I don't have a lot of time to fuss with my scrapbooks, but I do want them to look professional without spending a lot of time.

There are so many scrapbook suppliers out there promoting the latest scrapper's must haves. It's easy to get carried away in thinking you need many tools for quality scrapbooks.

The fact is you don't need a lot of tools and materials to create great looking scrapbooks. All of my scrapbooks are created with very simple techniques and tools; here is my list of essential scrapbooking tools.

Simple technique number one: Cutting. In order to make your pages fun not boring, you'll want to shape your background paper and photos. My essential cutting tools are scissors with a sharp narrow point for precision cutting. A paper cutter, for cutting long straight edges. And an Xacto type razor knife, to make the small cuts for mats and smaller embellishments.

Simple technique number two: Gluing. The one rule that can not be broken in scrapbooking is the type of adhesive that you use. In order to prevent yellowing and cracking you must get archival quality adhesives. This means they'll be acid and lignin free. May favorite is double side tape. It comes in a dispenser so it's easy top handle. You can also find respositionable tape in a dispenser, great when you're letting the kids help with the pages. Archival quality glue sticks

Simple technique number three; Embellishments. If all you did was to glue some photos in a book, your pages would be pretty boring; embellishments are what make them look exciting. The first thing you'll need is some paper for the background of your pages. This can be anything form leftover wrapping paper to paper specifically designed for scrapbooks. Always make sure that the paper is acid free or it'll ruin your photos. For my page titles I like to just simply use acid free, permanent ink pens, or journaling pens. I'll write the title in pen and then paste it on my page. Other embellishments could be scraps of material or buttons, just about anything can be added to your pages to add interest.

Once you have these essential scrapbook tools, you're ready to start sifting through your old photos anytime you're feeling creative. Your scrapbook doesn't have to cost a lot of money to look like it did.

Ann Doyle is the publisher of http://www.easyscrapbookideas.com the busy scrapbookers online resource guide. Stop by and discover why so many people are learning to scrapbook today

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