The Top 5 Scrapbooking Tools That Are Proven To Help You Create Better Layouts
The range of scrapbooking tools at the store can be overwhelming.
Wander a few craft aisles in a scrapbooking store and you'll discover all sorts of scrapbooking stuff. From patterned paper, rubber stamps, to scrapbook stickers, to cutting utensils like paper cutters, scissors, and punches! There are lots of scrapbook tools to choose from that can help you create better layouts.
When it comes to scrapbooking, do you have some favorite tools for creating scrapbook albums?
And if you're just beginning in the world of scrapbooking, how do you know what tools to purchase?
Tools for Scrapbooking
Although I have been scrapbooking for several years, I always enjoy finding out what tools people prefer to use for their handmade projects. After all, there are so many to choose from and if you are like me, you do not want to spend money on something that you end up rarely using.
Three times a year a group of scrapbookers get together at a camp lodge. I usually try to attend at least twice a year. Beginning on a Friday night and going until noon on Sunday, we scrapbook, eat delicious food that is prepared for us, laugh often, and do a lot of talking.
At our most recent retreat, we actually got into a friendly debate regarding scrapbook tools and supplies. I loved it! In fact, I took notes to share with you!
Tool 1: Paper Trimmer. Clean sharp edges.
When it comes to scrapbooking craft utensils, everyone was in agreement that a decent paper trimmer is a must-have! A paper trimmer will give you a sharp clean cut as you crop photos, cut out frames, etc. A paper trimmer with an extended arm works best; this will accommodate your larger scrapbook pages. Here are some cutting tools to consider investing on:
♥ Paper Cutter
Discover why a paper cutter is the most essential craft tool you'll need!
For precise trimming of photos, mats, and borders, a paper cutter is what you exactly need.
You'll be able to accurately measure and cut straight lines by using a paper cutter that has an extended arm to accommodate 12″x12″ paper which is a useful feature for scrapbooking 12"x12" layouts.
In addition, you might want to invest in a cutter that utilizes rotary blades. These blades can help you create fun borders and so much more!
Ever wonder how some greeting cards look as though they have a perfectly torn edge? It's done with a rotary blade! Start with a "scoring" blade and a "wavy" blade. Later on, when you're ready to add to your collection of basic scrapbooking supplies, you can purchase additional blades.
Discover the best paper cutter for scrapbooking in this article!
♥ Circle Cutter
To make beautifully matted photos, a circle cutter is a must!
A circle cutter will help you cut out perfect circles each and every time.
Look for a circle cutter that will adjust from 1 inch up to 8 inches. You'll find yourself using this special cutter over and over again for your scrapbooking projects as you create mats, crop photos, and even create polka-dots to use as embellishments.
If you're left-handed, look for a circle cutter that is designed to be used by both righties and lefties.
Do you like to recycle? Use your circle cutter to cut pictures from old greeting cards, free magazines, and tattered books to create new cards! Your cards will look absolutely stunning and family and friends won't know how easy it was to make the cards.
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Die cutting machines
Why buy die cut embellishments from an arts and crafts shop when you can create your own die cut embellishments by using die cut machines,
Although die cut machines are not essential, it is really fantastic to be able to create your own custom die cuts on the go as you need them. This is one purchase you will not regret and you will also find yourself using it for other craft applications such as card making and sewing.
A die is a metal-shaped object with a raised-sharp area for cutting. The shape of the die is the shape that will be cut into your paper.
There are two main types of die cut machines, manual and electric. Manual die cutting machines are more affordable and work a little like a cookie-cutter.
♥ Rounded Corner Punch
For beautiful photo mats, round off your corners with a paper punch.
Paper punches are another variety of cutting tools, and over time you'll most likely purchase a few punches as you add to your scrapbook materials. As you start out, begin with a rounded corner punch. This punch comes in handy for finishing off your pages and for creating attractive corners for photo mats. A corner decorative paper punch is simple and easy to use.
Tool 2: Letter Stamps. Rubber or acrylic.
Every serious scrapbooker needs to have letter stamps as part of their scrapbooking craft tools. Some people prefer rubber stamps for scrapbooking.
These are stamps with wooden handles with the letter part in rubber. Simply use with any ink pad and you are good to go! Rubber stamps will last for a long time and will provide a uniform look for your scrapbook pages.
♥ Rubber/Wooden Stamps
Alphabet scrapbook rubber stamps are a staple scrapper's tool because they add a lot of fun and creativity when it comes to designing your page titles. They also come in handy when naming people or places that you want to highlight on your scrapbook page.
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♥ Acrylic Stamps
Acrylic stamps are easy to use and they give a crisp design transfer. You will need to invest in a clear block but it is well worth it. I recommend purchasing a mid-size block because once you start using acrylic stamps, the block will be one of your go-to scrapbook tools.
Tool 3: Clear ruler. Marked with grids.
Do you ever wonder why some scrapbook pages look nice and straight while others have layouts that are crooked? A clear ruler will be one of your favorite scrapbook tools! This type of ruler will help you line up your letters for titles, will make it easy to position photos on your layout, and can help you evenly space out die cuts.
Unlike other rulers, a clear ruler with built-in grids makes the job so much easier! You will discover that you have to do a lot less measuring and making marks on your layouts.
Think a ruler is just for measuring? Think again!
A ruler is an absolute must when working with your scrapbooking stuff. Of course, you can use a ruler to measure the paper or to draw a straight line, but a ruler can also be used as a guide.
For example, if you want to line up individual cut-out letters, line up the letters on the edge of the ruler.
Are you going to divide a page in half using sequins? Evenly space the sequins by using the measurements on the ruler. A ruler can even be used to tear a straight edge when you want a frayed look.
You might also consider purchasing a centering ruler. This type of ruler has a "0" in the center and then extends six inches to the left and right of the zero. A centering ruler comes in handy any time you want to center an item beneath another item.
Tool 4: Scissors. Office and craft tools.
Scissors definitely rank as one of the top scrapbook tools! However, it is easy to get carried away in purchasing different types of scissors. I recommend that you look for the following features when purchasing your scissors:
♥ Office scissors
A part of 8″ or 10″ office scissors will come in handy for any regular cutting that is needed, such as cutting a strip of card stock, cut simple shapes, or snipping a piece of ribbon. Some people prefer scissors with bent handles, while others prefer straight scissors.
♥ Cutter Bee scissors
One of my best scrapbook tools is the Cutter Bee scissors. These scissors are 5″ in size and are great for detail cutting! The precision-ground tips make it easy to cut out intricate shapes or to poke a small hole for tacks. I use my Cutter Bee a lot when making greeting cards. The scissors also come with a protective snap-on safety cover.
If you are not familiar with this type of scissors, please note that the tips are super sharp. The cover should be kept on them when not in use and place out of reach from small children.
♥ Patterned scissors
Another must-have scrapbook tool is patterned scissors. There are several to choose from, but start out with ones that either give a zigzag effect or a scalloped look. You can always add to your collection later on. Having just one or two in your scrapbook tools collection will be a great start.
Tool 5: Scrapbook storage. Bins and more!
Our last pick for the top scrapbook tools is storage for your scrapbooking supplies! Scrapbooking is loads of fun, but it can quickly become frustrating if you constantly are having to hunt for things. With a small investment upfront, you can keep your scrapbook supplies easily organized and free from damage.
Note: If you ever ask yourself "what do you need for scrapbooking" then you should click the link to see our recommendations.
♥ Plastic milk crates
Plastic milk crates are a great way to store your scrapbook paper and other small scrapbooking supplies! The crates are wide and long enough to store paper flat. For my materials, I use two different crates. One crate houses holiday paper which I keep in calendar order.
The other crate houses the rest of my paper which I organize by color. Whenever I come across a thin piece of cardboard I use it to help separate categories. By using the crates, I can easily see what I have and it helps me come up with creative scrapbook ideas.
♥ 8-drawer rolling cart
*Photo provided by an outside source.*
A rolling cart is a definite top item in my scrapbook tools. I have tried out a couple of different types of carts and I really like the one I am currently using. The cart contains eight 12″x8″ drawers and has two shelves about the drawers.
I labeled each drawer so that I can easily locate items. You will want to label based on what you regularly use, but my eight bins are: scissors, markers, stamps, stickers, misc. embellishments, small card stock, adhesive, and scraps. Yes, scraps! I love saving odds and ends of scrapbook paper and using them to make die-cuts, confetti, or fun letters. The shelves house my long card stock and some of my best scrapbook tools.
There are other tools like scrapbooking cricut that can produce amazing results!
There you have it! Our top 5 list! As you enjoy scrapbooking, I hope these items will become some of your favorite scrapbooking tools.
*Photo provided by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/evelynishere/2680853104
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