This is a guest post from team leader Jean Manis.
Having just taken part in Jennifer’s Stash Bash event I’m in the process of reevaluating which paper scrapbooking supplies are essential, based on the direction my paper scrapbooking is headed.
It’s obvious that scrapbooking has changed markedly in the last couple of years, especially with the introduction of Becky Higgins’ Project Life product line. Layouts with journaling cards are abundant in online galleries. Instagram has re-introduced the appeal of the square photo. And smaller embellishments are “on trend,” equally at home on layouts and in page protector scrapbooking.
As I culled through my pattern papers and embellishments, to weed out what I knew I would not use and to use up supplies I still liked, I realized that I wanted supplies that felt “lighter” on my pages so that the photos and stories would be the main attraction. Heavily-themed pattern papers no longer seem to fit with the layouts I have in mind, nor do pre-made, themed embellishments.
I consider myself a hybrid scrapbooker. While I make both digital and paper layouts, no matter how the final page will be produced, I design the page and edit and crop my photos on my computer.
Let’s take a look at my essential scrapbooking supply categories with some current offerings in the marketplace:
Sketches/Templates
The Simple Scrapper Premium Membership provides five templates every month geared towards today’s memory keeping.
Patterned paper
I currently prefer 6” x 6” patterned paper pads. The scale of the papers works well for my designs. I like the variety of papers, the price point, and the smaller size for storage.
Echo Park “A Perfect Summer” 6 x 6 Paper Pad
Printables for journaling cards and labels
I prefer to journal on my computer rather than write my journaling by hand. Printables are an affordable and convenient way to have a variety of elements that coordinate with patterned papers, and because they are digital, I can print out what I need when I need it.
In A Creative Bubble “Home” Journaling Cards
Stamp set (and ink)
Recently I’ve begun making stamped cards and now want to incorporate stamped images on my scrapbook pages. There are a wide variety of stamps available designed for Project Life and scrapbooking in general.
Technique Tuesday “Good Day” by Ali Edwards
Neutral backgrounds
I scrap both 8 ½” x 11” and 12” x 12” layouts. I like both white and kraft papers.
8 1/2 x 11 White Woodgrain Cardstock
Bazzill 12×12 Kraft Cardstock
Washi tape
Washi tape is an easy and colorful way to adhere page elements including photos and patterned papers.
Pebbles Basic Washi Tape
Alpha sets
I like having a combination of “Thickers” and smaller sticker alphabets on hand.
American Crafts Amy Tangerine Goodness Thickers
Basic Grey Blue 6X12 Micro Monogram Stickers
Simple Stories SNAP Studio Collection Cardstock Letter Stickers
Wood Veneer
Wood veneer embellishments provide dimension and texture without being too theme specific. Veneer can easily be painted, colored with dye ink or embossed with metallic powder, or simply used as is.
Studio Calico “Hearts & Arrows” Wood Veneer Shapes
Additional Resources
Want to read more about scrapbooking with essentials? You’ll find these previously published Simple Scrapper articles of interest:
After doing the Stash Bash, I too realized how much my scrap essentials have changed. I use a lot more neutral cardstock, my patterned papers are much more earthy and organic, I handwrite most of my journaling, and I use letter stickers and washi tape on almost every layout.