Oh my goodness! First of all let me explain that this hobby is ADDICTIVE!!!!! Second let me say that it's TONS OF FUN! I would suggest going to some classes if they are available in your area first, but if not go easy on the supplies at first as it will not take long before you have a house full! I would suggest getitng several photos together with a common them, ie Birthday, Boating, Vacation, etc. with at least 3 good photos per theme, then buy the stickers and paper for just those photos at first to see if indeed you like doing this. You will need at least the following supplies: Acid free paper, glue, scissors, one multi shaped template for cutting photos mats, and stickers to match the theme of the photos you are going to be doing first. You can buy single sheets of paper at Micheal's, and at most scrapbook stores. DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF TO ONE COMPANY! There are a few suppliers who will try and tell you that their product is SAFER, BETTER ,etc, this is just not true, acid free is acid free, PERIOD! So don't get trapped into the more expensive products, this craft is expensive enough already. You will need page protectors for the size of paper you buy, which is either the larger 12 x 12 or the smaller 8.5 x 11. Either is fine it is just a personal preference which you do. Make sure you get a GOOD idea book and READ it BEFORE you cut your first photo, make sure you have double prints or at least the negatives of photos you start out with because you will get better at this craft over time and you don't want to start with Grandmas pictures! Check out many links on how to's BEFORE you start, and feel free to ask any question here you need to. Love and good luck Penny Here is a link that might be useful: scraplink

Try picking out things that you like. Don't be afraid to buy more expensive tools, if it is something you will use frequently, buying one that will be reliable is always best. See if there is a scrapbook store near you. One that I was a frequenter of, had tables set out for people to use. This was so helpful! You can get ideas by seeing and talking to fellow scrapbookers, and alot of times, if you buy paper or things of this nature in bulk, people will only need so many of a certain style, so trading is done too. Also people that try out new tools, that they didn't like particularly you can trade or buy for cheap. Most importantly HAVE FUN!

I'd be careful going to too much green, since the most of the Coast Guard colors I have seen are Red, white and blue! Stickapotamus even makes Coast Guard stickers. My ex was in the Navy for 15 years and I was a military brat, so I know a little about the service. When doing the military photos I have I have added real fabric patches, you can find these at walmart, they have eagles, anchors, stars, etc. that look good and add a touch of class that a regular die cut can't. I have also added patches that came directly off of my ex's uniform. For military pages HOTP makes a military booklet of papers but I think they only come in 8.5 x 11 but you can check on their website, to tell for sure. For some of the pro uniform shots I used backgrounds of marble look paper, and added stripes or ensignia's to match those on the uniforms. HTH. Love Penny

I am partial to the K & Co books (Joann's/Michaels. Oh and Target has a derivitive of K&Co, I think it is Kay). They are great quality and nice designs with coordinating paper and stickers. I also like the 12x12 "leather" albums from CostCo. For just getting started, I agree with Steph about what to get: Paper trimmer (I like the 12" Fiskars slicer) Adhesives (I like the "splits"--little square stickers in a box) Cardstock and patterned papers Circle Cutter (mine is Cre@tive Memor!es) Pens for journaling. I love to scrapbook but I have been so busy I haven't worked on my books in almost 2 years. Hoping to get back into it soon. Good luck!