It might seem like a scrapbook is a scrapbook, with very little differences between one brand and another. While it's true that they all consist of the same components, you'll want to pick one that's best suited to what you want to do with it. Regardless of the purpose you use it for, it is important to choose a durable and high-quality scrapbook. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you're looking for a new scrapbook.
What Type of Material Is Scrapbook Paper Made Of?
There are several different types of scrapbook papers available in the market. Some of the most popular ones include:
Cardstock
This is acid-free, heavy-weight paper that comes in a variety of textures and colors. It is usually used in a plain color as background paper. For added interest, these can be matched with patterned paper.
Patterned paper
This type of paper is also acid-free and comes in a variety of themes, colors, and designs. It can either be used as background paper or as page accents to add detailing to the background. It is also often used to support the scrapbook layout theme.
Vellum
Vellum is a translucent paper that is used for stamping, layering, dry embossing, and more. It comes in several different colors and textures and is often used to soften the look of bold colors or provide a distinctive look to the pages.
Picking the Right Scrapbook for Yourself
To pick the right scrapbook for yourself, you must pay attention to the following factors:
Acid-free vs lignin-free
Regardless of the type of paper you choose, make sure that it is lignin-free and acid-free in order to preserve your memories for years.
Contact with acidity over time can cause your photographs to fade, lose color, and deteriorate over time. Acid-free paper is made in such a way that its pH is 7.0 (neutral) or even slightly alkaline. It is usually used in situations where art needs to be preserved without breaking down or becoming yellow over time. This type of paper can last for more than 200 years under normal storage conditions.
Lignin reacts with heat and light which can cause the yellowing of paper. Lignin-free paper is a purified paper that does not break over time. Paper that is lignin-free remains acid-free for longer, ultimately increasing the lifespan of acid-free paper.
Adhesiveness
When looking for a scrapbook, consider how you'll place your photos. Some scrapbooks come with a self-adhesive protective film; these only require you to press the pictures to the paper for them to stay attached. Others require you to use glue to attach pictures.
Durability
The durability of a scrapbook is a crucial factor to consider if you want it to last for years. Look for a scrapbook that has a sturdy body and durable pages that won’t rip apart easily. Other than that, the cover of the scrapbook should also be durable since it is the main protective layer of the pages and photos within the album. If you plan to purchase a scrapbook online, you might want to read customer reviews of the product to get a better idea about its quality.
Capacity
Check the capacity of the scrapbook to determine how many pictures you’ll be able to store in it. Depending on the size of the scrapbook and the photos, each page can easily hold five to ten pictures on both sides of a page.
What Are the Different Scrapbook Sizes?
Scrapbooks come in different sizes and are also available in customized sizes. The most common sizes include:
Standard medium size
If you want a scrapbook that looks and feels modern and sleek, then it's best to opt for a scrapbook with a square orientation. This layout works exceptionally well if you are planning to use it for an equal number of landscape and portrait photos. Scrapbooks in standard medium size usually measure 11x8.5 inches.
Standard landscape sizes
Scrapbooks in standard landscape sizes give off a professional feel and look, which makes them a great option for yearbooks, wedding albums, graduation photograph books, etc. Standard size scrapbooks measure anywhere between 11×8 inches, 16×12 inches, and 14×11 inches.
Traditional scrapbook sizes
Traditional scrapbook sizes consist of album sizes 6x8 inches, 5x7 inches and 6x6 inches. These are usually smaller than standard medium and landscape sizes scrapbooks and can be used to store everyday pictures, scenery photos, etc.
Scrapbook FAQ
Q: What are scrapbooks used for?
A: Scrapbooks are usually used for collecting and presenting memories and history in the form of photos and artwork.
Q: How many years does paper last?
A: Depending on their quality, some types of papers can last up to 100 years or more. Keep in mind that all papers tend to fade over time, however.
Q: What kind of artwork does a scrapbook usually include?
A: A scrapbook album usually includes photos, letters, stickers, clippings, ephemera, and other souvenirs.