Which Scrapbook Albums Are Best

You were cleaning a deep closet, and came across that big box of photos and old papers – again! This time, you make a decision. You will sort through it all, and create a scrapbook or two. You set out to buy scrapbook albums, but there are so many, it’s confusing. Which scrapbook albums are best?

The question of which scrapbook albums are best involves knowing what type of scrapbook you want to make and what your budget is.

* No-work scrapbook albums give you themed pages onto which you can quickly mount photos and be done. For example, finished Disney scrapbook albums let you add just photos for a finished album of a Disneyland vacation. The “Little Love Books” are scrapbook-style photo journals, every page matched to the book’s theme (wedding, baby, etc.) With nothing more than a “Little Love Book”, your photos, and a pair of scissors, you can start and finish your scrapbook album in less than an hour.

* 3-Ring Binder scrapbook albums are readily available in many colors and are inexpensive. Some scrapbookers prefer D-Ring binders because pages remain flat, while others choose O-ring binders because pages turn easier. Choose a binder large enough to allow for page protectors. You will not have to punch holes in your scrapbook pages. This kind of scrapbook album allows you to expand easily.

* Spiral scrapbook albums are a good choice if you want to use a single theme throughout. One downside is that some spiral scrapbook albums do not contain acid-free paper, and will harm irreplaceable photos. If you plan to use a spiral scrapbook album, look for one with large spiral binding that will allow your book to expand as you add photos and memorabilia.

* Sewn leather-bound scrapbook albums are much costlier, but make a long-lasting book that can be passed down as a family heirloom.

Which Scrapbook Albums Are Best When It Comes to Size?

Scrapbook albums come in many shapes and sizes. The best for you will depend on personal preference.

* 12 x 12 scrapbook albums: This is a standard size, probably because the large, square page allows for a good arrangement of photos and memorabilia without over-crowding. Papers for this size scrapbook album are readily available, as are scrapbooking kits.

* 9 x 9 scrapbook albums: This slightly smaller square is still very usable, and is often preferred for children’s scrapbooking projects.

* 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook albums: These are nearly obsolete. Most scrapbookers – and the scrapbook album industry – seem to prefer square pages over the letter size. Scrapbook paper for this size is difficult to get.

* 6 x 6 scrapbook albums: This is a good size for a mini scrapbook album. It would be good for young scrapbookers, or for a small, intimate scrapbook.