what type of albumn?

[California Mom]

Since I'm rather inexperienced when it comes to scrapbooking...can you help me out with a question regarding albumns? there's the Pioneer post, 3-ring, strap hinge, etc. What's the difference between them? How do you decide what works for you? THANKS!

 

[RealMickeysGirl]

Hi, I used to be a "strap hinge all the way" person but recently I started doing my smaller books (8 x 8) in the post bound/top loader style and they work out great. I still like the strap bound for larger books.
You can get so many different kinds of albums made with photo safe materials now. That used to be the main problem - the only ones that were photo safe were the strap hinge ones. I say that whatever works best for you and your style of scrapbooking is what should matter most. IF you like bumpy pages or use a lot of metal tags, tiles, eyelets, mats, ribbons, etc. then the top loader sheets in most post bound books may not work for you - your page may get to bumpy to go back into the sleeve.
One advantage of the top loader books is that you can re-arrange your pages if you don't scrap on both sides of the paper. The thing I like most about the strap hinge albums is how sturdy the pages are - but that can make the album heavy once you get 45 - 50 - 60 pages in it.
We are in Vacation Club and our DVC book is a 12 x 15 strap hinge book and I love it - mainly because of the large pages so we can put a lot of photos on each page and do a few pages for each trip.
We do separate albums for our cruises though (12 x 12 strap hinge).
I would ask around and see what kind of albums your friends use. Then ask to see their books and compare the way they are put together and see what kind you like best.
Sorry so long but I do tend to ramble.

 

[ek_disney]

I have always used the Strap style album, I started with a CM album and have used them ever since. (again....that anal thing....I don't want two styles on my bookcase. ) I usually can fit about 50 pages into them, and I use bumpy embellishments and have not had a problem with the protectors.

It all comes down to your style and preference. My style is pretty simple so CM works for me. Plus I go in order with my scrapping, so I don't have to rearrange pictures. I think if I was to go out of order, I would try a top loading album.

 

[Tiger Fan]

I think album preference varies greatly by what you yourself a) have access to, and; b) how you like to scrap (in order, lots of embellishments, on patterned or printed paper, etc). I would start out by looking into what you can get easily and affordable in your area and go from there. I'm a CM album only kind of person. I put tons of other things inside, but really got attached to the CM look of their albums and love how they all look lined up on my shelf. I did do two albums top loading style while still using my CM album (used portrait sleeves) and really liked that style too so now I switch around as to what goes on the inside. Have fun whatever you decide!
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[California Mom]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to provide such detailed info. Really appreciate it!