Gathering Your Scrabooking Basics

Scrapbook Album Formats

There are a number of different formats in which a scrapbooking album can be made. For
example, the scrapbooking album can be permanently bound or it can be made such that
pages can be inserted and removed at will. Each type of scrapbooking album has its own
pros and cons. While a permanently bound scrapbooking album can look more professional,
one with pages that can added and removed can continually change as your add new
memories.

In addition to whether or not the scrapbooking album is permanently bound, you will also have
your choice of different sizes. For example, you can choose to purchase a mini album or a full
sized album. Most scrapbookers prefer to use a full-sized album because they use pages that
are 12” x 12” or that are 8½” x 11”. Nonetheless, you are free to choose smaller albums if you
like. In fact, albums capable of holding 6” x 6”, 7” x 7”, and 8” x 8” pages are becoming more
popular.

In addition to scrapbooking albums that open and read like a book, you can also select an
album that is fold out or that have an accordian-type style.

You will also have to design on the design of the cover of the scrapbooking album. Some are
plain, which allows you to decorate it in a method that fits with the contents of the album. If you
choose an album that already has a design on its outside, however, take care to select an
album that fits within the theme of the memories that the scrapbook will house.

Selecting Paper for Your Scrapbook

The next most important aspect scrapbooking material you will need is the actual paper.
Obviously, the size of the paper you select will depend upon the size of the scrapbooking album
you purchase. In addition to the size, however, there are several other factors you need to
consider when selecting the paper you will use for your scrapbook.

The thickness of the paper is one factor you will need to consider when you select your
scrapbook paper. Since there are many different thicknesses available, you will need to select
the thickness that is most appropriate for your scrapbook. While thick paper is more durable,
thinner paper can help you create a certain type of feel for your book. The type of paper will also
determine what types of extras you can place on the paper, as thicker cardstock paper will be
better capable of holding memorabilia and decorative elements.

Although there are plenty of other scrapbooking materials that you will need to purchase in
order to enjoy the hobby to its fullest, the two basics are the paper and the album. From here,
you can let your creativity run wild and watch where it sends you!