Just starting scrapbooking...what should I buy to get started??

[rachel09985]

I just decided that I am going to create an ultimate Disney album! I have never scrapbooked before so I am confused as to what are the essentials I need? Tools, fabric, paper, stickers...etc. I guess more of basic things that I need?

So far I have black cardstock, several Disney papers, Mickey puncher, Disney stickers, black and red sticker letters.

I printed off a bunch of 4x6 pics...how do you make them smaller size and how do you make a border that is slightly bigger to go around it? is there like a punch that you can use for that??

Thanks for the help. I think I did good with my first page but I definitely need much more help!

 

[Reddy]

It really depends on how crazy you go
I print from home so I use alot of 3.5x5 since 4 fit on a letter size photo paper or 5x7 (get 2 on letter for that size)
you can always cut the pictures down - usually looks better for some photos - love squares
for Titles I use my cricut machine that way I don't buy alot of stickers just to get certain letters & have lots & lots q,z,v stickers sitting around.
for the photo mats I cut cardstock to fit - sometimes I cut one color down then place it on top of another then cut that one so it is a double mat
ribbon is fun too
punches are great too

at the top of the page is a thread that shows what others have done - virtual scrapbook

main thing is to have fun

 

[MazdaUK]

You definitely need a 12" cutter - like a guillotine - paper, pages, adhesives and an archival-safe pen To mat photos cut paper to about 1/4 to 1/2 bigger than the size of the print, or some print services allow you to select a border before printing (Snapfish has a few nice options, including black, white, torn etc.) If you've got a lot of white space around your photos (i.e. a lot of blank background like a wall you want to lose) crop the photo with your trimmer, or use a cutting system (or scissors) to cut to a size/shape you prefer - check out the Creative Memories site for some ideas.

In fact, if you've never scrapped before its well worth booking a Cm class in your home - you'll get a discount and find out just what you need (its how I started - before I was just walking about the craft store wondering what everything was!)

 

[JohnsonsLoveDisney]

I agree with Mazda, you need a trimmer of some sort. You can get them at the local craft store. I have had several different brands. I love the cricut brand one. and i got it for like $6 at joanns using a coupon.

Then the rest is up to you, stickers, papers, other embellies.

You can crop your pictures down to any size you want. To make a mat you just cut your paper like Mazda said 1/4 to 1/2 or more bigger than your picture size.

 

[PhotobearSam]

Hello.


If you go to scrapbook (dot) com there on the front page is a place you can sign up for 24 lessons for free. They get emailed to your inbox once a day for 24 days. It's really good about starting you off and telling you what is important or not.

Also, see if there is a local scrap store in town. They sometimes have beginner classes and have machines and tools for you to use while there. These cost very little.

Also, check out craigs list for people saying they have a group of ladies who want more people to crop with. It's nice to have someone with experience to ask questions of. ....That is how I started. People who are addicted to scrapping, are always looking for ways to talk about it to anyone. Wander around at Michaels for a while in the Scrapbookng ailes.....if you see someone who looks like they know what they are doing, ask.....We are a nice bunch.

I am PhotobearSam on scrapbook (dot) com message boards as well so if you see me, say hello.

 

[PhotobearSam]

also, if you are really going to get into this hobby.....I totally recommend the ATG adhesive gun. It's the best. It's huge but the best value for the money when it comes to tape runners.


and NEVER go to Michaels without at least 2 printed coupons. (U use one and make you Significant other use the other)

 

[MazdaUK]

Another great way to do titles for little outlay is to download free fonts and print a bunch out on your PC Its often easier than lining up letters (There is a reason so many of my titles are "deliberatly" funky and angles

 

[JohnsonsLoveDisney]

Oh and as Samantha pointed out a good adhesive. Make sure its for scrapbooking/paper and acid/lignin free. There is all types out there, squares, tape runner, glue stick, scotch quick dry is one of my favorites!

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

Don't feel that just because you are doing a Disney book every page HAS to have Disney paper/stickers/embellishments/font all over it. I have so much paper and so many specific character stickers I'll never use them all. LOL

 

[LindaBabe]

Rachel, you're in Minneapolis - you have 3 things going for you -

Archivers!

A terrific LSS in Scrapbooks 2 on the south side of the city

AND last but not least proximity to my dear friend LynneR, a Creative Memories scrapper who is also tapped into a great local community of scrapbookers.

Hopefully, she'll show up on this thread and shoot you a PM

 

[disney-akj]

One thing I wish I would have done when starting is not accumulate so much
"in case I need it" supplies. I would say buy solids, atg gun, paper cutter, a good pair of scisscors, and a few neutral embellishments (brads, bling, buttons, etc.). Then buy specific patterned paper and embellishments (like stickers, ) as needed with a specific page in mind. I have so much patterned paper, stickers, and supplies that look so dated now that I will never use them I also recommend 3 ring scrapbook. Hoarding is very easy to do as a scrapper.

If you really get addicted to this hobby. I also recommend going to a crop that has die cutting machines, etc. before investing a lot of money personally on these machines. See what is out there and what you like. If you are a person that never crops at home, but always out of the house like many of my friends then these purchases may not be for you??

To make my photos smaller I print them on collages on snap fish and then cut them out. Don't be afraid to cut up photos too. This was hard for me to handle at first I always wanted to leave it as standard size!
Good luck!!!

 

[rachel09985]

also, if you are really going to get into this hobby.....I totally recommend the ATG adhesive gun. It's the best. It's huge but the best value for the money when it comes to tape runners.


and NEVER go to Michaels without at least 2 printed coupons. (U use one and make you Significant other use the other)

Lol thats funny! Thats what my manager said at work! I used a 40% off coupon today to get a cutter but I only had one coupon.

 

[rachel09985]

Rachel, you're in Minneapolis - you have 3 things going for you -

Archivers!

A terrific LSS in Scrapbooks 2 on the south side of the city

AND last but not least proximity to my dear friend LynneR, a Creative Memories scrapper who is also tapped into a great local community of scrapbookers.

Hopefully, she'll show up on this thread and shoot you a PM

I do really like Archivers! I have already spent a lot there. Oops! Ill have to check out that other Scrapbook store, and Ill be keeping a look out for LynneR.

 

[rachel09985]

Thanks everyone for the advice! Today I bought that slicer/cutter thing with my 40% off coupon!

I have already realized I have bought many things that I won't use..oops. I bought a lot of die cuts on ebay- titles and things that are made with the Cricut machine--I have really no idea what that thing is.

This is going to be expensive i have a feeling.

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

If you have an iPhone, don't forget that Michael's has an app and you can get coupons on that too. I've used the phone one before and then was able to give my mom a printed coupon to use for me too.