Must-Have Scrapbooking Tools for Beginners
Getting started in scrapbooking can seem daunting, with so many tools and supplies to choose from. However, you don't need to invest in a huge stash right away. Here are the basic scrapbooking tools every beginner needs to get started.
Scissors
A good pair of scissors is essential for scrapbooking. Look for scissors specifically designed for paper crafting, with sharp blades that can cut through cardstock and patterned paper cleanly. The most common types are:
- Decorative edge scissors - these have patterned or zig-zag blades to cut interesting borders
- Paper trimmer scissors - long blades to cut straight lines
For versatility, a standard 8" pair along with some decorative edge scissors is a great start.
Adhesives
Adhesive is what keeps all the layers and elements of your scrapbook pages together. Some essential adhesives for beginners include:
| Type | Uses |
|---|---|
| Tape runner | Fast way to adhere photos and papers |
| Liquid glue | Good for small embellishments |
| Foam dots | Adds dimension by popping up elements |
It's helpful to have a combination of fast-drying adhesive like tape runners along with more versatile wet adhesives.
Paper Trimmer
A paper trimmer allows you to cut cardstock and patterned paper cleanly and accurately. Look for one with a long arm and sharp blade so you can trim 8.5" x 11" pages easily. Many models have scoring blades and grids printed on them for measuring and folding paper.
Embellishments
Embellishments are the fun, decorative elements that personalize your pages. Good starter embellishments include:
- Stickers - try a variety pack to get started
- Die cut shapes - pre-cut circles, banners, frames etc.
- Chipboard shapes - butterflies, flowers, letters
- Enamel shapes - circles, hearts, starts
Look for embellishment packs geared toward beginners that offer coordination and variety.
With just these few essential tools - scissors, adhesives, a paper trimmer and some embellishments - you'll be ready to start preserving memories and creating beautiful scrapbook layouts as a beginner!
Scrapbooking Tool Essentials for Intermediate Crafters
Once you've gotten the basics down as a beginner scrapbooker, there are some additional tools that will allow you to take your skills to the next level. Here are some must-have scrapbooking tool essentials for intermediate crafters looking to step up their layouts.
Die Cutting Machines
A die cutting machine lets you quickly and easily cut shapes and textures out of paper, cardstock and other materials. Some popular models include:
- Cricut Maker - cuts hundreds of materials using dies or rotary blades
- Sizzix Big Shot - compatible with a wide variety of Sizzix dies
- Silhouette Cameo - uses digital designs to cut out images printed on vinyl or cardstock
Stamp Sets
Rubber stamp sets allow you to add beautiful intricate details to your layouts. Look for high-quality sets with coordinating images like:
- Sentiments and phrases
- Florals and nature images
- Banners, frames and borders
Be sure to get ink pads or markers in coordinating colors to go with your stamp sets.
Inks and Ink Pads
When venturing into stamping, you'll need a selection of inking tools like:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Dye ink pads | Basic inks good for everyday stamping |
| Pigment ink pads | Bolder, thicker inks good for embossing |
| Ink blending tools | Applicators that blend inks smoothly |
Patterned Papers
Nothing spices up a layout like some fresh patterned paper! Upgrade from plain cardstock with:
- Single sheets in bright patterns and textures
- Paper pads with coordinated designs
- 6" x 6" and 12" x 12" paper stacks
Look for foil, glitter and other specialty finishes to take your projects up a notch!
Moving beyond the basics? Add tools like these to open up more creative possibilities for scrapbooking and make your layouts shine!
Die Cutting Machines
Die cutting machines are must-have tools for scrapbookers looking to customize layouts with intricate cuts and shapes. Here's an overview of some of the most popular die cutting machines on the market.
Cricut Maker
The Cricut Maker is one of the most advanced die cutting machines available today. It comes with:
- Rotary blade for fabric and vinyl
- Knife blade for thick materials like leather
- Fine point blade for detailed cuts
The Maker uses Cricut's Design Space software and cuts over 300 different materials. It's compatible with Cricut's library of digital images and fonts as well as licensed content like Disney, Star Wars and more.
Sizzix Big Shot
The Sizzix Big Shot has been a scrapbooking staple for years. Features include:
| Platform | 6" width for big dies |
|---|---|
| Pressure | Up to 600lbs for detailed cuts |
| Compatibility | Works with all Sizzix steel rule and thin dies |
A wide range of Sizzix dies are available to cut shapes, alphabets and intricate designs.
Silhouette Cameo
The Silhouette Cameo uses a digital blade rather than physical dies. Benefits include:
- 12" cutting width for large projects
- PixScan technology to scan and cut images
- Works with printable vinyl, cardstock and other materials
- Integrates with Silhouette design software
The Cameo allows you to cut out any image or font on your computer easily.
Manual Die Cutting Machines
Manual die cutters like the Spellbinders Platinum 6 offer an affordable option. These machines require you to crank the platform through manually to cut out designs.
Choosing the best die cutting machine depends on your budget and cutting needs. Any of these options will help take your scrapbooking projects to the next level!
Inks and Ink Pads for Scrapbooking
From vibrant colors to fun effects, inks are an essential supply for enhancing scrapbook pages. Here's an overview of some of the most popular inks and ink pads for scrapbooking.
Dye-Based Inks
Dye-based inks are made from high-quality dye solvents and come in bright, saturated colors perfect for scrapbooking. Types of dye inks include:
- Dye ink pads - classic for everyday stamping
- Dye inks - thinner, made specifically for inkjet printers
- Alcohol ink - for glossy, shimmery effects
Pigment-Based Inks
Pigment-based inks contain fine pigment particles suspended in a binder. They offer:
- Thicker, bolder lines from pigment particles
- Longer drying time allowing heat embossing
- Resistance to fading over time
Types include pigment ink pads and pigment markers.
Specialty Inks
Unique inks that offer specific effects:
| Pearlescent | Shimmery, pearlescent sheen |
| Metallic | Glimmering metallic finish |
| Glitter | Dries with sparkling glitter particles |
Choosing Inks
Consider the project when selecting inks:
- Use dye inks for journaling, coloring, blending
- Choose pigment for bold stamping and embossing
- Specialty inks add dazzling accents and textures
With so many options, you can find the perfect inks to make your layouts pop!
Benefits of Amazon Prime for Scrapbooking Tool Shopping
For avid scrapbookers, having access to a wide range of supplies for your projects is essential. This is where an Amazon Prime membership can make all the difference when shopping for scrapbooking tools online.
Free Two-Day Shipping
One of the biggest perks of Amazon Prime is free two-day shipping on millions of eligible items. This means you can stock up on all the latest scrapbooking tools and have them delivered right to your door in just two days, without having to meet a minimum order value to qualify for free shipping.
Frequent Discounts
Amazon Prime members have access to special discounts and deals on select items, including scrapbooking tools. So you can save money on premium tools and supplies for your crafts.
Prime Early Access
During busy shopping periods like the holiday season, Prime members can take advantage of exclusive early access to sought-after deals on must-have scrapbooking products before non-members. This ensures you don't miss out on any limited-time savings.
Try Before You Buy
The Prime Wardrobe feature allows you to try eligible items like scrapbooking tools before buying them. This is extremely useful for testing out expensive die cutting machines and stamp sets before committing.
Overall, being a Prime member means you can shop for the latest scrapbooking tools effortlessly, from anywhere, anytime. And you can take advantage of special savings and perks to get premium supplies delivered right to your door.
Tools For Precision Cutting And Shaping
Precision cutting and shaping are essential for scrapbooking projects. Here are some tools that can help you achieve the desired results:
