Acid Free Sheet Protectors

Scrapbooking, I'm a rookie...is a memory album the same as a scrapbook?

This may sound stupid but, are memory albums the same as scrapbooks? I thought scrapbooks had a paper page, not a plastic sheet protector. My Mom bought me a bunch of scrapbooking supplies for Christmas & included 3 memory albums. She got them from Hobby Lobby. They are expandable post bound pages, they are acid, lignin & PVC free and they each have 10 clear sheet protectors. I was just wondering because they're not "called" scrapbooks. Plus, they were fairly inexpensive & I've seen that scrapbooks are pretty pricey. I've never done ANY scrapbooking & I'd appreciate any tips anyone can offer! Like, can I print my own pictures or should I order reprints? Yeah, obviously I'm a rookie...

Thanks for any advice!
j

Yes, they are the same, the plastic sheet protectors are for protecting the pictures. Scrap-booking can be overwhelming, so take your time.

Set up a place, preferably a table that is out of the way and can be left there till you are finished. This sounds strange, but if it is there and ready to go, you will get more done in less time.

Now get organized. Have everything you need within your grasp so that you can really get going. That includes your photos. Get them organized as well, however you like, by date, or by birthday, vacation, whatever. Throw away any blurred or just plain "bad" photos as they detract from the album. Also, give away duplicates as they will confuse you. You will begin to wonder whether or not you have used them.

Also, if possible, make a photo disc of all your photos. That way if you need one you can get it easily printed in no time at all. They are also safe, no lost negatives. Then, just toss the negatives.

Now use large white paper or your album pages to create a layout usually not more than 3 or 4 photos per page. Lay out each page till you have all the photos you want grouped together for the event. Keep doing this till you have used all the pages, this will save you much time. Then just start putting them together!

However, if you have many photos of the same function, but different poses or scenery, and you would like to use them, cut them down. There are many different types of scissors and cutting tools at you local craft store.

You can have the people cut out and place them in layers on the page. I did this when my daughters photo was great but the background was not so great. I just cut her out, and placed her on another photo for the background!

There is really no right or wrong way to do it, but remember, keep your embellishments to a minimum. It is easier on the eye, and the pocket book! Just do specialty pages every once in a while for special photos. Plus, it will take less time. You will be able to do at lest a couple of pages a day this way and your album will be finished in no time at all.

My daughters album is great but hard to look at because it is overwheming to the eye. I did many colorful layouts with lots of embelshiments, it took a full year to complete. That is why it helps to keep embellishments to a minimum.

Oh by the way, be sure to use an archival quality pen to journal with. That way it won't turn wierd colors and ruin your hard work. Journaling is a great way to preserve your memories and to share them as well.

Scrapbooking is fun and great to share with others, there are many scrapbooking classes to join. This helps you learn many different styles and about new tools and tricks to creating great albums.

Well, hope this helps, good luck with your new adventure!

Page Inserts for Screwpost Portfolio Books

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