Scrapbook Paper - Essential Scrapbooking Supplies

Scrapbook paper is a personal obsession of mine - the more I have, the more I want!

Of course, it can be very expensive, so my first words of advice are to buy it only when it's on sale. I also don't buy everything that I like - I just wouldn't have enough room for it all! However, if I see something I do like, and I know I will have a use for it at some point, I usually go ahead and pick it up when I can find it for a good price.

In addition to the traditional paper that you purchase at the store, there are also many different styles of printable scrapbook paper that you can download to your computer. You can find out more about these by visiting the digital scrapbooking section of this website.

Background or Foreground?

There are no set rules when it comes to using scrapbooking papers on your layouts. Some scrappers like to use it as their background. Others use it to create their foreground details, such as the borders and other embellishments on their pages. Personally, I usually fall into this latter category.

For most of my layouts, I use cardstock as my layout background, a coordinating sheet of cardstock to make the title and any photo mats, and then select two or three coordinating sheets of scrapbook paper to use to make the accents for my pages - borders, die cuts, and other details. When I was first starting, I had no idea which one to use for which. However, I quickly found that there are no hard and fast rules regarding how to use paper and card stock on your layouts - feel free to mix it up in any way that's visually appealing to you!

Sizes of Scrapbook Paper

When shopping for scrapbook paper, you will soon find that you have many choices - so many choices that it can be overwhelming. Not only are there countless styles and brands to select from, but there are also different sizes. For example, many brands comes in 12" x 12", 8" x 8", and mat stacks of 4.5" x 6.5". You can also purchase sheets individually or grouped together in a paper pad or stack.

The majority of paper that I purchase is in the 12" x 12" size. This is primarily because most of my layouts are this size also. If I ever get caught up enough where I am making mini albums, then I will probably expand my collection to include smaller sheets.

I also save all my scraps. Right now I keep most of them in a shoebox, mainly because I have a five year old who also likes to craft with me, and I let him rummage through the scrap pile for his projects. The scraps that I don't want him to use I keep stored with my larger sheets.

Favorite Scrapbook Paper Brands

	Die Cuts With a View Do not ask me how many Die Cuts With a View paper stacks I have! Yep, it really is that bad. I love the DCWV prints - many of their themes work well with the pictures I have. Not only that, but I also like to buy their coordinating cardstock, chipboard and stickers. Some of their styles can even be purchased as kits, including not only albums and paper, but stickers, brads, ribbon and other embellishments as well.
	Martha Stewart Scrapbooking Martha Stewart has an awesome line of scrapbooking products. In addition to her punches and ribbon, I have a fairly large collection of her scrapbook papers, many (if not all) of which are double-sided.
	Karen Foster Paper Pads & Page Kits Some scrappers would consider the paper pads and page kits from Karen Foster a bit plain, but that's exactly why I like them. There are papers to match just about any occasion or theme. I have a lot of her sports-themed styles and accessories, such as brads and stickers.
	Basic Grey Many of the Basic Grey scrapbook papers have a vintage look to them that I can't help but resist! In addition to layouts, I like to use them for other paper crafting projects, such as handmade cards and altered gift bags. They also have stickers, paper clips, flowers, and stamps that coordinate with many of their collections.
	Cosmo Cricket Most of the Cosmo Cricket styles come in ala carte sheets, although they do have crafting kits and 6" x 6" mini decks available. Looking for red gingham scrapbook paper? They offer a lot of gingham, plaid, and polka dot prints, as well as coordinating stickers and chipboard shapes.
	EK Success Scrapbook Paper EK Success actually manufacturer several scrapbook paper brands. In addition to licensed characters, such as the popular Disney characters, they also are affiliated with K&Company and Martha Stewart Crafts.

I could keep going. Really, I could - I am that obsessed. I haven't even talked about half of the scrapbooking paper brands that I love!

But now it's your turn...

What's Your Favorite Scrapbook Paper?

Do you have a favorite brand (or brands) of scrapbook paper? Share it here! We would love to hear about the papers you are using for your projects.

Also, if you have a picture of your scrapbook area where you keep all your paper, we would love to see it! Of course, if you don't, that's ok too. I'm going to add a picture of mine one of these days, but first I have to clean up my crafting room!

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