Frequently asked questions

We know that the world of scrapbooking can be overwhelming to begin with! Here are some frequently asked questions that we hope will help you get started on your memory keeping journey.

What is scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking is a great way to preserve memories in a creative and artistic way – it’s as simple as that!

How do I get started?

It’s easy to get started, all you need is a photo and some supplies. There are no rules when it comes to scrapbooking, your album is personal to you, so you can invest in as many or as few supplies as your budget allows.

What do I need to get started?

As a minimum to get started, we would suggest an album with page protectors (most albums include some sleeves to get you started), some cardstock and patterned paper to provide a base for your photo, adhesive to stick everything together, a pen to add some journaling, and a paper trimmer or similar cutting tool. From there you can add the fun stuff! There are so many different embellishments available to suit every style, including stickers, washi tape, die cuts – but more on that later…

Do I need to use special supplies?

It all depends on why you are scrapbooking. If you plan to keep your albums for generations to come, you will want to make sure you use acid and lignin free supplies and adhesives. These will prevent your pages and photos from degrading and discolouring over time. Scrapbooking supplies tend to be acid and lignin free to help with the preservation of memories. If you’re just scrapbooking for a creative outlet and aren’t too concerned about the future of your work, then there’s no need to worry.

There’s so much to choose from! What are all the different embellishments for?

Embellishments are added to a page once the base has been designed and put together. They add interest and texture, and can make a huge difference to your page. Here’s a run down of some of the popular ones…

Die Cuts – These precut pieces are great for layering with other embellishments. Because they are already cut out, they allow you to embellish your pages easily and save time. A pack usually contains lots of different variety and pieces to choose from. They are usually made from cardstock, but can also be found in chipboard, wood veneer, cork, acetate and more.

Stickers – Exactly as you would expect! They are usually made from paper or cardstock and are precut and glued, so you can just peel and stick. There tend to be available in elements or alphabets. Alphabet stickers are considered an essential by most for adding a title to your page. There are also dimensional stickers available, and these may be chipboard, foam or puffy. The most common example of these is the Thickers line from American Crafts. These are great for adding dimension and textural interest to your page.

Rub-ons – Transfers that you rub onto your project using a lolly stick type device. This transfers the image from the carrier sheet directly to your page. They provide a seamless, more printed look.

Flair Badges/buttons – These are round little embellishments and look like a button badge. They have a sticky back instead of a pin so you can easily add them to your page.

Stamps – Using an ink pad, you can add a stamped image to your project. Clear (or acrylic) stamps usually come on a carrier sheet and can be peeled off and applied to a clear block. This allows accurate placement of the stamp as you can see exactly where you are placing it. Clear stamps cling to clear stamping blocks, so there’s no need to use glue.

Gems/pearls/enamel dots – little round embellishments add interest to pages. They look great used in clusters and combined with other embellishments.

Washi tape – this is hugely popular and is an easy way to add a decorative strip or border to your page. Available in many different designs and widths, it is usually made of thin paper that can easily be torn by hand. Think of it as pretty masking tape!

What else should I add?

Many people like to add journalling to their page using a pen or printed text. This can be the story behind the photo, or just names and dates. Some people don’t add any journalling at all, it’s all down to personal preference and how you want your finished page to look.

Okay I’m ready, what next?

First of all, take a look at our online blog for inspiration. This will give you some ideas about the type of style that you like, and a good starting point to reference. Join some groups on Facebook, such as our chat group, and follow manufacturer pages on Instagram, then give it a go.  There are no rules, it’s all about personal style, and remember, it’s only paper – if you don’t like it, start again!

Have a question we haven’t answered here? Get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help!

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