The Guide for Scrapbook Newbies - Part 2: Binder Types

Our first tip last week for scrapbook newbies was to point out to them the importance of knowing what their scrapbook is going to be for in order to pick out a size to use - whether it's a 8x10 mini photo album or a full 12x12 scrapbook, knowing the right size from the start will save you a lot of trouble down the road in creating your work.

The next thing you need to consider once you've picked a size is the type of binder and sheet protectors you want to use.  In terms of binders, there are several types out on the market today that you will find.

Ring Binders
Just like any typical ring binders you would use for office documents, these ring binders can also be used for scrapbooks.  They offer great flexibility and allows you to rearrange your pages by taking them out of the rings.  The rings used are often easy to open and close (no extra tools required), and sometimes are even equipped with boosters to make it even easier.  

Post-bound or Strap-hinge
These are basically 3 part binders - the front and back covers, and page protectors all held together by either posts (like screws) or hinges.  The page protectors are sandwiched in between the front and back cover and are screwed together on the side.  You are free to add or remove pages as you like depending on how many pages the books can hold.  This usually means you will have to unscrew the post or hinges either with a coin or a tool that they may or may not provide.

Booklets
Unlike ring binders and post-bound scrapbooks, these booklet type binders are confined to a certain number of pages - what you see if what you get.  You can't add extra or remove page protectors from the scrapbook as they are all wielded together on the edge.

1. Ring binders            |  2. Post-bound            |  3. Booklets

Which type to use?
The answer to this question will vary, again, based on what the scrapbook is for.  If you need flexibility to add and remove pages then for sure the ring and post-bound binders will work better for you.  When comparing those two, the ring binders will be easier to use because it does not require extra tools to open up the binding edges in order to add or remove pages.  Booklets are not recommended since you can't add extra pages if needed, but it is still sometimes a good choice because they tend to be thinner and some are of great quality that make them presentable. 

The Guide for Scrapbook Newbies - Part 1

By definition, a scrapbook is basically 'a book with blank pages to which you attach photographs, letters, newspaper stories, etc., that help you remember a person or time'.

People make scrapbooks for all sorts of reasons, whether it’s because they simply enjoy making them or because they wish to highlight and preserve moments in their lives that are happy or are proud of. To avid scrapbookers, scrapbooking is an art that requires a great deal of time and attention to details. On the other hand, to the average person, scrapbooking might just be a simple collection of photos in an album.

Regardless of whether you are an enthusiast or a first timer, there are a few general tips to help get you started. Of course if you’re an enthusiast you might already know these tips but it doesn’t hurt to go over them again right? For those newbies who wish to make their first scrapbook, these tips will help guide you through a few simple steps in order for you to make your first scrapbook.

Tip 1: Find the right size

Picking the right size to work with is tied to what you’re making the scrapbook for. As it is with anything you do, it is very important to know what the purpose is for what you're doing. Knowing what sort of documents you want to preserve or keep in your scrapbook will help determine what size of the book you should be working with. If it’s a simple scrapbook to preserve photos, maybe you just need a small 8x10 scrapbook. If you’re making a scrapbook for genealogy purposes, you might want to go with the 17x11 since that is the common since for genealogy documents.

If you are not sure of what size to use or if your scrapbook is going to have multiple sized items, then you may choose to use the typical 12 x 12 size. Most scrapbooks today are in the 12 x 12 size which is a nice square format to work with and you can easily get binders and sheet protectors of that size at any stationary store. However, there is no written rule that you must use a 12 x 12, as there are other various sizes like the larger 17 x 11 or 14 x 17, or smaller sizes like 8 x10, that are also great to work with. These sizes are typically harder to find, but of course we have them at Keepfiling – both binders and sheet protectors. You can visit our Scrapbook and Artwork Page to see which page protector sizes we carry ideal for scrapbooks.

Remember, when you are planning your scrapbook, the first important step is to have a clear idea of what it's going to be for as it will play a big part in helping you decide which size you will want to work with.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our guide which will reveal our next tip!