Many moms decide to start scrapbooking when they have a baby. However, it can become overwhelming when one walks into a craft store to buy the products needed to scrapbook. So many different paper trimmers, die cut machines ad adhesives fill the aisles. How does one know what to buy? Below is a list of my favorite “must-have” tools:

  1. A GOOD paper trimmer – I recommend investing in the best paper trimmer you can afford. Don’t buy a cheap one! They tend to not cut straight and/or the blades wear out quickly. I really like Purple Cows 12-Inch Two-In-One Scrapbook Combo Trimmer for large trimmers.

    and the Fiskars Euro Paper Trimmer - 12″ for a smaller trimmer.
  2. A large scissors and a small scissors – Having two different size scissors is helpful for different types of cutting and projects. Small scissors work best for intricate cutting, while large scissors are better for cutting paper, bigger embellishments and fabric (some say that you should have separate scissors for cutting just paper, but I don’t think this is necessary. In seven years of scrapbooking, I have found two pairs of scissors to be just fine). Tonic Scissors work great!
  3. Several different types of adhesive – There is A LOT of adhesive for scrapbooking. While it might seem unnecessary when you are first starting out, you really should purchase a few different types of adhesive.
    • A glue stick or adhesive runner – this is your basic adhesive that you will use the most often for adhering your pictures and paper on your layouts. My favorite brand is U-Hu.
    • Liquid glue – this type of glue you will use often for chipboard and thicker letters/embellishments. I like this 2-Way Glue Pen Bulk-Chisel Tip.
    • Glue Dots – glue dots are great for adhering embellishments like buttons to your layouts.
    • Terrifically Tacky Tape-.5×5 Yards- tacky tape is red and comes in a variety of widths. It is perfect for adhering ribbon.

Bonus tools: If you really are going to get into the hobby, you might also want these items:

  1. Xyron XRN250-CFT Create-a-Sticker Sticker Maker with Permanent-Adhesive Cartridge- While you may not need this when you first start out, I would definitely get this after you get your basics. I just got one of these a year ago and I don’t know how I scrapbooked without it! This machine puts adhesive on ribbon, chipboard, etc. in a thin, even coat from edge to edge. It is amazing.
  2. Tote, Ally Cool Tote 10 for all of your supplies! You will quickly acrue a bunch of pens, adhesives, etc. and this tote works great for keeping everything together.

I hope this helps you get started on the wonderful hobby of scrapbooking!

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