Please note that some of the links on this site may be affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link or make a purchase using the link. When you make a purchase, the price you pay will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support JKCraftsCo.com, and I genuinely appreciate your support.
Our first question to my dear scrapbooking enthusiast is what type of scrapbooker are you? What journey are you on in this scrapbooking endeavor? From a “scrapbook beginner” to a “scrapbook pro,” each has their own scrapbooking essentials checklist of the paper crafting must-haves. We have done the same here at JK Crafts Co! Remember the most important thing, is crafting is supposed to be your therapeutic time to relax and enjoy the process of creation.
It is very easy to get started on your crafting project. All you need to do is outline what your project will be. You will not need everything mentioned in this blog but most of these items over time will definitely be some of your favorite items as you get more into your scrapbooking journey.
Remember scrapbooking is your journey and can be more than just family pictures however it can also be journaling your travels across the country in your RV, or telling your story and life experiences volunteering or just being a planner boss with your accomplishments in your daily planner.
Our favorite Scrapbooking Essentials:
Scrapbook Album
Remember this does not have to be the traditional photo album, it all depends on your project and can be a journal, or even a daily planner. There are so many ways to “scrapbook” technically in today’s world. From travel journals, bullet journals, and Happy Planners to traditional scrapbook albums it is up to your creative spirit, and do not feel limited to one mode. We would advise when working with things that you want to preserve for long periods of time such as photos or artwork that you use acid-free and lignin-free papers.
Also, if you are doing a quick project buying an already pre-packaged scrapbook album kit might be a great option for you. This can be a great way to save you time and is a great way to prepare a gift for a friend or loved one to commemorate a special occasion. Check out our blog post on the “Scrapbook Photo Album Guide You Need“.
Variety of Paper
We cannot talk about scrapbook essentials without talking about things like cardstock, and patterned and colored papers. These scrapbooking essentials can become quite addictive for the paper crafter! But it is the absolute easiest way to brighten up a page or accent a background quickly and easily.
Furthermore, having different types of paper from cardstock which is thicker, more durable, and can be double-sided can help you in multiple types of projects including personal handmade cards. We also like to have lightweight paper and sizes such as 11×8 as options in case we need something that is more flexible.
In addition, we like to have a variety of paper sizes. You can buy prepared papers to your size or you can always just cut down to your specific size to save you dollars on your crafting budget. Also, these papers come in multiple colors and you can always get acid-free paper.
Lastly, don’t forget that papers come in different finishes too such as matte and gloss. These could also be considered great options for your projects. There are endless opportunities for exploring! Check out our blog post for the “10 Types of Crafting Paper Every Crafter Needs“.
Cutting Tools
Scissors, punches, paper trimmers, craft knives, and die-cutting machines to cut the mass amounts of paper that you have collected. Yes, you know you now have lots of new paper pads that you could not say no to!
Alas, now you need to cut the cardstock into various shapes and pictures and letters and all types of embellishments. We do think the most scrapbooking essential cutting tool is a pair of scissors, but a close second would be your favorite punch shape. The corner rounders are a great way to easily trim those edges to look like a perfect frame. Check out this corner rounder here:
As your skill level increases, we would also say having a die-cutting machine to be able to add custom embellishments is a win-win! Also, check out my link to more cutting tools and info for the blog post “Best Paper Cutters for Crafters“.
Embellishments
Washi tape, ribbon, stickers, and mementos that add meaning or symbolism to your memory. Washi tape is one of Our favorite things to add to planners and scrapbook journals to bolden up the page and call attention to something we want to remember it is also a great way to hold a memento in place such as a ticket to the Eiffel Tower that you want to keep in your bullet journal. We also love adding stickers to my daily planner. We use stickers to help remind you to focus on the tasks at hand and keep you motivated! Stickers are also great for themes in your scrapbook album.
Writing Tools
Pens from fine-point to calligraphy, markers, and pencils are a great way to add words that tell your story but a wonderful burst of personalization and uniqueness to make things stand out. When scrapbooking we love the idea of preserving our memories along with our top-quality paper, we need top-quality pens and will always prefer archival-quality products. Make sure to check out our guide on “Different Types of Pens for Scrapbooking and Paper Crafts“.
Adhesives
Another scrapbooking essential are adhesives such as double-sided tape, glue sticks, adhesive dots, and tape runners to adhere embellishments and pictures. Having good quality adhesives is a must for longevity. We prefer adhesives that are easily usable and are not going to damage our precious pictures, but we also need to make sure they are solidly secure and will withstand the test of time. We dive further into all the areas of adhesives so make sure you check out our guide here.
Scrapbook Templates
From seasoned scrapbooking veterans or the scrapbook beginner, templates are a great way to help inspire you for ideas as well as help you navigate quickly on a project. Scrapbooking templates provide you with page layouts, shapes, and embellishment ideas. Scrapbooking templates are great ideas for you to use when you have a specific theme you would like to focus on and/or if you need to create something as a gift. It will save you lots of time so you can spend time getting those amazing pictures of all those special moments. You can have prepackaged and configured templates that you can purchase or you can also use black and white templates as a reference which allows you to customize to your own specific needs. Check out some of our templates Scrapbook Layout Templates.
Measuring Tools
A clear ruler and a self-healing cutting mat are a must for any paper crafter or scrapbooking essentials. We are constantly measuring our papers and cuts for the perfect placement and precision is key to get the perfect cut and aligned proportionately. This is also a great way to ensure that you have good alignment and spacing between pictures texts or other embellishments. Check out this clear ruler here:
In addition, to being able to cut it is always nice not to be able to damage your work area with a self-healing mat. They also offer an easy way for you to measure effectively in your workstation with a secondary measuring option on a flat surface. Check out some self-healing mats here:
Photos
Now this could get overwhelming. First thing first: You must have a plan of action to avoid being overwhelmed. What is your goal with this layout? What is the theme that we are focusing on for this project or page? Your picture is something that evokes some sort of emotion out of you that supports the theme. In addition, choose pictures that have a color that will sparkle up your background or set the mood well for the theme of the page. Having these outlined in your plan first, you will easily be able to fly through your project with more focus, less time, and of course more joy.
What Scrapbooking Essentials are your Favorites?
Are you ready to enjoy your next crafting journey? What kind of “scrapbooker” are you? Do you have all the essentials? Do you have some or all? What are your favorites? Did we miss anything? From a beginner to a pro this list can very and will depend on what type of scrapbooking journey you are on and what story you are going to tell. Let us know at JK Crafts Co what you are using as your top essentials that you cannot live without.