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The Best Scrapbooking Supplies

Last updated on March 1, 2023

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Scrapbooking is an enjoyable activity no matter your age or level of artistic ability. If you love working with your hands and creating books full of memories, then scrapbooking is for you. When you get started, there are a lot of scrapbooking supplies you need, from paper to glue to books to embellishments.

The most important scrapbooking item you need is the album. This is the foundation for all of your scrapbooking work. While you can find scrapbooking albums in many different sizes, the two most popular are the 12 by 12 inches and the 8.5 by 11 inches. These sizes give you a lot of room to be creative while not being a difficult size to handle. Another important scrapbooking supply you need are page protectors. Some scrapbooking albums come with their own page protectors while others require you to purchase them separately. The job of the page protector is to ensure none of your scrapbooking work gets smudged, bent or pulled off. It also catches anything that happens to unstick from the page.

Patterned paper is an essential scrapbooking item because it is what provides a lot of the visual oomph. You can use patterned paper to create frames, cut out letters and add visual interest to the page. When choosing patterned paper, be sure to get a range of different colors and styles, so you have lots of options on how to be creative.

Our Picks For The Top Scrapbooking Supplies

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Pulaisen Self-Adhesive Photo Corners Scrapbooking Supplies

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Pulaisen

Self-Adhesive Photo Corners Scrapbooking Supplies

These self-adhesive photo corners are essential scrapbooking supplies. They are versatile and can also be used for cards, crafts and homework projects. The corners are easy to apply and create a vintage look.

Overall Take

Wide ApplicationThese scrapbooking supplies can also be used for crafts and homework projects.

 Runner Up

XFasten Double-Sided Adhesive Tape Scrapbooking Supplies

XFasten

Double-Sided Adhesive Tape Scrapbooking Supplies

This double-sided tape roller works instantly and makes the job faster. The application is mess-free and simple. The tape is archival safe and lasts a long time.

Overall Take

Works InstantlyThese scrapbooking supplies make jobs quicker and easier.

 We Also Like

Elmer’s CraftBond Assorted Glues Scrapbooking Supplies

Elmer's

CraftBond Assorted Glues Scrapbooking Supplies

This glue set comes with different types, such as glue sticks and glue pens. The adhesive dries clear for a polished look. It creates a permanent bond to ensure your scrapbook is secure.

Overall Take

Lots of VarietyThese scrapbooking supplies give you plenty of options.

 Strong Contender

ANERZA Ephemera Papers & Stickers Scrapbooking Supplies

ANERZA

Ephemera Papers & Stickers Scrapbooking Supplies

These unique scrapbooking supplies have a vintage theme. The set comes with 99 pieces of paper, hundreds of different types of stickers, five photo frames and a stunning box. The supplies include a variety of vintage-inspired designs.

Overall Take

Unique LookThese scrapbooking supplies have a vintage aesthetic.

What to Look For

  • Many people like to use inked stamps in their scrapbooking. While this can seem like an unusual choice, stamps actually provide a lot of versatility. Opt for an inked stamp with an abstract or geometric pattern. Repeating the stamp next to each other is a great way to create a border effect. You can also color in the stamp image with colored pencils or water color. Keep in mind that water-based inks can fade over time, so opt for a chalk-based inkpad instead.
  • Adhesive photo scrapbooking corners are a great way to make scrapbooking easier. Instead of having to tape or glue the photos to the album, you can use the adhesive scrapbooking corners to hold them in place. They also give a vintage look to the page.
  • Having a variety of glues is key when you’re scrapbooking. From glue sticks to glue dots to liquid glue, having a number of different types ensures you have the right adhesive for each kind of paper. Always select glue that states it’s long lasting so that it doesn’t dry up and flake off over time. Also go with an acid-free choice to protect the paper it’s holding together.
  • Having a large supply of scrapbooking embellishments is key to making your scrapbook look amazing. From buttons to stickers to ribbons to charms, there are many things you can use to add intriguing visual details to each and every page.
  • Out of embellishments? Consider looking at what you have around the house. Dried flower petals make great embellishments for scrapbooks, as do faux flowers. You can also cut out patterned or colored paper into different shapes to use as embellishments.

More to Explore

While scrapbooking seems like a relatively modern pastime, its roots can actually be traced back to 15th century England. During this time, it was common to create a “friendship album” that contained poems, letters, drawings, recipes, quotes and other items that were near and dear to the scrapbooker. Often when friends and family were invited to the home, they would be asked to sign the friendship album and leave a few words in the book about their trip or their feelings for the person. This act of creating and maintaining friendship albums is what has lead to popularity of scrapbooking today.

More to explore