There are many different types of scrapbooking albums to
choose from,
and it can be very intimidating if you
don't know anything about them or
what the differences are. You can
now buy scrapbooks in all different
sizes. The most common sizes are
12"x12" and 8.5"x11". If you stick
with these sizes, you won't have any trouble finding background papers
and sheet protectors at the store. Even
the major chain discount stores are starting to carry scrapbook
supplies.
If you choose another size album, you
may have to go to a specialty scrapbook store to find papers to
fit. These albums are usually smaller and cute to give away
as a special gift or to scrapbook a special occasion.

What are the pros and cons between
a 12”x12” and 8.5”x11” types of
scrapbooking albums? 12”x12” are becoming much more
popular these days. I have found that there are more
decorative background papers in these sizes than the
8.5”x11”. You can also fit more photos on
a page. 8.5”x11” albums can be more
economical though. The background papers are less expensive
because they are smaller. You can get away with buying
regular sheet
protectors sold in the office supply
store instead of special 12”x12”
scrapbook sheet protectors. You can
also use a regular three-ring photo album to hold your
8.5”x11” pages, which are inexpensive.
They also stand up and store nicely on a bookshelf when they are this
size. There are advantages to both types, so ultimately it is
a matter of personal preference.
Besides the size, you will also need to consider
what type of pages the scrapbook holds. The three most common
are to have a three ring binder scrapbook, a post-bound scrapbook with
top-loading pages, or a scrapbook bound with non-removable pages,
without any sheet protectors.
The most economical type scrapbook is the three
ring binder type. Pages can be added at any time easily, and
placed within the middle of the album. You can use regular
acid-free photo safe sheet protectors as the pages and just slip your
completed page into the protective sleeve. The disadvantage
is that for a two page layout you will have a gap where the rings are,
so the layout will not be seamless.
three
ring binder scrapbook
There is a
gap between the two pages and the three
ring binder can be seen with this scrapbook.
Post bound
scrapbooks are a nice choice.
Pages can also be added to the middle of the scrapbook at any
time, but it takes a little more effort since the posts need to be
unscrewed to add more pages within the middle. The advantage
to these books is when the scrapbook is open the two pages lay close to
one another to create a near seamless two page layout.
post-bound
scrapbook

seamless layout between the two pages
Scrapbooks already bound with
non-removable pages
usually do not have sheet protectors. The intention is to
glue your photos and embellishments right on to the page. The
advantage is you can use bulkier embellishments, and you can use
envelopes or tags that pull out with additional journaling or photos.
You can really get creative since a sheet protector is not
limiting the reader's access to the page. The disadvantage is
obvious though... no sheet protectors mean photos can easily be ruined
or embellishments can be torn off. Not being able to add
pages means you will need to plan well and not make any mistakes.