Punch & Mount

3 Alternatives To Scrapbooking.

Preserving memories is something everyone does, whether it’s by posting and sharing on social media, storytelling, or in a more obvious way – by creating scrapbooks.

Over the years, it is believed that it’s not something everyone can commit to or even get into due to some external circumstances or responsibilities.

So for those looking for alternative ways of memory keeping, you’ve come to the right place. Here are my top 3 alternatives to traditional scrapbooking:

1. Pocket-style Scrapbooking.
If you’re finding yourself short on time and patience but still want the look and feel of a handmade scrapbook, then you can try out pocket-style scrapbooking such as Project Life. This method uses page protectors divided up into pockets that you can slip photos, memorabilia or journaling cards into.

Best for: Someone looking to scrapbook on a more regular basis but with a small time commitment.

2. Digital Scrapbooks
Using an online tool to help create your scrapbook is an efficient way to use all your digital photos and get them printed professionally. It’s also awesome if you’re doing an anniversary, wedding or milestone book that you might want to print over again to share with friends and family.

Best for: If you’re looking for a more professional looking book and would like to share multiple copies of it.

3. Mini Books
Scrapbooks don’t always have to be 12X12. There are so many great ways to scale it down and work on a mini book. This means less the time to complete pages, but an equally satisfying end result.

Best for: Someone looking for the handmade look, but with a small time commitment. Mini Books can be a combination of embellished journaling, instagram photos or just bits and pieces of memorabilia.

In summary, Scrapbooking may not be for everyone, but it doesn’t mean your memories should go undocumented. With each of the above options, it’s about preserving the details of life that you’d like to one day go back and revisit.

Credit: sweetgreenstudios.com

Kinds of Albums You Can Buy And Their Pros & Cons.

1} Three-Ring Albums

A 3-ring scrapbook album (D-ring) uses clamp-style metal rings, attached to the spine on the inside cover, to hold pages in page protectors in the album.

Pros:
* Pages can be added or removed with ease.
* Some albums are oversized, which means that the album edges are longer so that page protectors don't come right to the edge of the album reducing potential overhang damage.
* Layouts can be slipped in and out of the page protectors.

Cons:
* Rings can become misaligned making it difficult to turn the pages.
* When the album is full, the stack of pages can be awkward and heavy when turned at the same time.
* Rings are not replaceable.

While there are many options, our recommendation is almost always to go with a 3-Ring Scrapbook especially if you are just getting started or aren't sure what you want to use. 3-Ring albums have become the standard album type because of their flexibility, durability, and compatibility.

2} Post-Bound Albums

A Post-bound album uses 2 or 3 metal binding posts (screw heads on both ends of a post, one stationary, one moveable) to tightly hold pages in page protectors between the front and back covers.

Pros:
* Three posts per album offers more support than two.
* Layouts can be slipped in and out of the page protectors.
* Posts can be lengthened by adding extensions as album contents increase.

Cons:
* To add or remove a page, the album must be disassembled, and all or most of the pages taken out to insert or retrieve the page you want.
* There is a slight arching of the pages at the center-margin when the album is opened flat.
* Many post-bound albums have an exposed spine.

3} Stapled-Spine Album

A Stapled-spine album has staples inserted into a centerfold or attached at one edge of the album to fasten pages to the cover.

Pros:
* Inexpensive and generally found in "mini" form.
* Covers are usually made from cardstock so they're easy to decorate.
* Make good gift albums.

Cons:
* Most pages aren't protected.
* Not durable and definitely not for children, unless you don't mind when they're ruined.
* Usually have to be made by hand and are not manufactured.

So, there you have it, enough information to earn you a Ph.D. in Album Studies.

Credit: scrapbook.com

Have been wondering how you can create a simple and adorable baby photo album?

Well, you're in luck as we share with you how to easily create an entire 30-page scrapbook album with photos and memories.... in less than 1 hour!

The truth is, the birth of a beautiful baby boy or girl is an absolutely amazing time in a parent and grandparent's life.

It's an exciting, whirlwind experience from the moment they're born to their first days at home, and all the magical little moments thereafter as they start their unique journey in this world.

And along the way, you take photos and make memories with that angelic little baby and try to remember every special little moment.

So it's up to you to create something stunning and meaningful that will preserve photos, stories, and keepsakes of your precious little one that will last a lifetime!

Here are the steps you can take to put it all together:

1) Get your standard 4" x 6" photos ready. If you need to print your photos, we hear Persnickety Prints is a high-quality favorite among scrapbook lovers!

2) Take out the theme cards, lined journaling cards, pen, and pocket sleeves, along with the album (all included in the kit!).

3) Choose a pocket sleeve and start slipping your favorite photos into the pockets alongside some of the theme cards.

4) Fill out your journaling cards with fun stories, facts, memories, and anecdotes, and slide them into the pockets as well.

5) Insert your completed page into the 3-ring album.

6) Repeat until you have all your pages completed for a stunning, unforgettable album.

7) You can even change up each of the pages, insert new photos and cards, and move the inserts around as much as you desire - the choice is yours!

Watch this video to see how easy it is:

https://youtu.be/Pb25oOVd7TE

Now, you can relive the happiness of your baby's first moments and joyful milestones as you create and cherish your handmade baby album!

Credit: scrapbook.com