What is scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking is one of the most popular paper crafts. This should come as no surprise, considering the beautiful albums, covers and pages you can create as a unique and personal way of keeping cherished photos and other memories.

What do you need to get started with scrapbooking? In this blog, we explain it all. Read which scrapbook materials and tools are essential to get off to a flying start.

The basics: scrapbook album and scrapbook paper

Scrapbooking is a creative hobby involving paper and lots of it. However, scrapbooking starts with an album or, if you prefer, a journal. 

Scrapbook albums and journals

Scrapbook albums are the foundation of scrapbooking. A scrapbook album contains all of your scrapbook layouts using show folders, also known as page protectors. These are transparent folders that you slide your layout into from the top. They protect your creations from finger marks, dust and dirt. In addition, you can use a journal.

Cardstock

Cardstock is often used as the background for a scrapbook layout. Cardstock is a sturdy card that usually comes in a smooth variety and a variety with a canvas structure. We offer multi-packs of cardstock in various colours, giving you the best basis for getting started with scrapbooking. 

Scrap paper

Scrapbook paper is firm and acid-free, often featuring bright colours and prints. The paper is suitable for creating a background to a layout, but also for decorating a background.  

Patterned paper

Patterned paper is perfect for scrapbooking: sheets of paper with a theme, such as a summer, Christmas or Valentine’s Day theme. Combining this paper with creative additions such as photos, hand lettering and embellishments brings out the story in a scrapbook layout.

Tools and other scrapbook stuff 

Besides an album and lots of paper, you’ll need the following crafting tools: 

Work mat

A craft mat will provide an even surface for you to work comfortably on. It will also ensure that your worktop doesn’t get dirty or damaged. 

Paper trimmer

The paper cutter is the number one tool for any paper craft. This handy machine enables you to trim the paper to size quickly and easily. A paper trimmer features a grid that allows you to measure and cut in a single motion. You can use a craft knife and ruler if you don’t have a paper trimmer. 

Ruler

A ruler helps measure and mark up paper, particularly when needing to position elements at the same height. An aluminium ruler is handy to have if you are using it in combination with a craft knife.

Pencil

Use a pencil to sketch and draw. If you are dissatisfied with your design, you can erase the pencil lines. 

Glue

Glue is a must-have for scrapbooking. Ideal for sticking on decorations, as well as photographs and die cuts. Do take care when choosing the type of glue. Opt for an acid-free variant. Make sure you don’t use too much glue, either, to avoid blisters. When glueing photographs, your best option is to use a good quality permanent glue, such as Aleene’s Tacky Glue. 

Foam tape

Foam tape will enable you to create an effortless 3D effect in your scrapbook layouts without glue. 

Double-sided tape

Double-sided tape is an efficient adhesive solution for scrapbookers. The tape is sticky on both sides, which allows you to affix little decorations. 

Markers and fine liners

Markers and fine liners are often used to apply quotes and other texts on scrapbook layouts.

Scissors

Besides a paper trimmer for precise cutting, scissors are handy for cutting out detailed and round shapes. When it comes to scissors, the choice is vast, but a little scissor is an excellent addition to your scrap collection!

Embellishments 

Now it's time to decorate! We have listed some scrapbook embellishments for you that add a finishing touch to any layout: 

• Flowers are timeless and befitting of any theme. Create flowers using a craft punch or decorate with flower stickers and stunning 3D paper flowers.
• Ribbon can be used not only as a closure for an album but also as decoration. Try shiny satin ribbon or ribbon printed with a lovely quote.
• Paper fasteners or brads aren’t only handy for tacking on photos, frames, bunting, pockets, flower heads of handmade flowers and (then you won’t see any glue residue!). They are available in various sizes, colours and shapes.
• Fasten pieces of paper together with eyelets, or use them as little details on papercraft creations. An eyelet setter will secure the eyelets.
• Scrapbook stickers come in many sizes and themes and can add a great finishing touch to scrapbook layouts. Choose from foam stickers, 3D stickers or glitter stickers in an appropriate theme.
• Die cuts are ready-made cut-out images of figures or texts, accentuating the figure's outline. Some brands, like Studio Light, have die cuts to match their paper ranges.

Important tip

When creating a scrapbook page, place everything on your page until you are satisfied with the result. This leaves you free to shift and change things if you need. Once you’re happy with your layout, go ahead and stick everything down.

Ready to scrap?

Create your scrapbook layouts and immortalise your special memories. Are you looking for scrapbook ideas? You will find plenty of scrapbook examples online. Have fun scrapbooking! Will you show us the results? We are very curious! Share your creations on Instagram with the hashtag #craftedtosmile.