Guest Author - Michelle McVaney
There are some basic supplies that you will need to get started scrapbooking. These basic supplies are called your basic tool kit and you will need to take this tool kit with you to all classes and crops that you attend.
The first item in your scrapbook basic tool kit is a nice sharp pair of scissors. These are any type of regular scissors that you prefer. I like to have a very small pair of scissors so that I can easily manuever when cutting detailed items. Many beginner scrapbookers also grab decorative edge scissors like wave, zig-zag and other shapes. There are many uses for decorative scissors but you will find your regular straight scissors get the very most use during your scrapbooking.
The next item in your toolkit is your 12x12 paper trimmer. My favorite is the Making Memories 12x12 paper trimmer. The reason that it is my favorite is because it has a self sharpening blade. I have been using mine for about three years and have never changed the blade. It is still working just as good as new. I have used many other trimmers that the blades needed changed about every other month or more at about $5 a pop for a new blade. You can see why spending a little extra to get this quality trimmer is a good investment! You will be saving money and hassle in the long run by not having to replace the blade.
You will also need adhesive. I use lots of glue stick because they are much cheaper than any other adhesive. That is the frugal scrapper coming out in me. I would rather spend more on my paper and embellishments! Beware: All glue sticks are not created equally. I use the UHU permanent. Not the purple cap! I also use the Scotch Advanced Tape Glider, you can buy refills for it that are 36 yards of tape, which also lasts quite a few pages!
The last things you will need to be sure to include in your basic tool kit are a pencil and an archival safe fine tip black pen.
Many classes will require you to add other things to your basic tool kit. This list will give you a great start. You will find yourself adding your can't scrapbook without tools as your style develops.
