Starting your scrapbooking journey? Feeling overwhelmed by ALL the supplies out there? Trust me, I’ve been there! When I first started, I made the classic beginner mistake—buying everything that looked pretty instead of what I actually needed.
So, let’s save you some time, money, and frustration by breaking it down:
✔ What you truly need to get started
✔ The “nice to have” extras that make crafting easier
✔ Smart shopping tips to maximize your budget
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to grab first and what you can build up over time!
🎨 The 10 Must-Have Essential Tools / Supplies for Paper Crafting & Scrapbooking
These 10 essential items are the foundation of every great scrapbook layout. If you’re just starting, start here!
1️⃣ Paper Trimmer – The Ultimate Cutting Tool
✂ Why You Need It: A must for straight, clean cuts!
💡 My Pick: The Stampin’ Up! Paper Trimmer is beginner-friendly, with both a cutting and scoring blade.
2️⃣ Adhesives & Glue – Keeping It All Together
📌 Why You Need It: Because without adhesive… well, nothing sticks!
💡 My Picks:
✔ Stampin’ Seal Adhesive – Great for general use!
✔ Foam Strips or Dimensionals – Adds depth to embellishments.
✔ Glue Dots – Perfect for small details like ribbons or sequins.
3️⃣ Black Ink Pad – A Scrapbooking Essential
🖋 Why You Need It: A solid black ink pad is a stamping must-have! It gives crisp, clean impressions for titles, journaling, and embellishments.
💡 My Pick: Stampin’ Up! Memento Black Ink—perfect for stamping and coloring with markers!
4️⃣ Clear Stamping Blocks – Positioning Your Stamps Perfectly
🖋 Why You Need It: If you’re using clear stamps, you NEED a clear block to mount them!
💡 Pro Tip: Buy multiple sizes so you’re not struggling to fit big or small stamps on the wrong block.
5️⃣ A Few Versatile Stamp Sets & Dies
🎨 Why You Need It: A good first stamp set should match multiple layouts—not just one event.
💡 Pro Tip: Look at your photos! If you scrapbook a lot of vacations, birthdays, or outdoorsy moments, grab a stamp set that fits your personal style.
🛍 Save Money: Stampin’ Up! Bundles include coordinating stamps + dies at a discounted price!
6️⃣ Markers or Colored Pencils – Adding That Extra Pop!
🎨 Why You Need It: Coloring in stamped images adds personality and detail!
💡 My Pick: Stampin’ Write Markers blend beautifully with inked designs!
7️⃣ 12x12 White Cardstock – Your Scrapbooking Base
📖 Why You Need It: A neutral base for scrapbook layouts—you’ll always need it!
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a stack on hand because you’ll go through this FAST.
8️⃣ Paper Snip Scissors – Precision Cutting Made Easy
✂ Why You Need It: You’ll need sharp, precision scissors for fussy cutting stamped images.
💡 Pro Tip: The Stampin’ Up! Paper Snips are sharp, compact, and perfect for small details!
9️⃣ Scrapbook Sketches – A Lifesaver for Beginners
📖 Why You Need It: Scrapbook sketches take the guesswork out of layout design!
💡 Pro Tip: Many free sketches are available online, or you can check out Stampin’ Up!’s layout guides!
🔟 Patterned Paper & Coordinating Cardstock – The Perfect Match!
🖼 Why You Need It: Having both ensures your embellishments coordinate perfectly with your layouts.
💡 Pro Tip: Product Suites include matching papers, stamps, and dies to make crafting easier!
💡 Pro Tip: SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP KITS
These are predesigned projects that come in a range of project types.
Makes three two-page scrapbook spreads
Perfect for new crafters, busy crafters, or crafters who want quick and easy projects.
Leveling Up: Extra Supplies to Build Over Time
Once you’ve got the basics, these extra supplies will make crafting even easier (and way more fun!):
✔ More Ink Pads – Start with black, then expand to coordinating colors for blending & stamping details!
More Colored Ink Pads:
✔ Blending Brushes & Sponge Daubers – Ink blending adds depth & shading!
✔ A Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine – Cuts out detailed dies & embossed textures in seconds!
The Stampin’ Cus & Emboss Machine is a game-changer as you delve deeper into the world of scrapbooking. Investing in a die-cutting machine will revolutionize your crafting process by efficiently cutting shapes and intricate designs from paper using metal dies. This tool not only saves you valuable time and effort but also adds a touch of sophistication and intricacy to your projects. Once you have a die-cut machine, don’t forget to buy the die sets that go with your stamps! These are often sold separately as well!
✔ More Cardstock & Patterned Paper – The more, the merrier! Build up a variety to fit different themes.
✔ More Stamp Sets & Dies – Choose only ones you KNOW you’ll use (not just ones that look pretty!).
✔ Foam Adhesives for Dimension – Layers make your layouts pop!
Dimensional and foam adhesive strips are indispensable for adding dimension and texture to your projects. While not included in the top 10 essentials list, these foam adhesive shapes are a game-changer if you want to elevate the visual appeal of your creations. They have the remarkable ability to make your embellishments stand out from the page, adding depth and dimension to a more dynamic and professional look.
✔ Stamp Cleaner – A Simply Shammy or Stampin’ Scrub makes clean-up a breeze!
This reusable stamp-cleaning cloth makes stamp cleaning effortless. Just add water, then wipe stamps on the shammy.
The One Thing Most Beginners Forget… ORGANIZATION!
💡 Where do you store all this stuff?!
✔ Ink Pad Holders & Paper Trays – Keep everything within reach & easy to find!
✔ Stamp Storage System – Filing your stamps & dies makes them SO much easier to grab & use.
✔ Scrap Storage – Keep scraps sorted by color or size so they don’t pile up into chaos!
📌 Pro Tip: Want a full craft room organization guide? Stay tuned for an upcoming post all about it!
Want More Tips, Tricks & Scrapbooking Inspiration?
📌 Explore my Crafting with Confidence series for beginner-friendly guides & creative ideas!
📌 Join our Members’ Gallery to share your creations & connect with fellow scrapbookers!
📌 Shop essential scrapbooking supplies here: Stampin’ Up! Store
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Craft Smart!
Scrapbooking is about preserving your favorite moments, not about having ALL the supplies.
So start small, grab the basics, and build your collection as you go! You don’t need every color, every stamp, or every tool right away—just what helps you start creating TODAY.
So what are you waiting for?! Let’s get scrapping!
Share Your Project in Our Members’ Gallery! 🎨
Now that you know exactly what you need to start scrapbooking with confidence, I’d love to see what you create!
📸 Snap a pic of your first scrapbook layout or a favorite project and upload it to our Members’ Gallery to inspire others! Let’s cheer each other on as we grow and create together.
Have Questions? I’m Here to Help!
If you have any questions about scrapbooking, tools, or techniques, please feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to help fellow crafters build confidence and enjoy their creative journey.
Happy Scrapbooking!
💖 April – This Chick Loves Paper
Please note: All photos are subject to copyright
Images @ Stampin’ Up!©️
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is the sole responsibility of April Raine - This Chick Loves Paper as a Stampin’ Up!® Independent Demonstrator. The use of and content of classes, services, or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up!
💡 Crafting with Confidence: A Beginner’s Guide to Essential Scrapbooking Tools! 🎨 Ready to dive into scrapbooking but not sure where to start? Learn exactly what tools you need (and what you don’t!) to begin creating beautiful layouts without wasting money. From paper trimmers to stamps, adhesives to ink, this guide breaks it all down—plus pro tips for upgrading when you’re ready! Start your crafting journey with confidence only on This Chick Loves Paper! 🚀✨
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