There are a few basic tools that you will need when starting to scrapbook: a paper trimmer, a journaling pen and adhesive. I will describe what you should look for when you are ready to buy these scrapbook items.
Paper Trimmer
In an earlier blog I shared information of my favorite paper trimmer, the Falcon. I know others that love their Fiskars paper trimmers. When looking for a trimmer, make sure that it is more than twelve inches long so that you will be able to cut your 12 X 12 paper. If you are just getting started in scrapbooking, I would not recommend a large tabletop style cutter. They are more expensive and take up a lot of space. Look for a trimmer that will be easy to move around and store. Also, I always buy extra blades to have on hand because it can be very frustrating if you are in the middle of a project and your blade is not cutting clean lines.
Journaling Pen
Journaling about your pictures is so important. It helps the viewer understand all of the wonderful details of your pictures. You may choose to do all of your journaling on the computer and then print it out to place on your layout. It is still a good idea to have a pen in case you want to write a date on small caption next to a picture. Or you could doodle a fun boarder around a favorite photo. I think that it is also interesting for others to see your handwriting, especially for generations to come.
Adhesive
You will need a permanent adhesive to place your photos into your scrapbook. I recommend using Hermafix Vario dispenser because it comes in a convenient container that easily rolls adhesive tabs wherever you need them. There are also tape runners that give a constant line of a sticky double-sided adhesive, but I have not had much luck with those. The adhesive seems to always stick together and becomes lumpy. One fun way to put some pictures into an album is using photo corners. I would not recommend placing all photos is albums with photo corners because it would be time consuming.