Scrapbook Expressions

Choosing your Scrapbook Album

Friday, March 17, 2006

Narrow definitions are often given to photo albums and scrapbooks. Scrapbooks have been considered books with blank sheets of paper, to which you attach your photos using a form of adhesive. The pages are often embellished using stickers, memorabilia, and other graphics. Photo albums have usually contained plastic pages with pre-made pockets designed to hold your photographs.

With the extensive photo accessories available at Simply Scrappin', however, the line between the two has blurred, because now you can do just about anything with what used to be considered a blank scrapbook page. Scrapbooks can be anything from very elegant and simple to elaborate and ornate. At Simply Scrappin' the selection of product is limitless to help you create exactly what you are looking for.

Once you've determined what photos, clippings, souveniers and other memorabilia will comprise your scrapbook, you can decide what size and theme to use for your album.

Here's some suggestions to get you started:

Size – Many scrapbookers work with either an 8 1/2 x 11 or a 12 x 12 scrapbook simply because decorative papers in these sizes are the easiest to find. Smaller sized albums (8 x 8, 6 x 6, 5 x 7, etc.) are great for gifts and small "themed" projects.

Photo-Safe – Some albums are made with plastics called PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) that emit gasses and can cause photo deterioration. Adhesives used to manufacture albums or to mount photographs can also be a problem. Check to make sure that any product you use is both acid and lignin free.

Expandability – Most scrapbooks, but not all, are made to be able to fit additional refill pages if you want to expand your scrapbook. If your project is ongoing, make sure your scrapbook handles refill pages.

Page Protectors – Page protectors protect your entire scrapbook page, along with your photos, from fingerprints, spills, wear and tear. Some scrapbooks come with page protectors included, others are sold separately, while some do not have page protectors at all. Be sure you are aware of what is available for the album you are purchasing.

Tags: scrapbooking scrapbook

Labels: Albums