Hi,

I am wanting to start purchasing materials to get started in scrapebooking. I will be going to Michaels because in St. Louis we receive 40% coupons weekly. I am not sure even what to purchase, or what are the basic tools every scrapebooker needs?

I know there are those sticky things which mount the pictures to the pages, there are different cutting tools which cut your pictures to different shapes, etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I know it takes time to build up a nice collect of scrapebooking materials.

Thanks,
Simplelife

Paper (different sizes), stamps, punches, stickers, markers. I am just starting out as well so other than what I listed I cant help you out much. Sorry! Hopefully, some other people can help you out. I would be interested to know as well.

I would suggest speding a few minutes in the magazine section looking at the scrapbooking magazines. See what types of layouts you like and are drawn to. If you like simple layouts with matted pictures and stickers then make sure you get a good straight edge or paper cutter for cutting straight mats. If you like more artistic types of layouts, then you might want to look at some templates.

There are many types of adhesives out there. I prefer a tape runner becuase it is fast and easy to use. There are many brands (my favorite it Thermo Web) but just try different ones to see what you like. (Many are refillable so once you purcahse the case you only need refills of the tape.

There are so many gadgets out there - I would start simiply and then add as you go. It is very is easy to become a scrpbook supply horder.

These are some things that I can't live without:
A pair of sharp, pointed scissors
My tape runner
My silent setter (for eyelets) (does not require punding with a hammer which was important for scrapping during my son's nap)
A 12 inch paper cutter
Scrapbook kits (I like to use kits because they come with everything I need to do a layout or 2 and I don't spend a lot of time coordinating or buying things separately)
AVery full sheet clear lables (I do all my journaling on the computer)

My fun (but can live without if I had to tools):
Design Runner (little handheld printer - prints on anything)
My supply of magazines (great for inspiration)

Hope this helps. I'll be glad to answer any questions - just can't think of anything else to add now.

__________________
Amy B.

Something to store everything that you plan to use in! I have a big bag, and then I have two 3 drawer Sterilite things that I got at Wal-Mart. Also an album to store the pages in once you have done a few. Maybe a file folder thing to put stickers in.

I have all kinds of stuff now, but those things do help me manage this hobby.