Scrapbook Supplies: Everything You Need for Beautiful Layouts

Your Guide to Scrapbook Supplies

Great scrapbook pages start with great supplies. Whether you're building your first toolkit or adding to an established stash, this guide covers every category of scrapbooking supplies and what to look for in each. New to the craft? Check out our scrapbooking for beginners guide for a step-by-step introduction.

Paper & Cardstock

Paper is the foundation of every scrapbook page. Here's what you need:

• Solid cardstock — Heavyweight (65-80 lb) cardstock in a range of colors. This is your background and matting paper. Neutral tones like white, cream, kraft, and black are essentials. Browse our cardstock kits.
• Patterned paper — Printed papers with designs, textures, and motifs. The best patterned papers come in coordinated collections where every sheet works together. Shop patterned paper kits.
• Specialty paper — Vellum, acetate, glitter cardstock, and foiled paper add special touches. Use sparingly for maximum impact.

Look for paper labeled "acid-free" and "lignin-free." These terms mean the paper won't yellow or deteriorate over time, protecting your photos and layouts for decades.

Adhesives

The right adhesive makes or breaks a layout. Different situations call for different types:

• Tape runner — The workhorse adhesive for paper-to-paper bonding. Quick, clean, and strong. Use for photos, paper strips, and most flat elements.
• Foam adhesive — Foam dots and foam tape add dimension by raising elements off the page. Use for die cuts, titles, and embellishments you want to pop.
• Liquid glue — Best for heavier embellishments like chipboard, buttons, and wood veneer. A precision-tip bottle gives you control.
• Glue dots — Pre-made adhesive dots that work well for small, lightweight embellishments like sequins and enamel dots.
• Repositionable adhesive — Allows you to move elements around before committing. Useful when you're still experimenting with placement.

Embellishments

Embellishments are the finishing touches that bring a layout to life. Explore our monthly embellishment kits:

• Stickers — From puffy alphabet stickers to themed accent stickers, these are the fastest way to decorate a page.
• Die cuts & ephemera — Pre-cut shapes, labels, and decorative pieces. Layer them, tuck them behind photos, or use them as focal points. Shop ephemera for scrapbooking.
• Chipboard — Thick, dimensional accents in shapes like stars, hearts, arrows, and letters. Great for adding texture.
• Washi tape — Decorative tape in endless patterns and colors. Use it for borders, accents, or to attach photos with a casual look.
• Sequins, gems & enamel dots — Small accents that add sparkle and dimension. A few well-placed dots can elevate an entire layout.
• Ribbon & twine — Tie bows, create borders, or thread through die cuts for a tactile, layered feel.

Tools

The right tools make scrapbooking easier and more enjoyable:

• Paper trimmer — A 12-inch guillotine or rotary trimmer for clean, straight cuts. Invest in a quality trimmer — it's the tool you'll use most.
• Scissors — A sharp pair for detailed cutting and trimming around embellishments. Small, pointed scissors are handy for intricate shapes.
• Craft knife and cutting mat — For precise cuts that scissors can't handle. A self-healing cutting mat protects your work surface and provides measurement guides.
• Corner rounder — A small punch that rounds photo and paper corners for a softer, more polished look.
• Bone folder — For crisp, clean paper folds and creases. Essential if you make cards or mini albums.

Metal Dies

Metal dies are thin steel templates that cut shapes from paper and cardstock when run through a die-cutting machine. They're reusable, precise, and available in thousands of designs — from simple circles to intricate floral borders.

Dies are essential for scrapbookers who want custom titles, decorative borders, and layered shapes without freehand cutting. We also carry specialized dies for card making.

Die-Cutting Machines

A die-cutting machine uses pressure to push metal dies through paper, cutting precise shapes. Here are the main options:

• Manual die-cutting machines — Turn a hand crank to roll paper and dies through the machine. Affordable, portable, and work with virtually all steel dies. Popular models include the Sizzix Big Shot.
• Electronic cutting machines — Cricut and Silhouette machines cut designs from digital files using a blade. They offer thousands of designs via software but require a computer or tablet. More versatile but also more expensive.

If you're just starting out, a die-cutting machine isn't essential. Pre-cut die cuts and ephemera give you the same look without the equipment investment. Add a machine later once you know you enjoy the craft.

Stamps & Ink

Stamps add sentiments, patterns, and hand-stamped details that give layouts a personal, handmade quality:

• Clear stamps — Transparent photopolymer stamps that mount on acrylic blocks. You can see exactly where you're stamping. Easy to store and widely available.
• Rubber stamps — Mounted on wood blocks, these give a classic look and a satisfying stamping experience. They tend to produce crisper impressions.
• Dye ink — Fast-drying, water-based ink in a rainbow of colors. The standard choice for most stamping.
• Pigment ink — Thicker, slower-drying ink that produces rich, opaque results. Works well on dark cardstock and is used for heat embossing.
• Embossing ink and powder — Stamp with embossing ink, sprinkle with metallic or colored powder, and heat to create raised, glossy designs. A simple technique with dramatic results.

Ink, Paint & Mixed Media Supplies

For scrapbookers who want to add artistic touches beyond paper and stickers:

• Ink sprays and mists — Spritz color onto backgrounds for watercolor effects and texture. Available in translucent and opaque formulas.
• Acrylic paint — Add bold color with a brush, sponge, or by flicking paint for splatters. Works on cardstock, chipboard, and canvas.
• Texture paste — Apply through stencils to create raised, dimensional patterns on your page. Can be mixed with color or used white and inked after drying.
• Gelatos and oil pastels — Blendable color sticks for soft backgrounds and artistic effects. Rub them on and blend with a finger or brush.

Explore our mixed media art supplies collection for inks, paints, and texture tools.

Albums & Page Protectors

Your finished layouts need a home. The most common album sizes are 12x12 and 8.5x11 inches:

• Three-ring binder albums — Pages in protectors snap into rings. Easy to add, remove, and rearrange pages. Best for most scrapbookers.
• Post-bound albums — Screw posts hold pages in place. A cleaner look than binders but harder to rearrange.
• Page protectors — Clear sleeves that keep fingerprints, dust, and spills off your finished layouts. Top-loading protectors are easiest to use.
• Pocket page protectors — Pre-divided sleeves with slots for 4x6, 3x4, and other standard sizes. Essential for pocket-style scrapbooking with our Pocket Life Kits.

Organization & Storage

Keeping your supplies organized saves time and keeps your creative space inviting:

• Paper storage — Vertical paper organizers or 12x12 shelving keep papers visible and accessible. Store paper upright to prevent warping.
• Embellishment storage — Clear containers, tackle boxes, or drawer organizers for small pieces. Being able to see your supplies helps you use them.
• Die & stamp storage — Magnetic sheets for metal dies and binder sleeves for clear stamps. Label everything so you can find it quickly.
• Project bins — Keep current project supplies in a portable bin or tote. Pull it out when it's time to create, put it away when you're done.

Budget Guide: What to Spend When Starting Out

You don't need to spend a fortune to start scrapbooking. Here's a realistic breakdown:

• Under $40 — Minimal setup: One pack of solid cardstock, a small patterned paper pad, tape runner adhesive, scissors, and a journaling pen. You can create beautiful pages with just these basics.
• $40-$75 — Solid starter kit: Add a paper trimmer, foam adhesive, a sticker sheet or two, and an album with page protectors. Or, subscribe to a monthly kit that delivers coordinated supplies each month.
  
• $75-$150 — Full workshop: Everything above plus stamps and ink, alphabet stickers, a variety of embellishments, and additional paper packs. At this level, you're equipped for any layout style.

The most cost-effective way to build your supplies over time is a monthly kit subscription. For $17.95-$34.95 per month, you receive expertly curated, coordinated supplies that build your stash gradually without overwhelming your budget or your craft space.

Why Archival Supplies Matter

If you're preserving memories to last a lifetime, the materials you use matter. Here's what to look for:

• Acid-free — Papers and adhesives with a neutral pH won't cause yellowing or deterioration over time.
• Lignin-free — Lignin is a natural compound in wood pulp that breaks down and discolors paper. Lignin-free paper stays white and strong for decades.
• Archival-quality adhesive — Permanent, non-yellowing adhesives that won't damage photos or paper over time. Tape runners and photo-safe glue dots meet this standard.
• PVC-free page protectors — Polypropylene page protectors won't off-gas chemicals that damage your layouts.

All supplies included in Hip Kit Club's monthly kits are selected with archival quality in mind, so you can create with confidence.

How Scrapbook Kit Subscriptions Simplify Supply Shopping

One of the biggest challenges in scrapbooking is choosing supplies that work well together. Colors that clash, patterns that compete, and embellishments that don't match the theme — it's easy to end up with a cart full of supplies that don't coordinate.

Monthly scrapbook kit subscriptions solve this problem by delivering curated, coordinated supplies every month. Each kit is designed by experienced scrapbookers who select papers, cardstock, embellishments, and exclusive items that all work together harmoniously.

At Hip Kit Club, we've been curating monthly kits since 2006. Each month's collection includes options for main kits, pocket life kits, patterned paper kits, cardstock kits, and embellishment kits — so you can choose exactly the supplies that match your scrapbooking style.

Ready to get started? Browse our beginner-friendly kits or explore layout ideas for inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplies do I need to start scrapbooking?

At minimum, you need cardstock, patterned paper, adhesive (tape runner and foam dots), scissors or a paper trimmer, printed photos, and a journaling pen. A coordinated monthly kit subscription provides all the paper and embellishments you need each month.

How much do scrapbook supplies cost?

A basic starter setup costs $30-$40. A monthly subscription kit ranges from $17.95 to $34.95 and provides coordinated supplies each month. Individual sheets of patterned paper typically cost $0.50-$2 each, while tools like trimmers ($15-$30) and die-cutting machines ($50-$300) are one-time purchases.

What is the most important scrapbook supply?

Quality cardstock and good adhesive are the foundation. Everything else is decoration, but without sturdy paper and reliable glue, your pages won't hold up. After that, patterned paper and a few embellishments are all you need to make layouts that look polished and complete.

Where is the best place to buy scrapbook supplies?

Online scrapbook stores offer the widest selection and best coordination. Craft stores like Michaels and Joann carry basics. Monthly subscription kits like Hip Kit Club deliver curated, coordinated supplies to your door — the easiest option for both beginners and experienced scrapbookers.

What is the difference between acid-free and regular paper?

Acid-free paper has a neutral pH that prevents yellowing and deterioration over time. Regular paper (like printer paper or construction paper) contains acids that break down, potentially damaging your photos and layouts within a few years. Always use acid-free, lignin-free paper for scrapbooking.

Ready to Start? Choose Your Monthly Kit

Hip Kit Club delivers curated, coordinated scrapbooking supplies every month. Pick the kit that matches your style:

• Main Kit — Patterned papers, cardstock & embellishments ($34.95/mo)
• Pocket Life Kit — Pocket page supplies & journaling cards ($23.95/mo)
• Embellishment Kit — Stickers, die cuts & accents ($27.95/mo)
• Patterned Paper Kit — Fresh coordinated designs ($17.95/mo)
• Cardstock Kit — Premium solid-color papers ($17.95/mo)

View all subscription options →

Ready to jump in? Our scrapbooking starter kit collection has everything you need to create your first layouts — papers, cardstock, embellishments, and more, all coordinated and ready to go.