If you’re a creative person who loves to dive into arts and crafts, you understand how crucial the right supplies are. They serve as the foundation for releasing your creative energy and transforming ideas into unique, tangible projects. Whether you’re making a birthday card, crafting a book journal, or working on a larger project, having the right scrapbooking supplies can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Pads and Paper
When it comes to essential scrapbooking supply, paper is something you’ll likely use in every project. Whether you’re drawing, painting, sketching, or cutting shapes, high-quality paper is essential. The right paper can make or break your artistic experience, so it’s important to choose wisely.
The first thing to consider is the paper’s weight. Heavier paper is ideal for working with wet media, such as acrylic, oil, and watercolour paints. Additionally, different types of paper surfaces are designed for various purposes. Hot press paper, for instance, is perfect for detailed drawings, while cold-pressed paper has a light grain that works well for more textured work.
Cotton paper is another excellent choice, particularly for wet mediums, as it absorbs liquids well and offers durability. If you want your crafts and drawings to last, consider acid-free paper. This type of paper resists fading and yellowing, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant over time.
For those who enjoy using pencils or marker pens, smooth paper with a silk-like surface is ideal for creating detailed creations. On the other hand, rough-grain paper adds texture and interest to paintings, making them come alive with depth and dimension.
Paper pads are versatile tools that can accommodate different kinds of mediums. Mixed media pads, for example, are great for complex, layered artwork. Acrylic paint pads are thicker with a rough surface, perfect for absorbing more pigment and allowing for more layering. Pads for oil and dry pastels are heavy and textured, ideal for blending and layering.
Markers
Markers are a versatile and convenient addition to your scrapbooking toolkit. They add vibrant colour with just one stroke, are affordable, mess-free, and work well with other media. The type of tip on a marker can greatly influence your work.
Brush tips are popular because they allow for both thin and broad strokes, giving you full control over the flow of your artwork. Chiselled tips are excellent for filling large areas, with the flat side used for broader strokes and the tip for finer lines. Fine-tip markers are perfect for writing and adding intricate details, while bullet tips are suitable for filling smaller areas with colour.
Markers come in two main varieties: water-based and alcohol-based. Water-based markers are generally more affordable but offer fewer colours, slower drying times, and less fade resistance. They are easy to find and have no noticeable odour, making them a convenient choice for many projects.
Alcohol-based markers, while more expensive, offer a wider range of colours and faster drying times. Some are even refillable, which can be more cost-effective in the long run. However, they can have a slight odour due to the alcohol content and may bleed through certain types of paper, so choosing the right paper is essential.
Masking Tape
When you hear the term masking tape, the first thing that comes to mind is probably painting. Yes, masking tape is used for making a neat border when painting but it can also be used on a smaller scale with your scrapbooking hobby. You can buy this craft supply online or in your local crafts store.
It’s basically a type of adhesive tape that’s made of thin and flexible paper. It also has pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. It creates a strong bond with the surface and ensures a clean and easy removal. For arts and crafts people often use general-purpose masking tape. It comes in several widths and it’s perfect for short-term applications.
Adhesives
No scrapbooking project is completed without some adhesives. These things hold the project together, literarily. There are plenty of adhesives you can choose from depending on the materials you’re working with. If you want something practical go for pressure-sensitive, double-sided tapes. They’re adhesive on both sides and have an easy-to-peel liner that can grip on paper, metal, rubber, wood, plastic or glass.
If you’re using a lot of beads, pearls, gemstones, rhinestones or sequins, buy embellishing glue. Foam tapes are also an option. They can add another dimension to your craft. Foiling glue works with fabric, metal, paper and plastic. Glue runners are also popular. They work best with paper and you can glue in straight lines or curves. For small and delicate work, use glue pens.
Scissors and Trimmers
Everyone needs scissors and trimmers for their arts and crafts projects. Picking sharp, precise and sturdy tools is very important. They’ll help you be more detailed and make precise cuts. Both of these tools come in many sizes so you can choose according to your needs. It’s always a good idea to have more than one pair of scissors in your house.
There are scissors made for paper, fabric, leather, ribbons etc. Using them for other than their original purpose can get them damaged and dulled. Trimmers can be very practical as well. They’re known for their accuracy and cutting perfectly in a straight line. They’re a terrific buy because they save you time and let you cut multiple papers at once. There are even self-sharpening models that can save you money in the long run.
