Scrapbooking 101 
by Julie Jones

Have you wanted to start scrapbooking those piles of precious photos, but don’t really know where to begin? Here, we will talk about the basics of scrapbooking and the supplies you will need to get started.

First, let’s talk about safety. Most scrapbooking products on the market are archivally safe for your photos. If you read the labels you will see “acid free” or “acid and lignin free”. You want to make sure you are using acid free products because acid can ruin your photos over time. Lignin is an element found in wood fibers that will yellow your photos. I suggest that you use copies of any photos you are scrapbooking, especially if those photos are rare, heritage photos that are irreplaceable.

Some basic supplies you will need for scrapbooking:

-Cardstock and patterned paper
There are many choices on the market. I would suggest that you stock up on some neutral cardstock (white, brown, black), as these colors will most likely coordinate with any patterned paper you will use to further enhance the theme of your page.

-Scissors  and/or a straight edge paper trimmer
I personally use the Cutterpede by EK Success. I have used my trimmer for the past five years and have not had any problems with it. Occasionally, I have to replace the cutting blade when it gets dull. There are lots of paper trimmers on the market. Shop around and buy the one that is best for you.

-Journaling pens or a computer
The most important part of a scrapbook page, aside from the photos, is your story. You can either write directly onto your page, or you can print your journaling off of the computer and then attach a block of journaling to your page.

-Adhesive
There are many different types of adhesive to choose from. Be sure that you are using an acid free adhesive. If the idea of permanently attaching your photo to a page scares you, there is also the option of using photo corners. The corner is attached to the page, and your photo slips into it and can easily be removed at a later time if you wish.
 
-Misc. embellishments
This is the area that can get costly and overwhelming, but is (for me) the most fun! There are lots of stickers, brads, eyelets, buttons, ribbon, etc. to choose from. These are consumable supplies.

- Misc. tools
Decorative edged scissors, paper punches, eyelet setters, etc. These are non-consumable supplies and will pay for themselves over time.

- Albums and page protectors
There are many different sized albums on the market. 12x12 is a very common size. I would invest in a good, sturdy album to hold your pages and some extra page protectors.

These basic supplies will get you started. As you sit down to begin scrapbooking your memories, pick the photos that you would like to put on your page. Also, figure out if you want to do a one page layout or a two page spread. A two page spread is just two pieces of cardstock and the layout spans both of those pages. After you choose your photos, pick your papers and cardstock. Try to choose colors and themes that will further enhance the story you are telling. Next, lay the photos and papers out the way you would like them to be (this is where the term “layout” comes from).

You may need to trim your photos. This is called “cropping”.  I would advise to use caution when you cut your photos. Make sure that something in the background you may be cutting away isn’t something that helps to tell the story. I would also advise that you don’t cut all of your photos into cute shapes. Basic circles, squares and rectangles are great. After you have attached your papers, photos, and any supporting embellishments to your page, it is very important to journal your story. Be sure to include the who, what, and where of the photos so that future generations can know the full story. Lastly, enjoy the process. Scrapbooking is supposed to be fun! 

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