what kind of scrapbook album do you like/use and why?

[phorsenuf]

Do you like the ones that are inserted (behind the protector) or do you leave you pages "open". I'm trying to decide which kind to use. I currently have one of each available. The open one is a strap hinge and the protector one is a post hinge.

Thanks!

 

[wtpclc]

I like the strap hinge. I work in order or do Power Layouts so that I either don't have empty pages or know exactly how many I'd need to leave. I did just do a couple of top loading pages, but I did not care for having to get card stock separately instead of just buying albums and extra packs of pages. Also, if you need to trim your card stock, that's a bit of a hassle. I know many people swear by top loading pages, though, so you'll get both answers.

 

[pattyT]

I have tried a zillion albums and truly LOVE the strap hinge with page protectors (I wallpaper the pages though)
I like the weight of the pages.

 

[bananiem]

This is such a personal choice. I started with strap hinge but changed to top loading post bound. I was wall papering the strap hinge pages and they were getting heavy and even the CM albums were falling apart. The staple-thingy kept pulling out of the page.
I decided to try a post bound and I only use those now. There isn't one style that's better than another. It's just what you're comfortable with and fits your style. But there are brands of albums that are better than others.

 

[Spinning]

IT really is a personal choice. When I first started with out any direction and before scrapping was every where I used a spiral bound book! UGH! luckily I only did 2. Then my DD kindergarten teacher told me she sold CM. I went to a party and walked out with a ton of stuff! I did 2 CM books. I always stuggled with them. I need everything in order but get bored easily. So it wasn't a good mix.
Then I started to look on line at different albums. and came across Scrap in a Snap. I loved the bright colors and swirls so I bought the lime green one for my Disney trip. I was then hooked on top loading.. Unfortunately those albums weren't the best. They have held up but do look a little worn.
Now I use Forever yours. top loading true 12x12. I like that I can move things around, add pages, work out of order. I also like the thinker page protectors. I don't feel CM is nice and think. Especially if you use any embellishments.

 

[AWorldofMemories]

I started with CM, so have just been used to using the strap hinge. I usually end up wall papering my pages and cannot get as many pages in the books that way. I have been wanting to try the post bound, just because I like the variety of album selection. But I am afraid to switch, to have a different album on my bookcase.............I know how silly that sounds.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[Spinning]

I started with CM, so have just been used to using the strap hinge. I usually end up wall papering my pages and cannot get as many pages in the books that way. I have been wanting to try the post bound, just because I like the variety of album selection. But I am afraid to switch, to have a different album on my bookcase.............I know how silly that sounds.

Good luck in your decision.

Funny This is what I hear from a lot of CM people! They love how it looks on the shelf! So no it isn't a silly reason!

 

[Alice28]

I did 3 ring binder style with page protectors forever (I think about 8 years). I decided I liked the more polished look of Creative Memories albums and pages better, so beginning in 2003 I switched to CM's strap hinge style. I like the way the pages lay when I am scrapping (I always scrap in order, so that is not a problem for me) and I do not like wallpapering. (Did too much of that for 8 years with the other style). I just think their albums are quite sturdy and they hold up very well. Worth the price in my opinion.

 

[pattyT]

But I am afraid to switch, to have a different album on my bookcase.............I know how silly that sounds.

THATS ME - I even wallpapered out my old 8 1/2 x 11 books to fit in the cm 12x12's so it would look good on the shelf!

 

[Tiger Fan]

I use strictly CM albums (but tons of everything inside ! LOL! I have several albums that are CM, but top loading. I use the portrait pages to do this. Now I mix and match and love how it all turns out. I too really like how all my albums look on the shelf, so that's not silly at all in my opinion.
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[bigbabyblues]

I only use the CM albums also. I like the strap hinge, I almost always work in order anyway, so that part doesn't bother me. Sometimes I wallpaper, sometimes I don't, just depends on the LO. I tried a top-loading album once for a special project album, and I didn't like it at all. I don't like 8-1/2x11 size either. Man, am I picky!

Steph

 

[JESW]

I use the Hiller (I think that's the name...tells you how long it's been since I took the books out! 3-ring binders I bought at Michael's. They are top-loading and they have page-protectors.

I started with CM albums and liked them (still have a few) BUT I did not like the fact that they weren't top loading and I had to work in order. I also like using lots of different colors for background paper and I didn't like wallpapering (is that what it's called when you have to stick an entire page on the cm page?) all the time.

It really is about personal choice. I never thought I would like a 3-ring binder type but it has worked well for me.

Jill

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I use 3 ring binders and page protectors. I'm a bulky scrapper and I just like that format

-em