There are so many scrapbooking products available to us. While this is perhaps a good "problem" to have, it can be overwhelming to the person just beginning. In order to help you begin your scrapbooking journey, I've compiled a list of supplies I recommend to beginners.

Photos This is, of course obvious! If you sort them into events, or months (if you are way behind even years) it is helpful.

Album: an archival book in which to keep your scrapbooking layouts. These are most commonly available in 5" x 7", 6" x6", 8" x 8", 8 1/2" x 11" and 12" x 12". The most common bindings are post bound, strap-hinge, and three-ring. What you choose will be a matter of preference. If you are going to use a lot of lumpy-type embellishments I would suggest a three-ring because they allow for more expansion and less crowding then the other types. If you do not always scrapbook in chronological order then I suggest you not purchase a strap hinge. Rearranging your layouts is difficult once they are put into these types of albums. I strongly recommend putting your layouts into page protectors. Most albums come with a supply of them.

Acid-free marker or gel pen for journaling.

Ruler any 12" ruler will do. I prefer a metal one. You will use your ruler for all sorts of things!

Pencil and good eraser Essential for drawing journaling lines then erasing them afterwards. The best eraser I have ever used is by the Craf-T Company. At about a dollar its a great buy! See our review of them here.

Papers: You will want a variety of cardstock and patterned paper. For fancier touches try some vellum, mulberry, and metallic paper as well.

Paper Trimmer: The best way to get straight cuts on your photos and mats is to use a paper cutter. They are available especially for scrapbooking in 9" and 12" sizes. A MUST HAVE. There are many brands available. Don't overlook your office store for an often less expensive option than the scrapbook stores will offer you.

Scissors: You will need a pair of straight edged scissors. It is very handy to have a tiny pair for fine work also. Some people like to work with scissors that have decorative edges as well.

Adhesives: This is the sticky stuff that keeps your photos and embellishments in your album. It is very important to purchase an acid-free adhesive that is intended for use with photos Some examples of roll on adhesive brands are: Adhesive Tech, Hermafix Dotto, Xyron, Easy Stick, and Tombo. Some examples of tab adhesives are: Hermafix, Hama, Thermoweb Clear Mounting Tabs, and various sticker squares. Other examples of adhesives are: foam tape, glue sticks, glue dots, two sided tacky tape, liquid, and glue pens. My personal favorite is Adhesive Tech. It has excellent adhesive properties and is very inexpensive. You may read our reviews on this adhesive here.

Optional:

Stickers or other types of small embellishments. Many embellishments you may make yourself. We have many how-to articles that will help you get started.

Eyelet tools: These include a punch, setter tool, hammer, and hammering mat. When making tags eyelet tools will be very handy.

Chalks: Several companies make these. Craf-T is readily available in most craft stores. Chalks are wonderful for adding a finishing touch to edges, to add depth and dimension, or just to add some color to your paper doll's cheeks! More ideas for their use are found here.

Metallic Rub-Ons: Another winner from the Craf-T company, this is like eye shadow for your pages! It offers instant coverage with no drying time. More ideas for using them are found here.

Template: a plastic or stiff cardboard shape used for tracing. Some templates are used with a blade for direct cutting (such as Coluzzle) and some are traced with a pencil and then the shape is cut out with scissors. You might use a template to make the letters for your title, crop your photos, or cut shapes and designs to use on your layout. Some examples of templates are paper dolls, tags, labels, envelopes, letters, and all kinds of basic shapes.

Embossing powder: This is a special powdery substance used in wet/heat embossing.

Embossing Gun: a tool purchased in the craft department, much like a blow dryer. It sets the embossing powder on your paper.

See more of Randi's work in our gallery.
Read Randi's bio