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Scrapbooking Supplies
The best thing about scrapbooking is
that although there are a plethora of scrapbooking supplies available
on the market, you really don't need a lot to make your very first
scrapbook. Basically, all you need to scrapbook is an album, some
glue, a pair of scissors, and some photographs or newspaper clippings.
Any fabric, ribbon, or bits of leftovers from other projects can be
used to embellish your scrapbook.
As you get more acquainted with scrapbooking, you will find products
that save you time and frustration. Many of these products are well
worth the extra cost. At the top of this list is an exacto knife. This
strong and versatile blade allows you to cut almost anything into any
shape. When the blade is dull, the end is simply broken off to reveal
another sharp tip. Just be sure to place the object you plan to cut
onto a mat or wad or newspaper before using the exacto knife.
Otherwise, the knife will cut right through your picture and into your
scrapbook page or dining room table.
The next best tool is a pair of tweezers. Trying to pick up and place
small gluey pieces is a hassle. Tweezers, though not very high tech,
allow you to move pieces without touching them.
Speaking of gluey pieces, various glues and affixing options are
available. These quick and less messy options include glue dots,
two-sided tape, Xyron, acid free photo tabs, and polypropylene
corners.
To increase the preservation of your scrapbook and your treasures,
look for albums with acid free, lignin free pages. Both acid and
lignin accelerate photo fading and general deterioration. Lignin is a
chemical found naturally in the cell walls of plants. If the lignin is
not removed in the paper manufacturing process, the chemical will
cause the paper product to gradually yellow and crumble. Lignin and
acid free products come in virtually any color and texture.
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