With so many scrapbooking products out there, it can be pretty overwhelming trying to figure out what to buy. If you want to start a scrapbook and aren't sure what you need, Gathered can help.
We've created a shopping list of 18 things every scrapbooker should consider adding to their stash, from essentials such as cardstock to nice-to-haves like die-cuts and stamps.
Read on to discover what to get for your next project with our guide to the best scrapbooking supplies for 2024.
Where to buy scrapbooking supplies
Shop for scrapbooking supplies in your favourite local stationer, or try big high street chains such as WHSmith, Ryman, The Works and Hobbycraft.
You can also find everything you need online at craft stores such as LoveCrafts, or specialist scrapbooking suppliers including The Mad Scrapper, Papermaze and Sunshine Scrapbooking.
Best scrapbooking supplies
1. Scrapbook album
The first thing every scrapbooker needs is an album. Keep things simple and let your layouts shine with a timeless black fabric scrapbook from Pioneer.
This 12x12-inch 3-ring binder (which also comes in a choice of red, blue and grey) is made from archival-quality materials free from acid, lignin and PVC, to keep your pages in good condition.
Fill it with all the page protectors and layouts you need to tell your story, and personalise your album with a photo on the cover. (Page protectors are sold separately.)
2. Page protectors
Protect, organise and display your scrapbook layouts with these PVC and acid-free page protectors from Papermania.
With a range of pre-punched holes, they're designed to fit inside postbound and D-ring albums, and are compatible with most of the range of Papermania scrapbook albums.
There are 25 page protectors in a pack, each measuring 12x12 inches square.
They're always handy for adding extra pages to your albums – or keeping layouts safe while they're in progress. Every scrapbooker should have some in their stash!
3. Colourful cardstock
Stock up on card in a brand new collection of colourways for 2024 with this bulk pack of Hunkydory Adorable Scorable.
It includes 60 sheets of heavyweight 350gsm card in 30 colours, suitable for creating backgrounds or matting and layering on all your pages.
4. Patterned papers
Where to start with patterned papers? There are so many fantastic brands to choose from!
We're big fans of BoBunny here at Gathered – with their mix of eye-catching, trend-led designs and more traditional prints, there's something in the range for everyone. Try this Beautiful Things 6x8-inch paper pad for your next layout.
- Buy BoBunny patterned paper from LoveCrafts
5. Die-cuts
Embellish your projects with die-cuts – cardboard shapes for sticking onto layouts.
If you don't have a die-cutting machine at home you can buy ready-made shapes from all good scrapbook suppliers. We can't resist these adorable baby-themed die-cuts from Simple Stories.
- Buy Simple Stories die-cuts from Hey Little Magpie
6. Adhesive dots
For long-lasting results, choosing the right adhesive is crucial.
We recommend using the 6mm archive-quality dots from Dodz (or alternatively try photo corners, if you might want to remove the pictures at a later date). They're easy to apply and come in a pack of 300.
7. Wooden embellishments
Add texture and interest to any layout with wooden embellishments such as these travel-themed toppers from Hobbycraft.
With 45 customisable 3cm designs in the pack, they're perfect for bringing a new dimension to your holiday scrapbooking.
- Buy wooden embellishments from Hobbycraft
8. Alphabet stickers
Stickers are some of the best scrapbooking supplies to have at your fingertips, with alphabet stickers being great for creating eye-catching titles.
These colourful peel-and-stick foam letters from Thickers are guaranteed to make your message stand out.
- Buy Thickers alphabet stickers from Hobbycraft
How to choose the best glue for scrapbooking
Choosing the right glue for the task can make scrapbooking a lot easier. Learn how to pick the best glue for scrapbooking with our guide, which covers everything from tacky PVA to glue dots.
How to organise scrapbooking supplies
Now you've accumulated a scrapbooking stash, you need somewhere to store it!
Before you head back out to the shops for storage boxes, check at home for things you can repurpose and reuse. Shoe boxes are the ideal size for stickers and die-cuts, jam jars are perfect for stockpiles of embellishments, and magazine holders can be used for card and paper.
Grouping similar items together makes it easy to find what you need, and quick to tidy up when you've finished crafting.
You could organise your supplies for scrapbooking according to purpose, with separate boxes for adhesives, scissors and punches, lettering, general stationery and so on.
Or group things by theme, keeping all your baby scrapbooking or wedding scrapbooking items in one place, for example.
If you don't have a suitable cupboard to keep everything in, a set of free-standing drawers is the ideal solution. We love the Really Useful Storage Tower, which has eight 7L drawers and is mounted on castors for easy mobility.
Get organised!
Spruce up your scrapbooking space with our top craft storage solutions, including cabinets, trolleys and drawers to keep your supplies neat and tidy.
9. Fine point pens
Whether they're for colouring in, journaling or decorations and doodles, pens are essential scrapbooking supplies.
Invest in a 30-pack of Cricut's acid-free, permanent, fine-point pens and you'll never have to borrow the kids' felt tips again!
- Buy the Cricut Ultimate Fine Point Pen Set from John Lewis
10. Metal edge ruler
You've probably got an old ruler somewhere in the house, but treat yourself to a fancy new one – you'll be glad you did!
Look for features such as a metal edge that can be used with a straight-edge or rotary cutter, clear acrylic that enables you to see the paper below, and grid-lines for easy measuring.
11. Paper craft scissors
Put down the kitchen scissors! It's tempting to use whatever you have to hand, but for a clean snip you need dedicated paper crafting tools.
Try these 6-inch straight scissors from Crafter's Companion, with their non-stick, Teflon-coated blades and comfortable ergonomic handles.
12. Craft punch
Punches aren't just for round holes – you can make all kinds of shapes with dedicated craft punches like this one from Hobbycraft.
It's available in geometric, floral and festive designs, but our go-to shape is this heart, which makes 2.5cm cut-outs ready for layering and sticking.
- Buy the Hobbycraft craft punch from Hobbycraft
13. Washi tape
These super-versatile low-tack tapes can be torn, repositioned and written on, so it's no wonder most paper crafters have a few rolls in their stash.
Bring some on-trend animal print to your makes with this roarsome tape from Luckies, complete with a cute animal dispenser.
14. Stamp set
Stamps are a quick and easy way to add interest to your layouts. Whatever the theme or occasion you can be sure there's a stamp out there to match!
For a set you'll use again and again, try these traditional wooden sentiments from Violet Studios.
- Buy the Violet Studios stamp set from Crafter's Companion
15. Decorative brads
Brads (also known as split pins) are used to fasten paper together and create moving elements in your layouts.
Choose from simple solid or metallic colours, or go for decorative ones such as these Papermania Cherry Blossom brads from The Stash By The Sea.
- Buy Papermania brads from Etsy
16. Satin ribbon
No paper crafter should be without a ribbon collection!
Raid your gift wrap drawer for odds and ends or pick up every colour of the rainbow from BeautifulRibbon1 on Etsy. Their satin ribbons are sold in 2m lengths or 25m rolls and come in a huge range of widths.
- Buy satin ribbon from Etsy
17. Rub-on transfers
Rub-on transfers are easy to use, enabling you to add sleek, stylish embellishments to your layouts in a matter of seconds.
Try one of the rub-on collections from Prima Marketing for complementary designs that you can use to give your scrapbook a cohesive theme.
18. Inkjet printer
Whether you want to use printable papers (such as our free patterned papers on Gathered) or print your own photos, a printer is a really useful addition to your scrapbooking toolkit.
The Canon PIXMA TS7450A Crafting Bundle does everything you'll need and more.
- Buy the Canon PIXMA printer from Argos
Free scrapbook printables
Looking for the perfect paper design for your scrapbook? It can sometimes be tricky to find the right pattern for your layout. We've gathered together some of our favourite printable papers to help you find what you need.
Take a look at our free scrapbook printables round-up for inspiration.
Go shopping for stash
You can start scrapbooking with just a few basic materials, but there's so much more to explore beyond cardstock, pens and glue – and that's where the fun really begins!
If you've never used brads, die-cuts, rub-ons or washi tape before, or you haven't discovered the joy of browsing gorgeous patterned papers and colourful stickers, then you're in for a treat.
We recommend going shopping with a project, or at least a theme, in mind, so you come away with stash you know you'll use.
Whatever you buy, we hope you have fun turning it into your next beautiful scrapbook layout.
Start scrapping with Gathered
Not sure what to do with all of those new supplies? We can help! Check out our inspiring scrapbook ideas for fun projects to start today.
