What You Need For Scrapbooking (15 Essentials)

If you've ever embarked on the delightful journey of scrapbooking, you know it's not just about photos and paper; it's a project where you need high-quality supplies to get the best result. If you’re wondering what you need for scrapbooking, then you have come to the right place. To help you elevate your scrapbooking game, we have curated a list of 15 essential supplies that will transform your craft space. From the basic items to the pricey ones, we will discuss 15 essential scrapbooking supplies that will make your creations unforgettable.

• 1. Quality Paper
• 2. Scrapbook Album
• 3. Adhesives
• 4. Scissors/ Trimmer / Paper Cutter
• 5. Pens and Markers Set
• 6. Stamps and Ink Pads
• 7. Washi Tapes
• 8. Page Protector
• 9. Stickers
• 10. Other Embellishments
• 11. Note Cards
• 12. Photo Printer
• 13. Scrapbooking Tool Kit
• 14. Supply Storage
• 15. Die-Cutting Machine

Quality Paper

Obviously, paper is one of the first things you should buy when you want to learn how to make a scrapbook, but sometimes it is difficult to choose the type, size, or quality of paper. For the scrapbook itself, you can either buy a book with empty sheets or an empty album binder where you insert the scrapbook papers individually. In all cases, choose acid-free, archival-quality paper to ensure your creations stand the test of time. 

One reliable type of paper you should buy is cardstock. It is available in various colors, weights, and paper textures. If you are using a scrapbook album, you can insert cardstock paper as pages; otherwise, you can use them as cutouts for notes or to frame your photos. These individual sheets come in different colors and patterns to choose from. You can even buy metallic versions that have a nice sheen. Go for the size 12”x12” or 8.5”x11” because it is the size of most sheet protectors. 

Scrapbook Album

Scrapbook albums come in various sizes and designs, from classic 12x12 layouts and compact 8x8 minis to black or white pages. They are the empty vessels where all of your cherished moments will be documented. They come in open or closed ring binders however, most people prefer the open ring binder because it is easy to take individual sheets, work on them, and reattach them. Choose a scrapbook album with high-quality sheets and a hardcover for extra protection.

Adhesives

An adhesive is the glue (quite literally) holding your scrapbook together. Instead of buying just one type of adhesive, get a combination of glue sticks, double-sided tape, and glue dots. Different adhesives suit different materials; for instance, glue dots can be used to attach small letter cutouts, and glue sticks can be used for larger things like photos.

Scissors/ Trimmer / Paper Cutter

A pair of scissors is your trusty sidekick for cutting photos, paper, and embellishments with finesse. Look for a small pair with a comfortable grip and sharp blades for precise crafting. For clean, straight lines, a paper trimmer is a must. This tool ensures uniform cuts, making your layouts look professional, especially when you want to reduce large paper sizes to smaller ones. Of course, you can’t make curves with trimmers, but they’re perfect for straight cuts. Lastly, a paper cutter is great for small cutouts, if you want to cut out a picture from a magazine, you would need a paper cutter to prevent destroying the entire page for a small picture. 

Pens and Markers Set

The best way to buy pens and markers for your scrapbook is in sets; that way, you get a better deal and a lot of colors. They can be used for journaling, adding captions, and doodling. Invest in sets with different tip sizes and colors to cater to really get value for your money. Buying Japanese stationery is a great way to find the best pens for journaling at a great price. 

Stamps and Ink Pads

Instead of random doodles, you can use stamps and ink pads to create better shapes. The best part is that you can get stamps for tricky designs or simple patterns. Choose a range of stamp ink colors to match your themes

Another way to use stamps is to buy alphabet stamps that will give you perfect lettering for headings and titles. Use clear acrylic blocks for a stable surface while stamping. It will allow you to position your stamps accurately for a clean look, especially when it comes to alphabet stamps.

Washi Tapes

Washi tapes are Japanese colorful tapes that come in various patterns and sizes, it is the magic wand of scrapbooking because of their many uses. If you learn how to customize your washi tape, you can even create your own unique patterns. Obviously, you can use it as an adhesive, but with its endless patterns, it can also be used for borders, frames, or even as decoration. There are washi tapes with motivational notes and phrases that can save you writing time. That is why a diverse collection ensures you have the perfect tape for every theme.

Page Protector

These transparent sleeves not only shield your pages from wear and tear but also add a polished finish to your scrapbook. The only problem with these is that you have to buy protectors that match the number of rings on your album binder or get a perforator to make the holes align. 

Stickers

Using stickers for scrapbooks will completely upgrade the layout aesthetics. From cute animals to elegant florals, stickers can add personality and charm to your pages. Invest in different types of stickers to truly make your pages stand out.

Other Embellishments 

Don’t settle for just stickers when you can go beyond with a collection of embellishments. Think ribbons, buttons, sequins, and charms. These little details can add a three-dimensional effect and turn a good layout into a masterpiece by adding texture.

Note Cards

Some people forget to add notes to their scrapbooks and only focus on photo placement however, journaling adds a personal touch to your scrapbook because it helps you remember why those moments were so important to you. Instead of writing directly on the scrapbook, use note cards as the perfect canvas for your thoughts. These pre-designed cards come in various sizes and patterns, plus you can buy them in bulk.

Photo Printer

One thing you will do a lot of when making a scrapbook is print a lot of photos. So much so that you might as well just buy a mini photo printer to print your photos at home. This gives you control over the size and quality of the photos. You should invest in a reliable photo printer that produces vibrant, high-resolution prints, and you can buy a large-sized printer or a mini one. 

Scrapbooking Tool Kit

If you’re dreading shopping for all of these supplies one by one, then you’re in luck because there are scrapbooking kits that contain most of the supplies you need. A tool kit specifically designed for scrapbooking is a game-changer that will save you shopping time. For instance, our cool Japan stationery box contains pens of different colors, stickers, and a notebook that you can use to start scrapbooking.

Supply Storage 

No one wants to work in a messy space, a well-organized craft space will make you more productive. Invest in storage for your supplies like folders, boxes, or a rolling cart to keep your materials tidy. 

Die-Cutting Machine

Can you make a scrapbook without a die-cutting machine? Yes. does it make cutting way easier? Definitely! For perfectionists who love complicated shapes and designs, a die-cutting machine will come in handy. It allows you to cut out detailed shapes, letters, and embellishments effortlessly on many materials. You can make paper or fabric cutouts for your scrapbook.

Armed with these essential supplies, your scrapbook will come together smoothly. 

Have you been looking to buy some high-quality Japanese stationery? You can check out our ZenPop stationery store for the best deals from Japan. 

This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.