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The first thing you'll need is a scrapbook, or a scrapbooking album with refill pages. There is the difference: A scrapbook has a binding that cannot be removed such as spiral bound binding. The number of pages in the scrapbook is definite. A scrapbooking album has a spine that can be opened similar to a notebook binder. These scrapbooks allow you to add more pages as you go. Which one you choose is up to you. Scrapbooks are great for a themed book. Scrapbooking albums allow you to continously add new content.
Next, you'll want photos to put in your scrapbook. The number of photos per page is up to the scrapbooker, but having 3 to 5 pages is a good number to start with. It's rumored that having an odd number of pictures makes the page more pleasing to the eye.
You'll need adhesive to apply your pictures and scrapping materials to the page. I recommend photo splits or tabs to start with. They're quick to use and have an easily removable backing. Be sure any adhesives you use are safe for scrapbooking. Look for acid free, long lasting adhesives. Stay away from glue sticks and wet glues as they are harder to spread evenly and may not hold when they dry. Wet glues often wrinkle the page they are being use on... and you don't want wrinkled pages in your scrapbook!
Journaling is a very important part of scrapbooking. You'll want to record:
All of these may not be necessary for each page but you'll want to keep them in mind. Nothing is worse than looking at a nice scrapbook page and thinking "why did I scrap that?"
You can use papers to add borders on your scrapbooking pages, mat your photos, or create intricate designs. Scrapbooking paper will specifically state "acid free, lignin free" on the package. There are lots of designs, colors and styles to choose from. Each having its own specific uses.
Last, you'll need scissors to trim and shape your photos and cut papers to fit your scrapbooking page. Make sure they are good quality, sharp scissors so they won't damage your photos or tear your papers.
There are lots more specialty items that you will aquire over time. But they are not necessary to get started. The six items listed above are necessary to get started... so they should be high priority. You can add new supplies as you go...