scrapbooking information

I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice here on how to use those tools, but I have another perspective to offer.

I'm still relatively new to scrapbooking myself, and there are sooooo many tools and options out there that I don't know how to use, so I just don't use them.

I started with the very basics: scissors, glue sticks, and paper. I only add new tools when I feel a need for it or get inspired to. Added punches because I saw some for a dollar and thought they were cute. Got tired of glue mess so bought a sticker maker. Got tired of my sloppy cutting with scissors so I bought a mat and rotary cutter.

So far I've yet to use eyelets, grommets, dies, fibers, stamping, inking, photo corners, tags, and a whole lot more techniques and supplies. If I see a layout that inspires me and uses a technique I haven't used before, I might say "Hey, that looks cool, I'm going to try that" but not just for the sake of doing it because everyone else is.

I've been scrapbooking for about 3 years now. I have a lot of the tools and cutters, stamps, inks etc. I still have a hard time remembering to use the stuff I have. I would suggest startign off small and learn as you go. I usually come on here or other boards for ideas and techniques. Keep it simple, and when you are ready, try eyelets or brads. Then go for the ribbons/fibers. It can be overwhelming looking at all of the new tools and techniques that are out there. I've learned a lot here on this board. Hope this helps you some...

Amanda

Butterfly, welcome back to scrapbooking! I tried to look for the specific tools you were looking at but I couldn't find them. Let me try to explain what I *think* you saw...

Notch tools are a type of punch tool that can be used to cut a partial triangle (2 sides). I can't say if it's 45 degrees or 90 degrees. One way I've seen the notch tool used is to make folding tags or accordion. If you think of a tag which has 6 sides (where the top of the tag has three sides that look similar to a stop sign), the notch tool can be used "notch" at the accordion folds so you keep that tag look. Notch tools can also be used like normal punches on corners. I've also seen notch tools used to make an opening in the paper where a "flap" is tucked in and held (like an envelope).

Slot tools create a little slit in the paper. These come in different shapes and sizes. These can be used to "weave" ribbon or other fibers.

Toss out a few more tools and we can come up with some techniques to go with the tools. We'll get you back in the saddle in no time!

Hope this helps!

-- Amy L.

Welcome Butterfly! Ask all the questions you want here. Everyone will be very helpful.