Simple Scrapbooking- Part 2. What Products Should You Use?

An archive quality scrapbook album is a great way to display your photos, but what you add to the pages is crucial in order to preserving the quality of the photos.

ADHESIVES- As a scrapbook album page is blank, there is nowhere for you to insert a photo. This gives you flexibility to place any sized photos anywhere on your page in any orientation. There are non-permanent and permanent ways to attach your photos:

-           Non-Permanent methods of adhering photos to a scrapbook page include photo corners and photo pockets. These allow photos to be removed from the page if needed. You can still access the back of the photo if there is something written on it. Photo pockets can also protect old or fragile photos or memorabilia. This method is highly recommended for heritage or rare photos.

-           Permanent adhesives include tape runners, photo tape and mounting squares. These are usually double sided allowing you to stick one side to the photo and the other side to the page.

Both permanent and non-permanent adhesives should be of archival quality, made from polypropylene, PVC free, acid free and lignin free. Only quality adhesives will last the test of time. Cheaper alternatives will lose their stickiness over time reducing the integrity of your keepsake album.

PENS- Journaling about your photos is just as important as preserving the photos themselves. Journaling adds meaning to the photos. Who, what, where, when, why are a good start. The pen you use should have a permanent ink, be acid free and waterproof.

PAPERS AND EMBELLISHMENTS- Mounting your photos on cardstock, or decorating your page with papers or embellishments are by no means compulsory on a scrapbook page. These items simply enhance your photos and create interest on your page. If you chose to add these, ensure that the paper items are acid free, lignin free and preferably buffered.  

Polypropylene = archival plastic

Acid Free = neutral pH level

Lignin Free = lignin discolours and weakens paper

A full range of these products are available in the SHOP on this website or on my Creative Memories website https://www.creativememoriesau.com/user/elizabeths

In the next blog I was talk about laying out your photos and memorabilia on a page.