Do you have some free time on your hands and want to get into a new hobby? Do all the common hobbies, like knitting and cross-stitching, seem a little too mundane for you? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then paper crafting might be exactly what you need to get your wheels turning again.

There are so many different things that you can do with paper crafting. The most popular options are scrapbooking and card making, but there are also other, more unique projects like decoupage and quilling. And the best part is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started – all you need are a few basic supplies.

What Scrapbooking and Embellishment Supplies Do Beginners Need?

When you’re getting into a new hobby, it can be tempting to want to buy all of the supplies at once so that you can try out as many different techniques as possible. And sure, that’s one way to do it. But if you’re trying to save some money, then it’s probably better to start small and only buy the essentials, including:

Eyelets

Have you seen those cute little metal fasteners that are often used to decorate scrapbook pages? They’re basically tiny, round holes that attach two pieces of paper together, and they’re super easy to use. Given their distinct shape, sturdy eyelets for paper crafting have become quite popular among scrapbookers and cardmakers.

Installation is actually a lot easier than most people think – simply get a handheld eyelet setter and follow the instructions. Most of the time, all you have to do is to place the eyelets for paper crafting where you want them on your project, put the anvil (or the base) over the top, and then use the setter to push them through both layers of paper.

This will create a small hole on the back side of your project, but that’s not a big deal because you can easily cover it up with another piece of paper or decoration. Most people use these holes as an opportunity to get creative and add some ribbon or twine.

And if you ever feel like your eyelets are a little bit lose, you can always add a dab of glue to make sure that they’re extra secure. This will create an added element of texture and dimension to your project, which can serve as the foundation for future designs.

Want to connect more than two pieces of paper? No problem – you can use these little metal fasteners to connect as many layers as you want. They’re strong enough to hold up multiple sheets, so feel free to experiment with different numbers and see what you like best.

Brads

These can also be used for connecting multiple layers of paper together. But unlike eyelets, which have a round shape, brads have a long, thin body with two wings – or “brads” – on either side. To use them, all you have to do is to push the body through the layers of paper and then bend the wings outwards so that they’re flush against the backside.

Despite the straightforward installation process, brads can add a lot of character to your scrapbook pages and cards. They come in all sorts of different colours and sizes, making room for your imagination to run wild. And because they’re so small, you can use them to create delicate details that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.

Crystal Drops

Also known as dew drops or liquid pearls, these are essentially little balls of clear plastic that have a liquid centre. They start out hard, but once you apply a little bit of pressure, the centre will burst and release the liquid inside.

Given the unique texture that they create, crystal drops are often used as embellishments on scrapbook pages and cards. But because they have a liquid centre, they can also be used as glue. So if you’re ever in a bind and need to attach two pieces of paper together quickly, simply apply some pressure to a few drops and let them dry.

Glitter Glue

Adding some sparkle and shine to your projects is an easy task with glitter glue. As the name suggests, it’s a type of glue that contains sparkly glitter, which is perfect for those who want to see more pizzazz in their designs.

Most glitter glues come in a tube with a small applicator tip, making it easy to control the amount of glitter that you’re using. And because the glitter is suspended in glue, it will adhere to just about any surface – paper, plastic, metal, you name it.

Flower Stamens

If you’ve ever seen a real flower up close, then you know that the centre is made up of tiny, thin filaments called stamens. And believe it or not, you can use these small embellishments to add some realism to your paper flowers.

To use them, simply insert the stamens into the centre of your flower and then fluff them out so that they’re evenly distributed. This will give your crafts a more realistic appearance, as well as some extra dimension and texture.

Rhinestones

Known for their unique glittery appearance, rhinestones are small, decorative stones that feature a multitude of facets. And because of their sparkly nature, they’re often used as embellishments on scrapbook pages, cards, and other paper crafts.

They’re available in a range of colours, sizes, and shapes, so you can really use your imagination when incorporating them into your designs. And because they have a flat back, they’re easy to adhere to just about any surface.