Essential Scrapbooking Tools

Scrapbooking is a method of preserving photos and memories. Many people are attracted to the hobby because scrapbooks enhance the beauty of photos and allow you to enjoy the wonderful memories associated with them.

Many busy moms and working professionals are intimidated at the idea of scrapbooking because they believe it’s difficult and time-consuming. The secret to scrapbooking quickly and easily is having the right tools. You’ll find that the right tools will make fun, easy and enjoyable, and what’s great is that the tools will be able to be used over and over again – thus saving you both time and money. Here are some of essential scrapbooking tools that you will need and can utilize over and over again:

  1. Large Paper Trimmer: A paper trimmer is one of the most valuable tools in a scrapbooker’s closet, as it will allow you to cut straight lines quickly and easily. The most versatile trimmer is a portable 12” trimmer. You’ll be able to cut multiple sheets of paper or photos in one easy step (rather than trying to cut a straight line by hand), and you’ll be able to take your trimmer with you wherever you go.
  2. Scissors: A pair of hand-held scissors will be needed for cutting everything from paper, photos, ribbon and much more. Look for a sharp pair that will allow you to cut fine details.
  3. Adhesive: There are a lot of options when it comes to adhesives. Whether you decide to use dry adhesives (similar to double-sided tape) or wet adhesives (glue-like), you’ll want to have plenty of it on hand. You may even want to invest in purpose-specific adhesives if you find yourself working with specific items a lot (such as Glue Lines made specifically for ribbon, or metal glue for heavier embellishments).
  4. Trash Tote: Backs of stickers, left-over ribbon, paper scraps and cropped photos – the end result is all the same: lots and lots of trash! Having a designated place from the very beginning will keep your space nice and neat, and it will make clean-up a snap. Small pop-up trash containers are especially useful to scrappers.
  5. Small Paper Trimmer: Your 12” trimmer is the most versatile trimmer you can own, but a small 6” to 9” trimmer will be super handy for quick photo crops. Most have rulers and come with blades that can be replaced, so you can’t really go wrong with this important tool.

Eventually, you’ll likely want to add a die-cutting machine, eyelet setting machine, punches, templates, circle cutters or other tools to your inventory However, the basic tools listed above will likely become your most-used items that will help you get through your pages quickly and easily.

Comments on this entry are closed.