When a person desires to improve and be at their best, it is only fitting that they try to equip themselves with everything necessary and ideal for the sake of improvement. Just like in any other activity or craft, you need to be aware of the basic and advanced tools used in scrapbooking. This list may include only the essentials, but as you eventually increase your scrapbooking knowledge, this list can also comprise of secondary tools and items.
Below is a rundown of the basic and advanced scrapbook tools and supplies:
Multi-colored PensThe ideal pens would be waterproof, fade-resistant pens. These items usually come in various points, colors and tips. Color, for the most part, adds character to your scrapbooking page. Color can also influence your preference for various shades that complement the paper backgrounds and borders. There are also varied types of pens that are specifically made to suit your scrapbooking needs. These types of pens are acid-free and won’t smudge up your layout page.
Photo-labeling PencilsPencil types such as these, are helpful when categorizing photos to be used in scrapbooking. For one, it may be difficult at times to remember dates, events or places. Names of people may also hard to recall, especially if you are using a picture from a huge event like a family reunion or wedding. Photo-labeling pencils are not only present to help you in labeling. It also serves as your aid in sorting out old photos from recently taken pictures and souvenirs.
Acid-free PapersScrapbooks are meant to preserve memories, not to dismantle them. Photos are also primary elements that you have to be wary when it comes to adhesives or papers used in scrapbooking. As an important reminder, it is always best to choose paper types that are free of acid and lignin. Aside from patterned, textured or colored papers, it also pays to have your borders and die cuts acid-free. Using acid-free materials will ensure that your photos will be preserved.
Scrapbook AlbumThe album itself is definitely part of the basics list. Besides, this is where you are going to put your pictures and keepsakes. Since the scrapbooking album is considered essential and basic, the manner of choosing one is as crucial and important as well. Be reminded that old photos and pictures are susceptible to normal wear and tear. It can easily acquire moisture, thus causing pictures to fade. To avoid this, it is always advisable to choose adhesives, papers and borders that are acid and lignin-free. And the same thinking is very much applicable to choosing your albums for scrapbooking.
Page ProtectorsThese protective sheets are used in line with your scrapbooking album pages. They are normally used to protect pages from possible elements like stain or dirt. Scrapbooking albums usually include photos that are definitely valuable to the person who creates them, and as your way of acknowledging their value and heritage, it is only proper to prevent these scenarios (spillage and dirt) from ruining these personally-made items.
Photo Cropping Tools and TrimmersThis scrapbooking tool is made specifically to answer your photo cropping needs. Surely, there will be times when your pictures may be too big for a particular page layout. The only way to make these photos fit would be to cut or trim them. Some photo cropping tools and trimmers also have corresponding self-healing mats as surfaces, which is another likely incentive.