Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to turn photos and mementoes into something you'll treasure for years. It's creative, relaxing and endlessly personal — and you need surprisingly little to begin. Here's a beginner's guide to getting started.
Understanding the sizes
The classic scrapbooking format is 12" x 12" — big enough to hold several photos and plenty of decoration per page. A4 is a popular alternative if you prefer something that fits standard albums and printers. Our 12 x 12 scrapbook card gives you sturdy bases and toppers.
Paper vs card
You'll use both. Papers (lighter weight) are ideal for backgrounds, layering and patterned accents — browse our scrapbook papers. Card (heavier) makes sturdy page bases, mats behind photos, and die-cut elements. A mix of solids and patterns gives you the most flexibility.
The basic kit
- An album in your chosen size, with page protectors.
- Paper and card — a starter mix of solids and patterns.
- Adhesive — photo-safe tape or glue.
- A trimmer for clean cuts, plus scissors.
- Embellishments — stickers, washi tape, die-cuts — added as you go.
Building your first page
Start simple: choose a background paper, mount your photos onto slightly larger card mats for definition, add a title and a date, and finish with a couple of small embellishments. Leave a little white space — a clean page lets the photos shine.
A tip to keep it fun
Don't aim for perfect. The joy of scrapbooking is in the making and the memories, not flawless layouts. Work on one page at a time, and build your skills (and your stash) gradually.
Ready to start your first album? Explore our scrapbook papers, 12 x 12 card and washi tape.
