Stamping and scrapbooking represent a successful integration of two extremely popular paper crafts. These days it is not unusual to open an album and find pages of layouts using inks, alphabet stamps, and other stamping products. Stamps and inks can be used to create backgrounds and make titles; they are perfect for use in journaling and as eye-catching accents.

To begin using stamps in your scrapbook, you should have a basic understanding of the inks and ink pads available. Pads vary by company; in size, shape, material of the pad, and even in the way the lid is removed. Most inkpads are acid free, marked clearly on the packaging, and can be re-inked when the pad begins to dry.

The type of ink used depends on the look you want to achieve and on what material you want to stamp. The one you may want to use most commonly for scrapbook pages is pigment ink. It is slow drying ink that is permanent and fade-resistant and can be easy to smudge. The colors tend to be more vibrant and the ink is a bit thicker than dye-based inks. Faster drying dye based inks may be more convenient to use, but they will fade over time.

The number of rubber stamp images surely outnumbers words in the dictionary. There are many, many stamp sets available for every imaginable theme. They are so much more cost-effective than stickers because they can be used again and again. The same image can take on so many different looks depending on color selection and technique used so you can use them numerous times in your albums without being repetitive. Some of the most fantastic stamps for scrapbooks are alphabet stamps. They make journaling, titling, and decorating with words a snap. No more running out of e’s like when you’re trying to use stickers! You can also use background stamps on plain cardstock to create colorful, theme-related paper. This will cut down on the need to buy all of those expensive patterned papers.

To do any job well you must have the necessary equipment. To do a scrapbook well you only need a few key things. Of course, there are unlimited options, but only a few basic needs. These supplies are readily available at craft stores, specialized scrapbooking stores, on-line, and even at stores like Wal-Mart where you’re likely to get the best price.

Basics supplies:

High quality acid free, lignin free album

12 inch paper trimmer
Excellent ones are made by Fiskars, Carl, EK Success, and CM.

Smaller sized sharp scissors like the Fiskar Microtip
It is hard to maneuver a big scissor around small areas.

Colored cardstock
A good selection will have at least 4 sheets of each basic color

Patterned papers to compliment your design/theme

1/4 inch hole punch (hand held is fine)

Black archival pen

White gel pen

Oval template
Coluzzles or Creative Memories make nice ones

Adhesives
Manco Easy Stick, Hermafix, photo squares, etc.
Glue sticks not recommended as they dehydrate over time. Super wet liquid glues also not recommended for photos. Liquids soak into backing paper and cause warping if you use too much, and that is easy to do if you are a beginner.

Eraser

Pencil- #2

Ruler

Be careful not to give in to the compulsion to over buy. You may find yourself with leftover materials piling up that you no longer wish to use. Some scrapbookers purchase patterned papers by the project so they have precisely what they need rather than stocking up on what they think they’ll use later. Once you have these basic supplies, you can start thinking about embellishments and other optional supplies which add artistic flair.

Civilization has been making pictures and recording memories since a Kodak moment was nothing more than a cave drawing. Recording the special moments of your life is something you will surely treasure as you glance back at photographs and entries detailing all you have to show for it. We start out as school girls saving souveniers of youth and mature into women (and men!) who want to preserve pieces of family life.

We all have our own way of writing and recording memories, but if we want to create something others can understand and appreciate, we must strive for organization in our thoughts and materials. Here are some helpful suggestions:

* Record events in your scrapbook chronologically so they will have a natural flow.

* Provide sufficient detail of the event without being overly wordy.

* Don’t forget to include how you on that day and about the occasion. It’s easy to limit ourselves to the facts, but it’s the feeling that recaptures the moment.

If you’re just getting started, make a visit to your local craft store or browse a scrapbooking site on-line. Discover the materials and techniques that appeal to your taste and let yourself start to play. Soon you will be looking back at your early efforts and seeing how your skills have increased and your taste has evolved. Enjoy the present; preserve the past for future enjoyment.