Which scrapbook album should I choose and why?

Choose your photo album cover design in accordance with the purpose of the photo album and the personality of its owner (example: school days - in the photo to the left, baby theme, photo in window or embellished cover).

Three ringed and post bound photo albums allow for page addition. Your family photo album will expend as your family memories accumulate.

Book-like binding are attractive, photo albums with sheet protectors are attractive and durable. On the right you can see the photos of the exposed posts that bind and keep the pages of this album together and a side view of the pages held together.

All photo album materials, pages, layouts and embellishments should be archival (both acid and lignin free) to keep photos from fading or yellowing with time.

Archival (non PVC) sheet protectors are recommended, to protect photographs from environmental damage and oils from human skin. When adhering photos to the layout, make sure to use only acid free (archival) adhesive to keep photos from discoloring and deteriorating with time.

In summery, choose a cover that works with your theme, choose album size that will work best with your subject and desired photo sizes. Use materials that are archival safe (acid and lignin free) to keep your photos from discoloring and use sheet protectors so viewers can point at their favorite photo without leaving their fingerprint on it. If your theme or subject is a growing/developing one (school years, baby, holidays through the years), start with an album that can expand later. Good luck!

Choosing the right photo album for you

There are many photo albums to choose from, so I'll try to be short and to-the-point. Always remember to ask for archival quality, and use acid free, lignin free products, (yes, even the adhesive) so your photos are protected (no fading, no yellowing) and viewable for longer time.

• Old magnetic photo albums - the ones from the 70's with the 'sticky stuff' that hold the photos on the page, covered with a sheet of clear plastic (PVC or Mylar). The glue is acidic and causes the photos to yellow and fade. To remove and protect your photos look here.
• The old leather bound, rice paper dividers album - Grandma has one, probably, and on it's black inside sheets the black and white/sepia photos are assembled, about 2 per page, with photo corners. See sample here.
• Slip in pockets - nylon pockets in which you can slip your photos, scribble something on the side journeying bar if yours has one. See how it looks here.
• 3 Ring binder - On the outside a binder, inside you'll find sheet protectors to place your scrapbook pages or pocket inserts that divide the space to a few pockets where you can slip your photos in. See it here.
• Post bound/Scrapbook - my favorite. This album will allow you to expand the number of pages and is usually bound by 2 posts running through the pages. They usually come with durable sheet protector to protect your photos and avoid finger prints.I use the post bound scrapbook photo albums with all of my medium and large size premade scrapbook albums.
• Brag book - smaller slip in pockets album you can fit in your purse for quick bragging sessions. See one here.
• Book bound - bound just like a hardcover book, with a spine and a seam where the pages are sewn together. See sample here.
• Saddle Stitch - Folded signatures are placed over a "saddle" and then stapled along the spine. See here.
• Rag and bone - ribbons sawn and contains filler strips to prevent the album from yawning when filled with photographs. see how it looks here.
• The old shoe box - shuv it in and forget about those photos, or, for the fancier version, see here.

Next time I'll add photos of the different photo albums and premade scrapbooks, as well as the digital additions.

Be well and seize the day,

Sarit.