Anyone new to custom scrapbooking will probably be a little intimidated when they start looking around the craft stores for scrapbooking supplies. Memory pages can be basic or complicated, colorful or monochromatic. Whatever the personal design goal, the same products work for every need. It involves more than purchasing an empty album and some page protectors in which to slide photos. While there is a seemingly endless assortment of products to choose from, most everything one needs can be grouped into simple categories.

Card stock and paper ” Solid colored card stock and paper are the fundamental materials for matting and embellishing photos. Paper can be found in every color one can imagine. Solid colored paper can be used as the background for the photos or it can be cut into strips and decorations, for example. Patterned paper also is available in a wide array of colors, patterns and themes. Papers that depict some theme, such as holidays or sports, is an easy way to tie a memory page together. Patterned paper is often used as the base for the page or as a decorative element. Always be sure to use paper that is lignin and acid free. Only this type of paper can be trusted to last while regular paper will turn yellow and crumble over time.

Scissors and Trimmers ” Scissors are used extensively in the making of memory books. They should not be not be left out for daily use but should be reserved for photo pages only. This will keep them in tip top condition. Trimmers are useful for cutting paper and cardstock to the desired size as well as cropping photos. Some types include both a guillotine cutter and rotary trimmer. It would be wise to purchase a trimmer that is self-sharpening or that comes with replacement blades.

Adhesive ” There are a number of various kinds of adhesive from which to choose because the types of materials used in memory pages are so varied in texture and weight. Read the product label to help select the appropriate product for the job. A sampling of the different kinds of adhesives are glue dots, double-sided tape, glue stick, photo corners and liquid glue. Make sure that the adhesive states that it is safe to use for archiving photos.

Embellishments ” This is the area that can make a person afraid to even start. There seems to be an unending supply of stickers, rub-ons, letters, borders, tags, felt pieces brads, buttons and ribbons, just to name a few. There isnt a theme that hasnt been covered in this area.

Pens ” It shouldnt shock anyone that memory page pens come in a wide variety of colors and tip styles. Black is an essential choice since it will coordinate with anything. Pens used in making memory pages should use pigment ink and be fade proof and water proof. Recording special memories, noting dates, journaling and writing names and descriptions are done quickly and neatly with these special pens.

As overwhelming as it may be to begin to start a memory book project, the multitude of choices can also be extremely fun once it gets started. There is just no limit to what can be created.

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