What are the basics for starting to do scrapbooking?

[PiccadillyCircus]

I am thinking about starting to do some scrapbooking.I have got books out from the library and am getting a bit overwhelmed with all the equipment etc that seems to be needed.

What are the basics I need (rather than might want )

More to the point.. this seems like a good time to ask.. what is scrap booking??!

Paper
Pair of scissors
Glue
stuff you want to display in the scrapbook (photos etc)

everything else is window dressing... no, no I mean entirely down to your own sense of creativity.

What sort of paper? And where do you get it from?

(sorry for being so useless on this )

It has to be acid free so that it doesn't damage the picture in years to come. Have a look at www.ukscrappers.co.uk there's a section there on what it is etc etc

there's loads of places to get paper, what kind of style are you after?

you may find a craft knife and ruler or a trimmer may be helpful to have if you are like me and can't cut straight

double sided tape/ glue runner is nice to have also.