Scrapbook Tools

Although you don’t need much more than cardstock and adhesive to begin your first project, there are a number of scrapbook tools that can be useful for those with a serious interest in the hobby.

Paper Trimmers are Essential Scrapbook Tools

A paper trimmer is the most basic of all scrapbook tools. Even if you’re a whiz with your scissors, cutting a perfectly straight line on your layout can be a challenging task. A trimmer lets you expertly crop and mat your photos.

Portable 12×12 trimmers are generally the best choice for scrapbooking. Several different brands are available in prices to suit almost any budget. However, it’s best to make sure you’ll be able to easily purchase replacement parts for the trimmer you select. Most scrapbooking paper trimmers require the blades to be changed on a regular basis to ensure crisp cuts.

Using Stencils and Templates

Stencils and templates are great scrapbooking tools because they can make anyone look like an artist. Whether you want to add doodles to your page border, create unique journaling blocks, or crop your photos into funky shapes, there is a product available to fit your needs. There are even templates designed to make it easier to add stitching to your scrapbook layouts.

Most stencils and templates are made of heavyweight plastic. If you use your stencils and templates with chalk, ink, or paint, simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth.

Working with Rubber Stamps

Stamps are amazingly versatile scrapbook tools. A set of alphabet stamps will ensure that you can quickly add titles and journaling blocks to your page even if you’re nowhere near your computer. Flowers and flourishes make simple page embellishments, while large frame stamps make it easy to draw attention to the dominant photo of your layout. You can even create several different looks with the same stamp just by varying your ink colors.

Stamps for scrapbooking come in three basic varieties: wood-mounted rubber stamps, clear acrylic stamps, and foam stamps. Wood-mounted rubber stamps are very durable, but take up a large amount of storage space. Clear acrylic stamps make it easy to achieve precise image placement on your layout, but you’ll need to invest in several different sizes of reusable mounting blocks. Foam stamps are inexpensive, but best suited for stamping with acrylic craft paint.

Making Your Own Die Cuts

For a novice scrapbooker, the cost of a die cutting machine can seem intimidating. However, die cutting tools such as the Cricut Expression are actually quite useful for paper crafting. You can quickly cut letters for page titles in a variety of sizes, make shapes for decorative photo mats, or design your own custom paper piecings by purchasing additional cartridges. No computer is necessary and the machine comes with an instructional DVD to help you get started.

For the frugal scrapbooker, one of the most important features of die cutting machines is that they allow you to make efficient use of your paper scraps. With these handy scrapbook tools, even small bits of patterned paper and colored cardstock can be transformed into unique embellishments. To add extra dimension to your page, simply attach your die cuts with small squares of foam adhesive.