The idea of scrapbooking is to preserve your memories, so you need to make sure your have the proper workspace and supplies to allow you to do this effectively. 

The first step is to find a clean workspace free of dirt and chemicals.  Chemicals, especially those that are acidic, can damage your precious memories and alter the look of your photos. Once your workspace is ready to go it is time to round up all the supplies you need to get started.

To create an effective scrapbook there are a few basic supplies that you will need to get your hands on. 

You'll need acid-free paper and pH neutral adhesives which will keep your photos intact. 

Permanent markers and pens with fade-resistant inks are a must to maintain your comments for the life of the scrapbook.

You will need to purchase an album with acid-free pages or sheet protectors to house your memories.  

A good pair of scissors will be essential to cut your acid-free paper, mat your photos, and crop you pictures.

Now that you have gathered all your basic supplies and cleaned up your workplace you can think about a purchasing a few optional supplies that can enhance the look of your scrapbook. 

A few examples include straight edges, paper trimmers, stickers, rubber stamps, and paper punches.  These are the elements that can really make your scrapbook unique and memorable to those who look through it.

Although it may seem daunting to round up all your supplies it will be well worth it in the end because it will allow you to make a great scrapbook that will preserve your memories for a long time to come.