How to Choose the Right Scrapbook

Don't use the old sticky-paged, magnetic photo albums. They aren't safe options for your photos. There are basically three different types of books offered. There are 3 ring binders, strap binders and post binders. There are also three basic sizes: 12X12, 8.5X11, and a smaller memory book.

The three ring binder is similar to what you used in school. This is probably the least popular of the three. The strap album has two plastic straps to thread thru a sort of staple that is protruding from the paper. To keep your pages safe, you put a poly page cover over them when you are done. In a post binder the pages are layed onto two posts that are secured in the binding of the album. You can add more pages and lengthen the posts with this type.

I like the post binder because you build your page and slip it into a poly cover, sort of like an envelope. I don't like for all of my backgrounds to be white or black. That's basically the option with the strap album.

I use different background pages and many of my pages tend to be multi-layered. They are more easily stored in a post type album. You'll have to decide what sized album is right for you. I like the amount of space that a 12 X 12 album offers-there is more space for more photographs per page. If the whole experience is too daunting and the 12 X 12 white paper looks as big as the artic circle, then maybe you should start off with the smaller album.

The smaller 6 X 6 is a great album for a gift or for a smaller memory book for Grandparents or for one special occasion or event. You can usually fit just one photo per page on that type of album, so it's not the best for your main scrapbooking album.

With the popularity of scrapbooking these days, albums are easy to find in the scrapbooking section of craft, hobby and photography stores. Once again, look for the key words:acid free, lignin free, etc.

How many pages fit into your book will be determined by how weighty and how bulky your pages are. I tend to layer many different embellishments and papers onto my pages, so they are somewhat more heavy than most. I've bought $10 albums that have fallen apart from my daughters daily perusing, so I tend to buy albums that are mid-priced.

With constant use, the whole where the post fits thru widened and the cover fell off, so I watch what I buy now. I found that the Creative Memories albums are a little above mid-priced, but of very good quality. They are strap binders, and I've found that I prefer post albums, so I haven't used CM albums much. Check all three out and ask around to see which one might be best for you.