I need advice for starting off a beginner scrapper right?

[Tiggerlovinggrandma]

My 27 year old niece is very interested in starting off scrapbooking as a hobby. I would like to give her a box full of supplies for Christmas as one of her gifts. I would like ideas from srappers everywhere of what I should incude and how many of each to make the gift turly nice. DH and I have a nice amount set aside for this so money is not a problem as this will be her big ticket item from us this year.

So far this is what I am thinking of. Tweak it or add to it wherever you think is neccessary. I am not sure how many of each should I send either. I will consider all ideas and suggestions. Thank you for your help.

12x12 Big Stack of Paper
Corner Cutters
Die Cuts
Stickers
Jounaling Pens
Circles and Oval Templet
12' Paper & Photo Trimmer
Paper Trimmer Scissors
Marking Pencil
Tape Runner
Scrapbook Design Idea Book

Perhaps some sort of carrying case or organization items??

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I would recommend the Iris case:

this one

or

this
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/organizeeverything1_2025_3817249285

They also have a drawer cart with 6 iris cases at Joann fabrics.

Your list is really good, but how about some ink pads like Cats eye inks for inking the edges of paper. Maybe a gift card to Walmart or Walgreens for photo developing.

 

[rlovew]

What she will need most is the paper and the tape runner (or other adhesive) as well as the pens. The adhesive goes the fastest. I went through about 12 packages of adhesive on a 3 day scrap weekend. It is amazing how fast it goes.

From your list-

I would get a couple of the 12 by 12 stacks of cardstock- choose ones with palettes she likes and maybe one of the metallics or glittered for fancier stuff. I like Die Cuts With a View stacks myself. I also love Bazzill paper which comes in packs but is a bit more expensive than other brands.

I would suggest just going with a corner rounder. I have never felt the need to use the fancy corner pieces often- if she goes to a crop from time to time she can probably borrow them until she decides which of the fancier ones she likes best.

Die cuts and stickers that go with things you know she will be scrapping can be nice, just make sure you know her style- most scrappers don't use stickers with white borders around them.

Journaling pens are nice. I would suggest getting them in black, silver, white, gold, and her favorite color. I actually bought a package of fine point sharpies in a variety of colors and love those for journaling. I really like to journal on velum. Some scrapping stores have packages of velum that can be printed on as well as written on.

I can't give any suggestions on circle and oval templates as I don't use them. This is another thing that may be better to purchase down the line after a crop or two when she has had the chance to try out different styles of these.

A 12 inch trimmer is an absolute must. I use a fiskars and a provocraft one. Some replacement blades for the trimmer you buy would be appreciated also.

I suggest cutter bee scissors- they are supposed to be the best for small pieces.

I like the Tombow tape runner- and I go through quite a bit of it. I reccommend scrapbookpal.com for purchasing it and the refills. They ship quickly and their prices are better than in the stores. Over $25 and they are free shipping.

I would recommend getting some brads in her favorite colors- American Craft are very nice ones. I also agree with the inks- cat's eyes are nice and easy to use. Brillance dew drops are also nice inks. I would suggest black, brown, white, and then a couple of her favorite colors (that go with the paper colors you buy).

Rebecca

 

[LindaBabe]

The big ATG tape gun from staples on line or ebay - it dispenses double sided adhesive and works out a lot cheaper per inch than the little tape runners. It's really a 'framers' tool rather than a scrappers tool, but now they're making a version for scrapbooks too that uses narrower tape. I don't remember the name.

If there's a local scrapbook store in her area, a gift certificate for classes or whatever she'd like to buy is a good idea. Also, you could pick up a few issues of different scrapbook magazines off the shelf in Barnes and Noble.

You could pack your gift in one of those popular "Amy Butler" bags - they're wicked cute!

I second the "cutter bee" scissors. and stick proof scissors. and shears. But, I don't care for their 12 inch paper trimmer. Mine is also a fiskers.

For circle cutters, I like my set from creative memories, but there's also one by coluzzle that's reasonably easy.

If you REALLY want to drop a packet - you could get her a die cutter of some kind - either a hand operated one with alphabet dies like a quick kuts or sizzix on the low end up to a 300$ Cricut Expression. (I hasten to add these aren't a necessity - but they sure are fun.lol)

 

[pjlla]

I would definitely go for a good set of basics. One of the things you didn't mention was a good ruler. I prefer my metal one... I cant' accidentally cut it with my X-Acto.... which brings me to my next item. A nice X-Acto with a few refill blades and a cutting mat. I used those cheap, cheesy, "break-off" blades for a few years until I broke down and bought a real X-Acto and I can't believe the difference.

A nice white eraser to erase pencil marks (sometimes the eraser on the actual pencil can leave a mark).

I second the thought of a PP that suggested just a plain corner rounder and no other corner cutters (for now).

Refill blades for whatever 12" cutter you buy and DEFINITELY refill adhesive for whatever dispenser you buy.

A full bottle of UN-DU! Great for everyone, but especially an unsure beginner! Wish I had some many years ago!

A large pack (or two or more) of plain cardstock in many colors (primary, pastel, heritage, nature).

Maybe a few circle punches would be easier than templates?? I would stick with circle for now. Ovals aren't used much these days.

Maybe a few nice sets of rub-ons?? I love rub-ons for my titles. Maybe a set of black and a set of white??


And of course, many of the basics you mentioned like pens, pencil, scissors and DEFINITELY some sort of organizing tote (if the budget can support it).

I would hold off on the more expensive items for now. Sometimes people think that they will LOVE a hobby and it just doesn't pan out for some reason.

What a great gift! She is so lucky...........................P