If you’ve been in the scrapbooking section of a larger store, or have gone to a store that deals exclusively in scrapbooking materials and tools, you are no doubt confused about where to start.  There are too many choices !!!

So where should you start?

The first place to start is by picking up a few core tools that are used for almost all scrapbooking projects.  Here are a few suggestions:

Paper Trimmer Even the most simplest paper trimmers will allow you measure your paper to an exact size and trim it with a nice straight cut.  You may not realize it now, but this tool will be used almost constantly, so it’s a good idea to choose one that will withstand the use.There are just a few trimmers on the market to choose from — please note that styles may vary based on the store you visit:
Straight-edge	Rotary	Guillotine
Very portable and economical.  They have a pointed sliding blade for a nice neat cut.  Most of them will have a slide out ruler-bar to help with measuring.How to use: Lift up the plastic guide, position your paper to where you want to trim, lay the plastic guide down, then slide the blade along the paper.	Also portable and very similar to a Straight Edge trimmer.   Uses a circular blade for cutting paper with a straight edge. Has other blades that provide decorative edging.How to use: Position your paper, push down on the blade and slide it across the paper.	Larger and less portable than the Straight Edge and Rotary trimmers.  Cuts paper in one downward motion and gives your paper a crisp and cleanly cut edge.How to use: Lift the blade handle, position your paper on the measuring grid, hold paper in place with one hand, then bring the blade handle down with the other to cut your paper.

Glues and Adhesives

The next step is to choose the types of glue or adhesive you’ll use.  There are a variety of glues and adhesives to use, and the ones you choose should be ones that will work with your first projects.   Here’s a starter list — please keep in mind that there are several more types of adhesives, but these should get you started:

Dry Adhesives	Best uses: Paper or photosGlides on smoothly and doesn’t buckle or wrinkle your paper. The Dotto and Vellum adhesives also come in permanent or temporary glue power.
	Dotto Adhesive	Mounting squares	Vellum Adhesive runner	Tape Runner
Wet Adhesives	Best uses: Larger paper selections and bulky, hard to work with piecesAbility to move and position paper into place before permanently drying.
	Glue Sticks	Glue Pen	2-Way Glue	Liquid Glue
Specialty  Adhesives	Best uses: As described on each individual package.Check packages to determine if they come in both permanent and temporary glue power.
	Pop Dots	Glue Dots	Adhesive Dots