SCRAPBOOK MUST HAVES

After sharing my recent Joann haul, I got so many questions about why certain items are my go-to scrapbook essentials! So, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into what things to use for scrapbooking and why these particular finds are absolute game-changers for me. First up, plain cardstock. You might think it's boring, but trust me, it's the foundation of everything! I always look for heavy-duty, solid core cardstock, like the Park Lane 12x12 packs I found. It doesn't warp when you glue things down and gives your pages a professional feel. White is a must, but having a variety of colored cardstock on hand from brands like Park Lane really makes your designs pop and adds endless layering possibilities to your scrapbook pages. Next, let's talk glue. For clean, mess-free work, my absolute top recommendation is glue tape. The Tombow brand glue tape dispenser is a lifesaver! It applies adhesive quickly and smoothly without any drying time or sticky residue. It's truly one of those scrapbook essentials you won't regret investing in, especially when you're attaching delicate photos or intricate cutouts. And of course, the star of the show: scrapbook design paper! I love collecting packs with beautiful floral patterns or cute themed designs. At Joann, you can find such a diverse range of styles. Don't forget small cardstock pads too! They're perfect for adding little bursts of color, creating mini pockets, or die-cutting tiny embellishments. I grab them whenever I see fun patterns like cherries or hearts – they're just so versatile. To add that extra flair, frames and stickers are key. Those decorative, scalloped-edge frames from Violet Studio? Adorable! They instantly elevate a photo or a journal entry. And stickers – oh my goodness, the options are endless! Puffy stickers with bug and floral designs, like the ones from Violet Studio, add a lovely dimension. I also found those Park Lane adhesive photo frames – super handy for quick photo placement without fumbling with glue. They just make your pages look polished without much effort. Finally, you need a good home for all your creations. A sturdy scrapbook or sketchbook, like the ARTSMITH spiral-bound one I picked up, is crucial. I prefer ones with plenty of pages and a good size (8.5x11 or 12x12). And for adding personalized touches, stencils are fantastic! A gray metal stencil with letters and numbers allows you to create custom titles, dates, or quotes on your pages, giving your scrapbook a unique, handcrafted feel. Building your collection of scrapbook essentials doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with quality basics like good cardstock and glue, then gradually add design papers, stickers, and tools like stencils that match your style. Happy scrapbooking!