How do I get started scrapbooking?

I have a bunch of photos that are just sitting in the packs and I would like to get started in scrapbooking. How should I get started? Should I buy one of those starter kits at Walmart?

what you should do is look in your phone book for local scrapbook stores. there is still no chain of stores yet - michael's and joann's do carry some quality products, but you will do better at a scrapbook store. when i worked at one we made up a "starter kit" here's what we included
a fiskar's personal paper cutter (i still use mine)
cutterbee scissors (the best for cutting paper)
1 black zig writer
2 other colored zig writers
1 tape dispenser (my favorite: http://www.perfectiondistributing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PDI&Product_Code=HD&Category_Code=OWAPA )
... all of them contained those and then some of them got themed with papers and accessories and we knocked like $5 off the price for the basics.
the other basics that i would suggest are cardstock (non patterend paper) and some brads - most people love grommits too, but brads are more cost effective.
some key things to remember when purchasing - purchase together. meaning buy patterned paper, matching cardstock and accessories for a page or album at the same time so you know everything matches. if you are unable to do this make sure you bring in a small piece of paper to match everything else to. make sure all of your products are acid and lignin free (this should not be an issue at a scrapbook store, but if you go somewhere else - like wal mart or joann's or michael's it may be).
organize your photos first so you know what you are looking for when you go in. don't be afraid of a product, especially at a scrapbook store the people working there will know how to use it - ask! usually they will have the tool to show you how to use it (i always did).

here are two really good resources online especially for layouts!
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com
http://www.simplescrapbooksmag.com/ this one is a regular magazine (my favorite again) that you can buy just about anywhere - yes, even walmart

for an album i would suggest post bound as they are the easiest. strap hinge are a pain to change the pages and the ones with binder rings tend to damage the pages.

but i would say not to get the kits - especially at walmart. i received them as gifts from my inlaws and threw them away because the became clutter - i didn't like the quality nor the actual product

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