5 Feminist Scrapbooking Essentials to Get You Creating Again

Hi, I’m Kristin—feminist scrapbooker, creative educator, and firm believer that you already have everything you need to tell your story. Whether you’ve been away from your craft table for a while or your creative spark’s been hiding under a pile of patterned paper, this list will help you start fresh.

You don’t need a shopping spree or a fancy setup—just a few thoughtful tools that support your feminist creative practice. These five supplies are simple, flexible, and powerful enough to help you start scrapbooking again today.

1. Scissors ✂️

A good pair of scissors is a creative essential—it’s how you shape your world, one cut at a time. Start with whatever scissors you already have. Big or small, sharp or a little dull, they’ll do the job. You can always upgrade later if you find a pair that feels perfect in your hand.

Feminist reflection: Your tools don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Using what you already own is an act of creative autonomy—a reminder that you get to define what “enough” looks like in your own craft.

2. Black Pen 🖊️

Your favorite pen is your storytelling sidekick. It’s the tool that connects your thoughts to the page. When you use a pen that feels good, you’ll journal more often—and maybe even start to love your handwriting.

Find a pen that glides, doesn’t smudge, and feels right in your hand. Keep extras on hand so you never have to ration your creativity.

Feminist reflection: Writing your own words, in your own handwriting, is a radical act of self-definition. It says: my voice matters, and I’m going to use it.

3. Adhesive 🧷

Scrapbooking is, quite literally, about sticking things down. Grab a wet adhesive (like glue) and a dry adhesive (like a tape runner, double-sided tape, or tabs). Use dry adhesive more often—wet glue can warp your pages if you use too much.

Experiment with what works best on your materials and for your process.

Feminist reflection: Adhesive represents commitment—choosing what stays. Feminist creativity is about conscious choice: deciding which pieces of your story belong on the page and which ones you’re ready to let go.

4. Notebook or Album 📓

This is where the magic happens. You can go classic with a scrapbook album and page protectors, or keep things simple with a notebook you already have at home. There’s no wrong way to do it.

I use small notebooks for my Daily Pages—a mix of journaling, photos, and scraps that fit perfectly into everyday life.

Feminist reflection: The container doesn’t make the story; you do. Feminist scrapbooking honors flexibility and personal agency—you get to decide what kind of “book” works best for your life right now.

5. Scraps & Bits of Life 💕

Now for the fun part: the stuff of your life. Photos, patterned paper, stickers, washi tape, receipts, ticket stubs, and little notes—these are your raw materials. Look around your home office, your mail pile, your favorite drawer. You’ll find more inspiration than you think.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start simple: pick a few photos, then add pretty paper or a favorite sticker.

Feminist reflection: Collecting scraps is an act of valuing your everyday life. It’s saying, this matters too. Your feminist scrapbook celebrates the ordinary details that make your story unique.

Your Turn ✍🏻

Gather your five essential supplies—scissors, pen, adhesive, notebook, and scraps—and set up your feminist scrapbooking starter kit. Snap a photo of your setup or your first finished page and share it in the Activity Feed so we can cheer you on.

Remember: feminist scrapbooking isn’t about perfection or matching trends. It’s about honoring your story, your way, with whatever tools you have.

Related Links

• Learn more inside Feminist Scrapbook School—our supportive creative community and course library.
• Check out the Monthly Challenges to stay inspired all year long.