SB Newbie questions

[CajunDixie]

Before I dive into what looks to be a huge addiction I'd like a few questions answered if any of you can help.
First what exactly does LSS mean? Is it just local scrapbook store?
Next I'd like a basic starter list, I'm guessing I'll need these things at least to start: Album, cutting system, papers, stickers, punches, and scissors. Anything else that is an absolute must have?
I've also heard a few people mention the Archival Spray?? thats found at either Michaels or Hobby Lobby....is this a must have when adding in things such as ticket stubs, maps and other odds and ends collected on trips?

And lastly how about some basic prices perhaps a CM dealer can help out here. I've looked at the CM website but no prices are listed and I like to go into those kinds of parties prepared for my heart attacks.
Such as cost for:
Premier 12x12
Tradition 12x12
Passport 12x12
Cutting System
Tape Runner
Photo Splits

Anything I'm forgetting? I have looked up a local dealer but with having scouts 2-3 times a week and PTFO tossed in a few times a month and volunteering at school I'd rather not go to a party until I have the budget for the start up worked out. I have gotten a bit ahead of myself by buying a few sheets of stickers....I just cant resist my buddy "Clearance Sale"

TIA!!!!!

 

[pattievers]

Hi Tia!

Welcome to the wonderful addiction! Almost as bad as DIsney!!!

Crops at your local store (yes, LSS) are a great way to learn what is out there, and what you need.

For starters, you can hold off on the punches, scissors and album.

You will need a paper cutter...or at least find it very helpful. The fiskars ones are prety popular, and I like it pretty well.

Paper is obivously necessary, and stickers and die cuts are great to have.

A tape or glue dispenser is really necessary...or some kind of glue.

Remember that most of this stuff can be found at Michael's and use those 40% off coupons! Jo-Ann's sells the basics as well...and they always have 50% off coupons...as well as their website. Right now, they have most of their paper 5 for $1 which is really great! Most 8 x 11 paper is about 40 cents, and 12 by 12 about 50 cents.

Oh...a corner rounder is very good to have...That is something Creative Memories sells that is worth buying.

Don't let them convince you that the other stuff on the market is garbage. It isn't true...though many of their products may be of a slightly better quality.

You will also need markers for journaling and titles.

Another advantage of crops is you can usually use the stores supply of things like cutting tools, punches and lots of other stuff. Besides, it does you good to get out and away from the kids (though, silly me I usually take mine with me!).

I am sure other will add lots to this discussion!

Patti

 

[chessie]

I had a CM party for a friend just to get her started. I bought an album, extra pages, some short cuts, and some of the little adhesive squares. I remounted all my kids photo's into the album and I was done. (we weren't big picture takers) .

Two years later I went on the Disney cruise. My friend insisted that I should scrap it.

I didn't really get addicted until a Local Scrapbook Store (LSS) opened near me. I don't have a lot of "Stuff." I buy as I go. When I find I need a tool is when I buy it. My reason for scrapping has changed from just getting the photos into something safe to an artistic expression.

There is a wonderful frequently asked scrapbook question thread frozen at the top. Check it out. It will answer questions that you didn't even know you had.

 

[CajunDixie]

oooooops Ahhh patti my name isnt TIA, it means Thanks In Advance Going to crops at stores just isn't possible since my closest Michael's is an hour away. I live in a 2 stoplight town. Thats why I'd really like to know how the CM items are priced before I contact a local person. I'd like to have enough $$$ ready to buy everything I need to get started.

And Chessie I checked out the thread at the top.....there are some great links in there and cool fonts on the one page.

 

[BevS97]

Have you looked at the mail order stores? There are loads on the internet. The thing with CM products is they are kinda limiting, and they are expensive. They use a style of album called 'Strap-hinge' where the pages are attached to the binding using a strap. Personally, I prefer a top-loading post-bound album, where the album contains clear plastic pockets and you work on cardstock which you slip into the pockets as you complete each page. It's just a personal choice, but if you have a CM party, then you wouldn't get ot make that choice yourself.

There are no LSS's anywhere near me, or Michaels for that matter, since I live in the UK, so I get everything mail order and it works fine.

I don't know all the pros and cons of the various US online stores, but I'm sure someone could recommend a good one.

Bev

 

[nicurn]

here are some on-line stores for you.
www.scrapbookutopia.com
www.mousememories.com
http://www.scrapbookbargain.com/
http://www.scrapbookextravaganza.com/store.asp
http://store.yahoo.com/scrapbook-dot-com/index.html
http://www.scraplink.com/

a lot of these sites also have layout ideas, etc that you can look at to get ideas. Have fun and welcome to the addiction! maggie

 

[MICKEY M0USE]

One mistake I made when first starting was I bought a lot of decorative scizzors and punches. I would suggest only getting deckle scizzors and maybe a few punches. A corner rounder is a good punch to start with. And don't go overboard on stickers. I did that, too. Too many sticker can make your pages look cluttered. Boarder stickers look really nice and classy; I would concentrate on those when first starting. I hope I can save you some of the mistakes I made when first starting out!

 

[YaYas_Mom]

You can get some great ideas and product information.

All around good info site:
Graceful Bee

My favorite shopping sites:
CatScrappin
dmarie
2peas
House of Scraps - that's my site.

Message Boards:
2peas
SBA
Scrapjazz

2peas also has a great gallery for photo layouts as does dmarie.

You'll find that alot of people who don't have a LSS will do the majority of their shopping online. There are also websites that hold online classes!

GL! and enjoy!