Scrapbooking!!

Ok, on the advice of others on my photographs I am gonna try a scrapbook layout next week - after I finish my latest OU assignment (Gill's finished and sent hers aghhh!! Can I copy yours Gill?lol!) - BUT!?!?! Where do I start?!?!?! I can probably do the actual layout, photos, embellishments etc no probs but what base do I use? Is it a ordinary piece of card stock, do I have to go and buy a scrapbook for the purpose? Is it a folder with lots of Poly pockets in? I have no idea :o/ !
Help!!
Answers on a postcard, lol, or in my comments or mailbox!!
Thanks in advance!