Lapbooking 101: Building Your Supply Kit

Lapbooking is a VERY flexible art! When you decide to build a lapbook, there is no limit to the creativity that you and your students can invest. As we've discussed before, lapbooks can be very simple, or very intricate - it's all up to you!
In order to make your lapbooking sessions as efficient as possible, and to maximize creativity, there are a few basic supplies that I recommend rounding up before beginning to lapbook. Many of these are, of course, optional, and this is by no means an exhaustive list. If you are prepared with these supplies, however, you'll be able to create almost any lapbook you desire. :)
So, grab a post-it note and a pencil, and get ready to shop your supply stash or the local craft store!
1. Variety of File Folders - I usually buy primary colored file folders for lapbooking. You can by the plain "manila" folders, but I think the colored ones are so much more fun! There are also a lot of patterned folders on the market, and I imagine that you could make some gorgeous lapbooks with them, but I haven't used them for fear of them being too "busy."
2. Colored Cardstock and Printer Paper - You'll need these for printing (if desired) or designing and cutting your mini-books and foldable lapbook pieces. I usually color-code my lapbook pieces so that all of the mini-books pertaining to a specific subject or theme are the same color. (We'll discuss that further in a future post.)
3. Glue Sticks and Double Stick Tape - Some people swear by bottled glue, but I personally use high-quality glue sticks for lapbooking because they dry more quickly, don't wrinkle your paper, and don't seep out around the edges. You can also use double stick tape or an adhesive runner from the craft store, if you prefer.
4. Quality Colored Pencils - Do yourself a favor and get a nice variety of colors of Crayola (or better yet, Prang) colored pencils. While they are more expensive than other brands, your investment will pay off when you don't have to stop to sharpen them every 5 minutes! :)
5. Scissors - This one should be fairly self explanatory! 
6. Stapler and Extra Staples - Several types of mini-books require stapling, so make sure you have a stapler (and extra staples) handy.
7. Hole Punch and Brads - This is a great way to bind some mini-books together, and will add variety to your lapbooks. While you could certainly get away without them, they will make your lapbooks far more interesting!
8. Stickers, Scrapbook Paper, etc. - These will come in handy when you personalize your lapbooks. Let your student or students go wild as they personalize the cover and make it their own. :)
Have you ever used lapbooks before? Are there any supplies that you love, recommend, or couldn't do without? Leave a comment and let us know!