Scrapbooking tips

Since I have blogged about scrapbooking so much and enjoy it so much, I decided I would maybe focus this blog even more on it. It's good to have some semblance of a theme I suppose.

I think the biggest pro about scrapbooking is being able to show off pictures in a better way then having someone just rifle through them prints or a Facebook album. A scrapbook organizes them and people spend more time looking at the photos and sharing in the memories. Plus, it's personally more fun to take a trip down memory lane with a scrapbook. Also, my grandmother used a photo album that uses a sticky substance to secure the photos, and years later they are now permanently attached to it. I used photo corners in my scrapbooks, so if I ever wanted to take a photo out, they aren't permanently attached.

On that note, here's some musts for you if you're considering starting a scrapbook:


-- The scrapbook itself.

• I always stick with Michael's for my scrapbook needs. I feel they have the best selection, though pricey at times. But every time I've been in lately I've gotten a lot of great coupons, which really cut down costs.
  
• One thing to be careful about -- sometimes there are scrapbook kits, which are great, but the pages in them could be pre-designed. They are great if you don't have a ton of time or money but really cut down on the creativity.
• Favorite brand: K&C Company, in my opinion, has some of the best scrapbooks and often the most variety. They can range anywhere from only $20 to $40+ for more fancy ones. Also, I realized their website has a better variety than Michael's. I'll have to keep that in mind!
  

-- The previously mentioned photo corners. They are triangle shaped and sticky on the back, with a slit that the photo slides into. You can go simple with clear ones, but they also come in colors and patterns.

• I usually go with clear Scotch ones, they're cheap and come 250 to a box.

-- Scrapbook glue and/or photo mounting squares.

• I use both of these. Glue is good for bigger items but sometimes can be messy for smaller decals. When that happens I use mounting squares, it cuts down on the mess and erases any fears the glue might show.
  
• For the glue, I usually stick to this. Though I recommend just the stick, the clear liquid glue tends to leak through thin paper.
  
• And the photo squares I again go with Scotch

-- Lastly, scrapbook paper. (Sometimes called cardstock)

• I go with a big pack of plain colors, which can be found at any arts/crafts store. (Stay away from construction paper, it's too thin and the colors aren't as bold.)
  
• And then different themed packs to go with the type of scrapbook. KI Memories is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Their paper isn't too crazy and the designs are just so pretty. They also include plain colors to match the patterns. Upon going to their website I realized they didn't seem to have the paper pads I get, which have about 50 different patterns/colors and in all around 80 sheets. BUT, they do have cute decals and stickers! I'll also have to remember that in the future.

Well, this post already seems ridiculously long, but there are so many more fun scrapbook supplies (like stickers and decals and special scissors) but I'll tackle some of those next time.

Happy scrapbooking!