There are thousands of different tools out there today for scrapbookers to choose from and use to put their own personal touch on their scrapbook page. There are basic tools that every scrapbooker can’t live without, and then there are tools that aren’t a necessity but are nice to have and just fun to use. Let’s take a look at some of the tools every scrapbooker needs and wants to have when they’re trying to spark their creativity.
•Crafting scissors. Scissors in general are a great tool for every scrapbooker to have because when it comes to scrap booking you usually end up doing a lot of cutting. Crafting scissors are a little smaller than regular scissors however and can get in to those small corners and trim edges a little easier than the bigger ones. Whichever ones you decide to use just make sure they are sharp enough to cut a straight edge. It can be very frustrating trying to cut papers with a dull pair of scissors.
•Paper Trimmers. Every scrapbooker needs to have a paper trimmer or two if they want to get a clean cut edge. Sure scissors are great to have for cutting other things, but paper trimmers make it possible to get a completely straight edge, cut symmetrical squares and can really make your scrapbook look neat and professional. You might be able to get away with using scissors for now, but if you really want to get serious about scrap booking then get yourself a paper trimmer. They come in different sizes so if you don’t’ have room for a big one then try getting one that is smaller and can fit into a handbag. Paper trimmers will also usually have blades than can be replaced when they get dull so you can always have a sharp, straight cut.
•Light boxes. A light box isn’t a tool that every scrapbooker necessarily needs, but most want to have them because they can come in handy for copying graphics, photos, or templates. You can do some very fun and cool things with your scrapbooks with a light box like tracing templates onto your page, tracing mats and die cuts, and if you use any fabrics with your scrapbook page they can come in hand for stitching lines right to the paper. Definitely not a necessity but one of those tools that you just might be glad you have around.
•Paper Punches. Paper punches are another one of those tools that you need to have but are nice to have around because there are so many different kinds of punches that come in handy and can be used on your scrapbook pages. There are many different companies that have come out with paper punches and they are fairly inexpensive so it just might be something you want to have in your scrapbook tool collection.
•Self healing mat. This little tool is one that every scrapbook must have in their tool box. There are self healing cutting mats and self healing setter mats. The cutting mats are used for cutting. If you have a craft knife you are using to help with cutting shapes or die cuts then a self healing mat comes in extremely handy. The self healing setting is used for tools like and eyelet tools that use setters to place eyelets on the paper.
•Embellishment tools. Not every scrapbooker needs these but they are definitely fun to have and are used widely used by many scrapbookers around the world. Embellishments tools are things like eyelet setters, brads, magnetic stamps, and other little knick knacks that can add pizzazz to your scrapbook page.
So there you have it; some of the tools every scrapbooker needs and wants. Most scrapbookers will find an excuse to have all the tools, but if you’re a beginner then stick with the basics first and then branch out as you get more comfortable.