The scrapbook kits that you purchase from A Design Intervention provide you with all the necessary papers & embellishments needed to create your layout.  Of course you will also need some basic tools.  We have gathered information on the tools most often required to complete our layouts. This list is merely a guideline and is not meant to endorse any particular company’s product.

Cutting Tools

It would be extremely difficult to complete any scrapbook layout without using cutting tools.  The two most basic tools needed are scissors and a paper trimmer.

Because all of our layouts are in the 12x12 format, we encourage you to purchase a paper trimmer that will allow you to cut a 12” piece of paper.  You only need one paper trimmer to cut your papers down to size as well as crop & mat your photographs.  You can find paper trimmers in all price ranges from $15.00 to $50.00 or more.

One of the most common brands of trimmers is Fiskar and they offer several varieties.  EK Success also offers a line of paper trimmers called Cutterpedes.  Making Memories released a new rotary blade cutter in the fall of 2006 which features a self-sharpening blade.

If you are fortunate enough to live near an independently owned scrapbook store, ask their staff to demonstrate a variety of paper cutters for you.  Most all stores will let you try out their tools before you purchase.  This way you can determine what style best suits your needs.  (Keep in mind portability if you like to scrapbook away from home!)

You will also find a small pair of scissors a necessity for cutting out patterns, titles & other delicate embellishments.  Again Fiskar & EK Success carries a variety of scissors including ones with non-stick blades.  Tonic has a new pair of scissors from Tim Holtz; their serrated blades make them perfect for specialty use such as cutting chipboard, or metal.

Adhesives

Of course you will need some type of adhesive for assembling your scrapbook pages.  At times it seems there are as many varieties of adhesives as there are scrapbooking manufactures!  Don’t be overwhelmed by the choices, they can be broken down into several groups.

 

Adhesives for Photographs &
Paper to Paper Application

Tab Adhesives:  These small squares of adhesive are made by a wide variety of manufactures including Herma Vario Tabs, Creative Memories and 3M.  They all work the same way; you attach a tab in each corner of your photograph to adhere it to your page.  The tabs can also be used to adhere one piece of paper to another.  Tabs come in refillable dispensers, disposable dispensers or in a box of peel & stick tabs.  Consider cost & availability when choosing the brand that’s best for you.

Tape Runners:  Refillable & disposable dispensers dispense strips of adhesive in any length that you need.  At first tape runners may feel awkward to use but it doesn’t take long to get the hang of them.  They are useful for adhering photos & paper to paper.  Again, they are available from a wide variety of manufactures. 

You will not need both tab & tape runners but will simply choose which style you prefer.

Temporary Adhesives:  Temporary adhesives are perfect for planning a layout or for use in transferring a pattern.  They come in liquid form such as Zig Two Way Glue or in a dispenser such as Herma Dotto or EZ Runner.  The dispensers lay down a line of fine glue dots which can be rubbed away with your finger after use.  These adhesives are not meant to be used for permanent placement of your photos or other embellishment.  However, beware that over time they will not be removable.

Specialty Adhesives

You will also find that you will from time to time need specialty adhesives for adhering items other than photographs & paper.

Glue Dots:  The majority of our page kits will call for the use of an adhesive commonly referred to as “glue dots”. While “Glue Dots” are a brand name of adhesives, they are also used as a generic term for a thin disc of double sided adhesive. (Similar to how most people call facial tissues Kleenex!)  These thin discs of adhesive are perfect for attaching items like buttons, metal charms, wooden embellishments & ribbon.  Glue Dots brad comes in two different sizes as well as “lines” for attaching lengths of ribbon and in “pop-up” for adding dimension to your page.  Occasionally we will call for use of Glue Dots for Vellum which is a transparent adhesive used for vellum and transparencies.

There are other brands of adhesive discs. Our designers use Glue Dots for our projects because we are familiar with that brand and are pleased with the quality of results we receive.

Pop Dots:  Pop Dots are another brand name also used generically.  Pop Dots are manufactured by All Night Media and are dimensional foam mounts.  The foam adhesive is double sided and comes in a variety of thicknesses. The dots are used to add dimension to your page by raising an embellishment up off of the page. EK Success is another popular brand of dimensional foam adhesive.

Un-Du:  Sometimes an adhesive remover is as important as an adhesive!  The amazing product known as “Un-Du” is a liquid adhesive remover which will not damage your photographs or papers.  It can be used to remove an item which has adhesive on it (such as a sticker).  Once dry, the adhesive remains sticky so that the sticker can be used again.  This product is perfect for un-doing a layout or changing the placement of an item on your page.  It will also remove a rub-on transfer if made in error – however, the rub-on will not be reusable.