Shopping for scrapbook supplies can be a bit like searching for the perfect wedding gown. There are so many things out there to choose from, where do you start?
Before you buy anything, decide on an album theme. This will narrow your supplies search and help to keep you focused.
No matter what theme you choose for your album, there are some basic supplies that you will need:
Photos & Mementos - Dig through your albums and boxes. Select the photos that best represent the two of you as a couple. Gather photos of important events,
adventurous travels, and lazy days spent together. Dig that box of mementos out from under the bed! Everyone has one of these boxes filled with movie stubs and love letters.
Paper - There are two basic sizes of scrapbooking paper, 12x12 and 8.5x11. By far the most popular is 12x12. If you have a large selection of photos and mementos, you may want to go with 12x12 simply because you can fit more on page. If you're going to be printing a lot (such as poems, quotes, titles, and such) you may want to go with 8.5x11 because it will fit in a standard printer.
Album - Choose an album that goes with your theme. There are gorgeous white wedding albums, floral romance albums,
adventurous travel albums, and more. Be sure to get an album that will fit your paper size.
Adhesive - Tape runners, glue stick, photo splits, photo corners, and more.
Scissors/Cutting Tools - You'll need a good pair of scissors and 12x12 paper cutter is useful if you're using the larger sized paper.
Embellishments - This is where it gets tricky. Embellishments are all the fun and cute things that you put on a page to decorate it. Stickers, buttons, eyelets, tags, and more. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. We've got an entire section on
great embellishments for romance albums!
A Note About Acid Free
Whenever you purchase scrapbook supplies, be sure to look for the words 'Acid Free' on the packaging. By selecting acid free products, you ensure the safety of your photos for years to come. Traditional paper items, such as newspaper, are highly acidic and will rapidly increase the deterioration of your precious photos. A product called 'Archival Mist', which you can spray onto acidic items to neutralize them, will help you preserve those mementos.
Photography & Development
Take lots of pictures. The more photos that you take, the more you'll have to choose from when creating your scrapbook. Try taking photos in different lights, both in doors and outdoors and at different times of the day. The key to taking great photos is experimentation.
If the photos have already been taken, try photo editing to create different looks. You can use your own photo editing software or a Kodak Picture Maker type of machine (available at most drugstores and Wal-Mart) to crop, blowup, and edit your photos.
You may also want to try online photo developer. If you use a digital camera, it's probably a no-brainer to upload your photos and order prints. Online developers are great for traditional film development as well. Check out our reviews of the top online photo developers. With online development, your photos are available online to share with family and friends.
If you're looking for regular film development or photographic equipment, check out the following companies:
RitzCamera.com - Offers various free development deals and free shipping over . Check out their special offers areas for details on all promotions.
WolfCamera.com - Offers great customer service and expertise! Check out their specials as well.
And that is your basic list! Time to learn a little about design!
