Must-Have Scrapbook Supply Items
The Provo Craft’s Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter is the only way to go when it comes to die cutting. A simple touch of a button allows thousands of choices in shapes, sizes, phrases, and images. Letters and shapes can range from one to five and a half inches; phrases can be up to eleven and a half inches long. Various types of papers, with different textures and thicknesses, can be used to create your professional look. The newest in scrapbook cutting machines can be found at most large craft stores, or check online to order.
A nice brad set is gives extra elegance or whimsy to any scrapbook. The brads not only decorate the page but make it easy to turn pages without bending them. The brads are now available in shapes like bow ties, ladybugs, jewels – even ants!
Ordinary picture frames can change the look of your layouts and the book itself. Choose very thin frames, rather than thick, bulky wooden selections. Frames that are metallic or plastic work well. Craft stores generally have a selection of tiny frames, found in shapes like hearts, diamonds or circles. Use them to decorate pages or make an arrangement on the front of the book. Look at the side of the frame. If it’s a quarter-inch wide, or less, it’ll probably work. Paint them or leave them as-is. Use with the glass, or use without the glass and use the glass piece on a layout in the book.
Pockets from old shirts are very unique. Most people use paper pockets to hold small notes and scraps, but real pockets look even nicer. Save pockets from old shirts and simply glue them into the book to hold your treasures. You can find all sorts of cheap shirts, from babies to XXX, when you visit flea markets and yard sales.
Who can cut perfect circles? You have to get out a bowl or a cup and try to draw around it, then hope to cut it out exactly perfect. Fiskars Circle Cutter is one of the best cutters you can purchase at an inexpensive price. Cut from one to eight inch circles perfectly every time. The machine has a clear base that lets you see where the cuts are positioned, and works with paper, card stock and even foil. Buy replacement blades when needed.
Make your own stickers with Xyron500 Create-a-Sticker Machine is a definite must-have. The machine spreads an even adhesive coating on photos, paper, foil, and other materials. Make stickers up to five inches wide with ease.
Last but not least, the Light Tracer Light Box is a fabulous find in the scrapbook world. Perfect for embossing and card crafting, the machine is lightweight and has a large working surface of 10″x12″. It also has a handy tool storage area.
Scrapbook makers pick and choose their own supplies, sometimes according to budget, sometimes according to what they can accomplish. I recommend the above supplies and I hope you’ll try them and like them, too.
