I've always been intrigued by paper scrapping (I'm a super crafty person), but just couldn't let myself get started. I'm totally the type of person who will go nutty buying all kinds of stuff that I can't afford and don't need LOL So, I just avoided it all together. I found out about digital scrapping, and love it, so put the idea of paper scrapping on the back burner.

Well, I decided to make my own Christmas cards this year, and have been having so much fun doing it. That, plus dh's cousin who I hang out with 2-3 times/week (we're both on maternity leave) scraps, and mentioned how much fun it'd be to go to crops together if only I'd ditch the computer and get some paper and stuff, LOL

So. Dh has been asking me for ages what I want for Christmas, and I told him that I want to get into paper scrapping. He's going to send me in to buy what I want, then he'll wrap it up. But I don't know what to buy! Tell me what the essentials are. What are your favourite scrapping things? What could you not live without? What do you use all the time? Are there things I shouldn't bother getting? I figure I'll have a fun combo of digital and paper in my scrapbooks

Thanks!

I would recommend getting a personal trimmer and a corner rounder (imho Creative Memories are the best, but there are several out there). I'd also recommend Tombo adhesive and refills (cheapest if you buy them in bulk thru office depot or staples or whatever). And a good pair of scissors and detail scissors (if you plan to cut out pics around people or whatever). Lastly I'd get a rainbow set of "Artist" markers (bold tip at one end, fine tip at the other) and a set of black fine tip pens in different tip sizes (from .005-.08) - I know Zig makes a good set. I'd definitely focus on tools verses paper/stickers/die cuts as you'll know what kind you need depending on the pages you're doing (although "The Slab" (paper) is a good investment if gotten on sale). Of course, albums and page protectors will always be used, too, AND can be used for your digi scrapping. I originally bought a TON of alphabet stickers and now realize how foolish that was. I still do use them occasionally but do most of my title work and journaling on the computer.

I do both and love both, but now that I'm obsessed with digiscrapping, I find paper scrapping FRUSTRATING - color matching and resizing just aren't as easy with paper! Biggest challenge: no "undo" button!

Hope this helps and have fun!

Mandy

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Fellow Canadian and former LSS owner jumping in here...
Instead of paper-scrapping at the crops, why not just start out by making cards or mini albums? You can test the water before going out and buying supplies and tools. For cards, you would only need something like a fiskars 12" trimmer, a tab adhesive like Herma, a glue stick and papers. I would also go for a set or two of rubber stamps, just for fun.

If you are really serious about getting into paper scrapping, PM me and I can send you the whole list of tools and supplies for paper-scrapping. Your husband may want to re-think his offer. LOL. I don't have the store anymore, but can dig up some info via other store owners that I still keep in contact with.

I second the suggestion to pick up basic tools etc rather than a lot of stickers or other embellishments. I started paper scrapping in much the same manner, birthday present for me though I bought one of the provocraft slabs of paper and have regretted it pretty much since. Most of the colors or patterns just aren't my thing... and its hard to know what is going to be your think until you have a play. These days, I pretty much only paper scrap at weekly crops at my LSS (I love my digiscrapping, but it isn't a very social activity. And my dh can only pretend to be interested for so long). So basically each night I bring my photos, tools and other basic supplies, then buy the paper and embellishments I want for the night there. That way i don't seem to collect to much extra stuff I'll never use... I did buy a big set of foam stamps the other night though, i wonder how i went so long without them!! Have fun!

Anna

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I think that digital scrapping is the way to STAY! It's cheaper, less messy and more versatile. Tell your hubby you want a laptop and then you can take that with you to crops. You can scrap on the computer while everyone else is making a mess on the table. I'll never go back. I've got a ton of stuff left over from paper scrapping that I need to either give to my daughter or sell on ebay. I might get my daughter into digital, too.

Well.. I think digital scrapping and paper scrapping are two different crafts.. that appeal to different people like any other craft does. For me.. there is nothing like all the technical gadgets and software packages I can play with to achieve what I want. But - there is something nice about picking up a pair of scissors, some glue and tons and tons of supplies avaialble and just using your hands and imagination to get the job done.

For most newcomers... digital is secondary because there is just sooo much stuff available for paper scrappers.. we are getting there but still have a long way to go!

Good Luck with your decision... and have fun shopping!