As I was browsing through a store recently I noticed someone carefully and thoughtfully considering what kind of photo album she was going to purchase. She opened each one, turned it over, and with conviction stepped away from the rack with her album in tow.  I wondered how many of us give such consideration to the album we use for our scrapbooks!   This post will discuss the four common album types used in scrapbooking, and the pros/cons of each.. They are: post bound, spiral bound, three ring, and strap hinge.

1)   Post Bound albums are my favorite. These albums generally come with top          loading sheet protectors covering cardstock pages. They are termed post bound because there are threaded studs/ bolts that pass through the margins of the pages into the binding of the covers. These albums are especially nice because they allow the option of adding to your projects. You can change the order of layouts, or remove layouts completely with a small amount of effort. Because it is post bound, you can also make it expandable by using extension posts that screw into the primary posts. This increases the amount of pages that can fit between the covers. These albums grow with you because you can continue to add to the album over time.  Another great feature about post bound albums is the fact that two page layouts are displayed very attractively because there is no gap at the binding; and the pages lay virtually flat when fully opened. It allows for a seamless spread.

2)      Spiral Bound albums are albums with bindings that resemble the wire bound notebooks use by students. These types of albums are not for the faint of heart. The pages are in a fixed order, and depending on the construction of the wire, they may jam when trying to open and close them. They may be more difficult for a beginner to use, because they don’t allow for a great deal of error in the placement of pictures, or the order of layouts. They also do not allow the use of pop-up because of the style of construction. I have used these albums before in the 6x 8 size, and they make very attractive and practical gift albums; because there is usually no intent to add to the “finished” project. These albums do not come with page protectors, but the finer quality albums of this type will come with acid free interleaving pages.

3)      Three Ring Albums are a practical no bells or whistles type of scrapbooking album. They may or may not come with top loading page protectors, and they look like typical three ring binders found in stationary stores. The real difference however is that they have D shaped rings instead of circular rings. The D rings allow the pages to lay flat. These albums are non-conforming, so any undue pressure or misuse may cause the rings to be misaligned. In reference to storage, they take up much more shelf space. On the other hand, they are really easy to update, & switch pages; and they are the easiest to use.  The capacity of these albums is dictated by the size of the ring, so once it is full, you cannot add to it. You also cannot accomplish a seamless two page layout because it creates a large space between adjacent pages when opened flat. Some may have padded or brushed leather covers, textured surfaces, & sewn edges but they typically have a more classic appearance. 

4)      Strap Bound albums are the most complex. These albums have thicker pages with metal staples/loops constructed into them, and a flexible plastic strap attached to the cover. These straps are actually threaded through each page, so it makes it a bit tedious to rearrange pages; but this feature makes them an expandable album. The drawback is that you would have to remove all the pages to replace or rearrange one page. Depending on the construction, you may have to purchase special page protectors for these albums. They are another nice option, because they also lay flat.

Lesson for today: before purchasing a scrapbook album, keep in mind the purpose of its use, your level of expertise, whether you will you want to add to the project, how it will be stored, and do you plan to use two page layouts.  In terms of cost, I think it would be fair to say you can expect to pay $30 or more for a nice 12 x 12 Scrapbook safe album. There is no right or wrong in choosing album types. Preference dictates, just be sure it is scrapbook safe.  TLC now has a limited edition line of colorful post bound 12 x 12 albums with textured covers and sheet protectors.  We also have our new & innovative pocket purse albums ,our pocketbookz accordion style albums, and our fun minibookz albums & kits. 

Until the next time,

Make a happy memory

Scrapbook Artistry – your TLC consultant