Getting Your Album Ready

First you will need an album, there are several different types including: post-bound, 3-ring binder (notebook), spiral-bound, or other styles in a wide assortment of sizes, designs, and colors. Be sure to choose one that suits your style and taste. In my case I chose the cheapest, plainest one I could find so that I could get started on making pages instead of having any particular theme to it. That way when I decided to put a theme to the pages, I can get a particular album that fits with that theme.
To go with the album you will need page protectors. These help to protect all the hard work you put into your pages and keep them safe through the years. You can ge them for any 12 x 12, 8 x 8, or 6 x 6 inch albums. Just find the ones that best fit your album, and be sure that they are Acid-free, and archival-safe, but most of them are.
Next you will need patterned paper and cardstock. Vellum, Patterned, Mulberry, and Specialty Paper are perfect for your scrapbooking needs. You can find these sheets individually or in packs. Cardstock comes in all different colors and are great for borders around pictures, textures and decorations.