal!!!!
If you can't get to a class at the LSS or don't want to get into the home-based class then go to www.twopeasinabucket.com and look at the gallery. There's a ton of layouts to look at in all types of themes. Copying a layout is called scraplifting and we all do it all the time.
I'd start basic with plain or muted patterned papers. See how it goes and your scrapping will evolve into your own "thing."
Be sure to take a picture of James's finger wrapped around yours and your dh's. Also take a picture of his barefeet. Black and white film is perfect for this. I didn't start scrapping until my kids were older so I missed those shots and I wish I had them.

 

[OurDogCisco]

Originally posted by bananiem
The kits I've seen contain a lot of stuff I wouldn't use, personally.

This is just a suggestion. Now that I've been scrapping for over 3 years, I wouldn't use the stuff either now. But I did when I first started. Also, I think, it gives you more ideas where to start then buying other expensive kits. Personally, when I first visited twopeasinabucket I was really intimidated by the stuff some of the scrappers make. Plus, a lot of the scrappers there use advance techniques that definitely wouldn't be suitable for a beginner. JMHO....

editted for a spelling typo

 

[TinkHappy]

Creative Memories has something called a "Snap Pack" I am not a CM consultant, but I LOVE my CM. I have used other scrapping "stuff", but I always go back to CM.

http://www.creativememories.com/ProductCollection/ProductCollection.aspx?gid=0&igid=420&cigid=250

 

[bananiem]

Sorry. Once again I'm afraid my post didn't come off as I intended it to.
I just think you have to really look over those kits really well. They often have so much in them and at first, may look like a great deal. But if you really look at them you can see if the stuff is what you want to look at on a page for ever or not. I think they can be a waste of money for a beginner and that can be a turn-off to the whole hobby. My dd received a kit as a gift and much of the paper was so off-the-wall she wouldn't even use it. And she was only 8!
Personally, I think you're better off buying separate paper and embellishments that you know you like the looks of.

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to this post. What with work and the baby and trying to keep the house clean and DH happy, well..I don't have a lot of time to myself!

THanks for the ideas guys....I might go the CM route..I just don't know yet. I'm thinking of seeing if I can 'borrow' some paper and some other supplies from DMIL who makes home made cards and works for Stampin' Up!. She has a ton of cute stamps, some gorgeous papers and lotsa supplies.

Thanks for the ideas though. Now I have to find time to go buy supplies and get started!

TOV

 

[Pin Wizard]

I'm sworn to using Close to My Heart products. They have beautiful things, and even special pages for baby! It makes it sooooooooo easy. And their album pages are a true 12 x 12 whereas Creative Memories has to be trimmed 1/2 inch. I originally started with CM but switched FAST! CTMH page protectors are beautiful...great quality and top loading! I can't tell you how many of CM's protectors split as I was putting a page in. And they're side loading. www.closetomyheart.com