If you’re a new scrapper, no doubt you created a few layouts and are now wondering where to put them. The answer is “an album,” but exactly what type of album is best for you?
Albums come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. There are two main sizes for scrapbook albums: 8.5” x 11” or 12” x 12.” But you can also find 9″ x 9″, 8″ x 8,” or 6″ x 6″ mini-albums that are perfect for gifts or tribute books.
There are four major styles of albums. The chart below gives the pros and cons of each.
| ALBUM TYPE | DESCRIPTION | PROS | CONS |
| Post-Bound | Scrapbook pages are secured within the binding of the album with post hinges. Pages are created on cardstock and then placed into plastic sheet protectors. These albums come in various sizes from 6” x 6” through 12” x 15.” | Album lies flat for two-page spreads; expandable; comes with page-protectors and you can purchase additional ones; can add, remove or rearrange pages as needed; can use a variety of cardstock and papers on your layouts. | Time-consuming to take apart post binding to add, remove or rearrange pages. |
| Strap-hinge | Scrapbook pages are secured within binding of album with plastic strap hinges. Pages are held in place through loops of straps. There are many sizes available from 6” x 6” through 12” x 12.” | The album lies flat for two-page spreads; expandable; may purchase additional pages; pages can be added, removed or rearranged as needed. | Time-consuming to take apart binding to add, remove or rearrange pages. Cannot change background color of pages (usually white). |
| Spiral-bound | Binding is similar to a spiral-notebook; pages are permanently attached through wire or plastic coil. Various sizes are available from 8”x6” to 8.5”x11.” Background pages are usually white, black or cream. | Easy to use; pages lie flat. Sheet protectors available for some albums. | Cannot add, remove or rearrange pages. When closed, albums are thick. Not expandable. |
| Three-ring binder | Binding is similar to a three-ring notebook. Pages are created on cardstock and then placed into three-hole punched plastic sheet protectors and inserted into the binder; Mainly available in 8.5”x11” or 12”x12,” but some companies manufacture smaller sizes. | D-ring construction allows pages to lie flat when binder is closed; may purchase additional page-protectors; pages can be added, removed or rearranged as needed; can use a variety of cardstock and papers on your layouts. Good for storing pages as you work on them before you put them into a final album. | Binder rings separate 2-pages spreads. |
I have used all of the album types listed above at some point or another. I generally use post-hinge albums because they are expandable. The albums pictured above are Close To My Heart Faux Leather albums. As you can see, they are quite an attractive way to showcase your memories.
Close To My Heart also offers a great variety of specialty albums to suit any of your projects, from minis to binders.
There is no right or wrong choice for scrapbook albums. Experiment with different styles to find your personal preference.
