Types of Scrapbooking Journals

The quest to buy scrapbooking tools is like wandering through a forest of paper! You walk into a store or browse online, and boom, you're swamped with several scrapbook journal choices, and it may get overwhelming to choose just one. Without knowing the features of different journals, you can end up choosing one that does not suit your needs. 

So, before you make a beeline for an eye-catching cover, think carefully about it. In this blog post, we'll help you sift through the options and find that perfect journal that’s not just a treat for the eyes but also a match for your scrapbooking needs.

What Is A Scrapbook Journal?

In simple terms, a scrapbook journal is a book or album where, instead of just jotting down your thoughts, you express your memories with photos and other decorative elements. It's more than just a photo album because you tell stories through your pictures about special events in your life like weddings, vacations and even a full-year rundown.

Why Do People Do Scrapbook Journaling?

Scrapbook journaling is more than a hobby; it allows people to preserve memories, be creative, and can even be therapeutic. The process of selecting, organizing, and embellishing memories in a scrapbook allows people to relive moments and tell their personal stories in a unique way. 

Best Type Of Scrapbook Journals

Post Bound Scrapbook

Post-bound scrapbooks are a type of scrapbook journal where get to remove or add pages easily. The scrapbook is bound using screws and posts, so you can unscrew the posts to remove a sheet, design your scrapbook and then fix it back. You can even add extra pages to make your scrapbook bulkier, which makes it very convenient. 

People also love this type of scrapbook because the cover and back are usually solid, providing a sturdy base for your work. Also, the pages lie relatively flat, making it excellent for creating double-page spreads across two pages. If you’re worried about page protectors, don’t worry; some post-bound scrapbooks come with affixed sheet protectors. The only key disadvantage of this type of scrapbook is that to retrieve a page, you have to disassemble the entire album, which can be stressful.

Advantages:

• It has a solid album cover.
• You can add and remove pages.
• It comes with affixed page protectors.

Disadvantages: 

• It is hard to remove and attach pages after you have screwed the posts.
• It doesn't lay flat when opened.

Three Ring Scrapbook

This type of scrapbook comes with metal spiral ring clamps that are used to hold pages in page protectors in place. They are also called D-ring scrapbooks and resemble office file folders. Unlike the screws of post-bound scrapbooks, the binder-style mechanism means you can easily open and close the rings to add or remove pages which is handy for those who work on multiple pages or like to reorganize their scrapbook frequently. The covers of this type of scrapbook are usually made with high-quality materials, and they are available in a wide range of sizes and designs, allowing you to buy any size you want. 

Advantages:

• You can easily remove and attach pages.
• It lays flat when opened.
• You can attach page protectors.

Disadvantages: 

• The pages hang more loosely than other types of scrapbook journals.

Strap-Hinge Scrapbook

These types of books use a strap-hinge system, where flexible plastic straps run through the spine, connecting the pages to the album. Strap-Hinge Scrapbooks are designed to lay completely flat when open; however, once the pages are secured in a Strap-Hinge Scrapbook, they stay firmly in place. This security is good for those who prefer a more permanent layout and don’t plan to rearrange pages often, but if you want to move your pages around, it will get stressful.

Advantages:

• It secures pages tightly. 
• The pages lay flat.

Disadvantages: 

• It is hard to remove and attach pages after you have secured the straps.
• You cannot attach page protectors without tweaking them.

Spiral Bound Scrapbook

Spiral-bound scrapbooks are the most easily accessible type of scrapbook journal you can buy; even a normal spiral-bound notebook with a durable cover will do. The spiral binding allows for easy turning of pages, making it straightforward to work on, and they can lay completely flat when open. While not as straightforward as in a ring-bound scrapbook, some spiral-bound scrapbooks offer the ability to add or remove pages through spiral bindings that can be opened and closed, so pay close attention when buying your spiral scrapbook to get this type. 

This type of scrapbook journal has more modern covers and is generally more compact and lightweight, making it ideal for those who like to travel with their scrapbooks. However, one drawback is that you won't be able to attach page protectors.

Advantages:

• It is compact, has modern covers, and lays flat when opened. 

Disadvantages: 

• You can’t use sheet protectors.
• You can remove or attach pages for the closed-ring version,

What To Look For When Buying a Scrapbook Journal?

Size and Shape of the journal

Consider the size of the scrapbook journal when buying it. Common sizes include 12x12 inches, 8x8 inches, and 6x6 inches. The size you choose should suit your project needs.

Type of Binding of the journal

The binding of a scrapbook journal affects how it will open and how pages will turn. If you plan to add many pages, consider a scrapbook with a binding that allows for easy expansion, such as a ring-bound or post-bound scrapbook. Each has its pros and cons related to durability, ease of adding/removing pages, and how flat they lay when open.

Quality of Materials of the journal

The cover of a scrapbook journal should be sturdy and made of quality materials to protect your work. Leather, fabric, and laminated covers are great choices. Don’t focus on just the cover; make sure the pages are of good quality, too. One good scrapbooking tip is to use acid-free and lignin-free pages so that they won’t fade over time.

Page Protection

Look for scrapbooks that come with or can accommodate page protectors. These plastic sheets safeguard your pages from dust and spills to preserve your work long-term.

Extras

Some scrapbooks come with extra features like pockets for memorabilia, pre-designed pages, or templates. Decide if these are important for your scrapbooking needs.

Each type of scrapbook journal has its unique advantages, catering to different styles and needs. By understanding these differences, you can choose the best scrapbook journal to beautifully preserve your memories.

If you’re looking to buy scrapbook stationery tools, look no further than our ZenPop stationery store where you can get the best Japanese stationery.

This article was originally written by our freelance writer Umm-Kulthum Abdulkareem and edited by us.