Scrapbooking 101: What Are the Essentials That I Need to Begin?

I really am a fan of Creative Memories (CM) scrapbooking. They have easy to use quality materials. On their website they have a starter set. You might be able to find something on Craigslist or eBay.
Even if you decide you don't like that style of scrapbooks, their supplies are great.
As far as paper, it depends on how detailed you get. I find packs of paper useful for providing boarders or framing to pages and pictures. I buy patterned individual and plain colored packs of paper.
You can contact a local CM seller via the internet. www.creativememories.com.
Another helpful store is Archiver's. They can be a little pricy with some things, but they are very knowledgeable and could direct you well. www.archiversonline.com.
Good Luck and Happy Scraping!

Definitely make sure you have good pens, a corner punch, cute stickers to fit your theme and a paper trimmer. I also cannot live without my circle cutter.

As for papers - I usually buy mine separately when Hobby Lobby or Michael's has theirs on sale. I also like when Target has their scrapbooking stuff in their $1 section. They've got lots of cute things and cute paper, too. I also buy my paper at the dollar store as well. They also carry cute stickers and stuff, too.

Also, I go cheap on the glue and use a glue stick. Works just as well, but can be a little messy.

I don't know where you live, but the Scrap Shack in St. Charles is AWESOME!!! They create pages and then put everything around it to buy so you can create that page. They have the cutest and most unique stuff. They're a little pricey though.

Lastly, one thing I couldn't live without to make very cute and creative pages is my scrapbooking books to get ideas from. I also have some magazines too. Invest in a really good book - I've found some at garage sales and library book sales.

That's all you really need to get started. As you continue to scrapbook you will find more and more things that you can add to make your pages cute - brads, mirrors, buttons, ribbons, etc. The possibilities are endless, but you don't want to get too overwhelmed with all that in the beginning.

Happy scrapbooking!!

I am an novice and haven't really had the time to scrapbook in a couple years. However, here's a couple of thoughts:

1) Invite friends/neighbors over to scrapbook together. Bribe them with food and drinks and share your supplies so they'll let you try out the tons of supplies they already have before you invest too much money!

2) I find the scrapbooking magazines overwhelming (but, again, I'm a beginner). I steal (and build upon) great design ideas from friends.

3) I invested in a set of alphabet stamps. This allows me to stamp headlines on pages, when appropriate. These sets can be a bit expensive, but I have found it worth the money. If you can find a set that gives you upper and lower case, you'll give yourself more options.

Have a great time!!

Organizing is the first step so I think you are well on your way. At least this is what I was told. I attended Scrapbooking Basics at Archiver's in Downers Grove just last night. It truly opens your imagination to the world of scrapbooking. You can ask as many questions as you need and the staff is excellent for guidance. If time permits you should definitely check them out.

I have a hard time tapping into my creative side so I cheat and use the pre-made ones off of e-bay. Everything I have ordered has been great and all I have to do is add my pictures and a little note. Some will even work with you and create something unique just for you, but that does cost more.