To help, we examined a vast array of scrapbooking products, checking for user experience, compatibility with other supplies and accessories, and storage capabilities. One of our top picks was the Potricher Self-Adhesive Magnetic Scrapbook Album, a 40-page linen-covered album with a customizable cover and space for up to 120 photos or other mementos. Here is our list of the best ten beginners’ scrapbooking supplies. The hardcover front has a replaceable photo slot, so you can insert any photo you wish, and the chic linen cover makes the album presentable for display. The album comes with a metallic pen with gold ink for marking your pages with phrases, dates, locations, names, or noting memorable occasions. The crystal clear polyurethane page protectors can help prevent yellowing. The three-hole side strip means the pages will work well with any standard three-ring albums as well. Additionally, the ink won’t transfer onto these sheets from anywhere else, meaning you can write on your images or the pages they’re on without concern. Versatile and ideal for a variety of projects, this paper is useful in copiers, with inkjets, and in laser printers. With solid color through the center of the paper, these sheets can be used where white-core paper can’t. The colors are bright, and the paper is smooth and thick for optimal crafting. When not in use, they have a protective cover to keep the pointy end of the blades covered, and there’s an ergonomic grip on the handle as well. With 5-inch blades and very sharp, fine tips, you’ll be able to use these on any craft you’re mastering. A unique crafting experience, this knife has Softgrip to enhance its ease of use and ergonomic comfort. There’s one swivel blade provided, and it’s a cinch to buy replacements as needed. Overall, the blades are extremely sharp, easy to adapt to, and the knife’s brilliant design keeps it from rolling off the table when not in use. Acid-free and lignin-free, these work well for numerous surfaces and many types of crafts. They’re also ideal for kids’ crafting because they’re great for little fingers, are non-toxic, and have no fumes. And since they’re available in a roll of 300, they should last through several projects. A little bit goes a long way, so one container will last a long while. Plus, it won’t leak, so there’s no sticky clean-up. Compatible with nearly any type of surface, this glue is essential to any crafter’s supply set. A superb value for the price, these markers will cover your surface nicely. They make a great gift, as well as a fine addition to any crafting supply set. And with shades like iris orchid, chestnut brown, amaranth red, dreamy purple, and sapphire blue, your project is sure to catch the eye of many. Also great for gift-making, this kit has enough for several projects. It’s a large collection, so you’ll need a box or container to store it all in (it doesn’t come with one). A treasure trove for the new or young scrapbook enthusiast, each kit is different with its own goodies.
Accessory Compatibility
Most of the time, there should be a list somewhere on the packaging letting you know the brand’s supplies are compatible. If you find you’re unable to confirm compatibility, keep your receipts and ask about the seller’s return policy to be on the safe side—especially if it’s a pricey purchase.
Non-Toxic Substances
Whenever possible, go for non-toxic scrapbook supplies. They keep your contents in great shape and spare you exposure to toxic materials. For example, acid-free scrapbooking paper keeps your photos from fading and your pages and other mementos from becoming brittle or turning yellow. This is because the acid in the paper—which comes from a chemical called lignin in the wood it’s made from—has been removed. Fume-free glues and markers also help limit your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and are easier on the environment. Go for the water-based glues, basic craft glues, and fume-free markers, which are typically free of xylene, a neurotoxin.
Why Trust The Spruce?
KJ Callihan is a writer for The Spruce and created this roundup with beginning scrapbook crafters in mind. KJ has written numerous shopping, dining, and activity guides for other sites as well, such as CNET, Knoji, Best of the Web, Oh My Veggies, and AAA Northeast magazine.
