Gina- I've been scrapbooking for about 6 years now. I started out with just a few basic supplies- a good pair of scissors, some papers and stickers. Once I realized this was something I LOVED and will be doing a lot of, I started expanding my gear and spending some more money on better quality items that can last- a good paper trimmer, great scissors, circle/oval cutter, corner rounder, etc. (the stuff that can be used over and over again)

I use the Westrim brand albums. They look a lot like CM's. They are a 12x12 straphinge like CM. They cost around $20-25 dollars for the album. Refills are about $12 for 20 pages and then page protectors are around $9 (I'm pretty sure those prices are correct). They just came out with some more colored refill pages. I've never had a problem with Westrim but I don't know how it will do LONG term. So far, no yellowing or aging but like I said I've only been doing it for 6 years.

I get supplies from all over- Walmart, Target, Michael's Jo-Anns and specialty scrapbook stores. Michael's and my specialty scrapbook store sell the Westrim. Michael's does 40% or 50% off coupons and that is when I'll get the bigger ticket items- I also watch Michael's sales because they can have some good ones. I love CM's stuff- especially their organizers. I do like to go and look at all different stores and have a variety of things/brands in my albums.

The main thing to look for is Acid AND Lingin free. If you are not sure if the item you are using is both, don't let it touch the pictures. As an extra safety precaution, you can also mount the questionalbe item on some paper.

If we go somewhere, I'll get some of the brochures and use them in my albums also.

A lot of specialty scrapbook stores has space to scrapbook and will even have crops were a bunch of people get together to scrapbook. The fees are normally very reasonable and it is a lot of fun to talk to fellow scrapbookers- you make some friends and get to look others albums for more ideas! Around here, we have tons of specialty scrapbook stores (mostly mom and pop type places). I just went and checked them out and I quickly found my favorite store!