Scrapbooking, where to begin?

[Spirit Deer]

I decided I want to get into scrapbooking as a means to record vacation memories. I don't want to get into it in a huge way. I have way too many hobbies already.

I've been looking at some books and websites but I'm having a hard time figuring out where to start. I don't want to spend much money, and I'm a big fan of utilizing what I have and re-purposing. I already have loads of supplies for counted cross-stitch, beading, sewing, and some other crafts.

So far, I have a paper cutter, a set of stencils I picked up from Goodwill for fifty cents, a scrapbook with clear sleeves that needs some 12x12 paper to go with it, a smaller photo album with heavy paper pages, and three scissors to make different fancy edges. What else do I really need to get started, just the bare-bones stuff?

I also have a bag similar to but not exactly like this one:

I paid three dollars for it several years ago and have been using it as a carry case for a sewing machine, but now I'm going to use it for scrapbooking, and try to limit my supplies to only what will fit inside. I really don't want this new hobby to get out of control.

I couldn't find a single thing at Walmart yesterday for scrapbooking. I was looking in the sewing and craft section. Wasn't I in the right place? I also asked about supplies at Dollar Tree and they didn't have anything. I don't know where to buy supplies. We have no place locally. I looked on eBay and Amazon but it's confusing and I don't know where the best deals are. It's also hard to shop for colors and designs online.

I know you're supposed to use acid free papers, but then people talk about using stickers and other stuff that isn't acid free, so that's not adding up for me.

Does anyone use pages that aren't acid free? I don't plan to delete the pictures I'll use, so if the ones I print get ruined, I could just reprint them. If you don't use acid free paper, what do you use?

I know there are avid scrappers here. Please educate me!

[Contrary Housewife]

Most of the scrapbook stuff I see is at Michael's, Joann's, Hobby Lobby, and Hancock Fabrics. The first 3 always have clearance stuff, plus their weekly 40-50% off coupons to use.

If you have a book and some pictures I think you have all you need.

[Spirit Deer]

Thanks. The problem I have is the nearest Michael's and Hancock are 110 miles away. There is a JoAnn's about seventy miles away. The only Hobby Lobby I've been in is in Oklahoma. I might get to Michael's and Hancock in the next month or so though.

Good to know about the close-out sections and the coupons, thanks.

Do I need special glues and/or double-stick tape? What about pens to use with the stencils?

[coup]

My daughter is getting into scrapbooking. Our Walmart had one row of supplies near the fabric. Dollar Daze also had one row. We have an actual scrapbook store that I ventured into recently and bought used stamps at a great price. You may already be doing this, but grab free and low-cost items while on vacation: maps, flyers, postcards, etc.

Good luck to you!

[Spirit Deer]

Thanks!

I haven't had time over summer to get back to this, but I'm hoping once winter sets in, I'll be able to go through some pictures and have them printed so I can get started.

I've picked up a lot of stuff at Goodwill over the summer, so I think I have enough supplies for now, at least to get a start.