What kind of scrapbook do you prefer?

[mouseclick1]

I went out today to buy a scrapbook for my first album, and was a little overwhelmed by the choices! I ended up buying a wire-bound scrapbook so I can tape the pages I've been working on right into the album, but am not so sure I made the right choice. I don't really care for the toploading albums, and didn't think the hinge-style would be good for what I've already started. Which style do you prefer and why?

 

[Disneyland_emily]

8.5 x 11 Binder with plastic sheets

-em

 

[Momeska]

Years ago when I first started scrapping, I used 3-ring binders and all my pages were done 8 1/2" x 11" in chronological order. Since I started that way, I'll continue for everyday events (birthdays, sports, Christmas, anything "scrap-worthy". I just buy top loading page protectors and wa-la. It's really the simplest in my mind. When the album is full, I just go to another. I've done about 15 albums this way. Last year, I decided to start doing vacations separately and use 12" x 12" postbound albums. I like the size because it accomodates much more but they are a bit of a pain to add pages to. The whole thing has to be taken apart, screw extensions put on, etc. I really like both styles and find I have a lot more flexibility creatively by using both.

 

[becky7953]

I use 12x12 strap hinge albums. I started out with creative memories and now use Westrim albums. I get the Westrim albums at Joann, Michaels, etc. I always have a coupon to make it cheaper.

 

[cheerdancer11]

I like the 8 1/2 x 11 kind since they are smaller and easier to make pages with

 

[nicurn]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the 12x12 3 ring binders. I just buy the cheap page protectors at target to put into the binders and then you can work on any layout that you feel like. (oh, I guess I should say that the page protectors are top loading). maggie

 

[MouseEars4us]

I usually buy the Mrs. Grossmans post bound albums. Post bound lays nicely, no big rings in the middle of my 2-page layouts. The page protectors make it easy to rearrange and I like the page protectors because the little guy likes to look at the pictures.
I have used spiral bound for small theme albums and 3-ring for 5 family history scrapbooks I made for my brothers and sisters. Three ring is so easy to add to I knew they could handle adding their own pages.
Strap Hinge is my enemy...I have no coordination to add the pages thru the staple and strap, the staple pulls out, the protectors fall off, and I always find photos that I missed. Once you adhere the pages it's very hard to remove everything and add pages.
Making Memories and Chatterbox also make nice post bound in several sizes, as well as K and Co. which has lovely designs on the covers.

I work at a scrapbook store, can you tell?

 

[Lisa]

I use the 12 x 12 strap hinge CM albums. Love them.

 

[pennyring]

I use Creative Memories 12x12 albums almost exclusively. They just feel nicer to me... good quality, heavy duty, nice presentation, don't look like they'll fall apart.

The 12x12 size is my favorite because of the amount of stuff you can fit on the page. I like that Creative Memories are expandable to fit a huge WDW trip. And I'm in love with their sapphire color album.

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks for all the replies. I started putting my pages into my album, and am actually liking the way they look afterall. This album is exclusively for this trip, so I think I'll try something different when I move on to a new album.

Are Creative Memories products only available through a consultant?

 

[HunnyPots]

Where do you find 12 x 12 three ring binders? I have had no luck finding them and I would love to use this style, as I did when I was scrapping 81/2 x 11. Its just so much easier since I never scrap in order but my albums have to be in order! Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tlovesdis]

I used to use CM post bound albums, but they are so expensive. So i switched to a top loading album and didn't care for that.

For the past few years I have been exclusively using 12 x 12 3 ring binders that I buy at www.collectedmemories.com! They are great and I buy the irregular ones (can't tell why they are considered irregular) for $12.99. They hold a lot too!

 

[soccerchick]

I was looking at the albums Costo has on "sale" with the coupon this week. I like the look of the covers but couldn't examine the pages. Does anybody have these? They look like they have page protectors on them. Can you buy refills at Michaels, etc?

Thanks!

 

[Spinning]

I have tried I think every scrap book ever made LOL!
I started with a spiral book! Big mistake! They don't hold up well over time and get dirty too fast.
then I tried a 3 ring binder. But it was for 81/2 by11. This worked but I didn 't care for the cover...or that size.
Next was onto CM. Loved the cover but couldn'tget over the strap hinge and the pages.
So moved on to Scrap in a Snap. Top loading absolutely loved the page protectors! but the album...well very crappy and didn't hold up well.
So next....I bought Foreve more albums. Absolutely love it! Only down side, have to order on line.
This is top loading. Which for me is the best way to go you can scrap out of order and if you find more pictures that you would like to put with the already scrap pages you can.
I also bought some top loading albums at Kohl's. No clue what brand. I like them but only pit fall....not very exbandable.

Now....this is my game plan for the future....
I really think I am headed toward the 3 ring binder again! Just because I like the flexablity to add pages, move pages etc...and the cost, it is cheaper. Plus Mike's has some nice one albums now. Of course I have to wait till I fill all of my albums that I stock piled when they were on sale! So don't know when that change over will take place!

 

[Spinning]

tlovesdis
Thanks for that link! I just booked marked it! Those albums look great!

 

[JenLynn]

I have also used just about every sort of book imaginable. I used a spiral book for our Super Bowl trip and liked it, but you need to be very organized to be sure that everything fits correctly since you can't add pages. I have used 3 ring binder and they are so versatile and easy, but I didn't like the look of the wide gap inbetween my 2 page spreads. I do love CM strap hinge albums, but have also experiemented with post bound. It really depends on my mood. But the one thing I will say is that i wish manufacturers would make the pages 12x12 for 12x12 albums instead of 11x12 or 12x11.75 or some such nonsense!

 

[JudithM]

For my personal scrapbooks I use the Pioneer top loading scrapbooks & have been very pleased. My LSS even ordered me a case of albums. Right now I have a stack of completed pages (12"x12") in chronological order, & I add to it regularly. Eventually I will decide how I want to organize the pages - chronological, by events, topics, etc.

I recently completed a graduation gift scrapbook (8"x8") of the graduate's graduation day. I really liked working with that size album! I need to get another one for another graduation party in a few weeks.

I do not like the strap hinged books. I didn't like them 25 years ago, & I am not crazy about them now!

To the OP - Everybody is different, so I suggest you look around, continue to ask questions, get opinions & see what works best for you. Enjoy!!

 

[tlovesdis]

tlovesdis
Thanks for that link! I just booked marked it! Those albums look great!

Anytime!!!

 

[pennyring]

Are Creative Memories products only available through a consultant?

Pretty much... you can usually find them on eBay too. The CM website also has a directory where you can find consultants in your local area. If you don't want to hook up with them for classes or anything, many of them will be happy to mail you stuff or let you pick it up at their house.

I'm currently between consultants... again. The first one moved. My sister was doing it for awhile, but has since gotten out of it. The third one moved -- to the other side of the country! Luckily I'm pretty well stocked up for the moment, otherwise I'd be looking for a new one myself!

 

[OurDogCisco]

I use top loading albums that are 12 by 12. I use to use Creative Memories but I have way too much scraping to do and there is no way I can do it in order. Plus, I didn't like cutting down the paper to wall paper the book. So, now I use the Perfect Scrapbook which has similar quality as CM and it is top loading... I know, there are some tricks some ladies use to make the CM albums top loading but I've never gone that route... GL... It is a difficult tasks. I think, I used about 5 different albums before I decided on Perfect Scrapbook. Plus, I like the way they look on a shelf.

Tina