Paper is the background or backdrop for each page in your scrapbook, therefore choosing the right paper is a very important decision. You want paper that is acid and lignin free, as well as paper that has a high archival quality and has the proper PH level.  Below we’ll discuss what each of these terms mean and why they’re important for your scrapbook.

Acid Free

Have you ever noticed how an old photo fades and turns yellow? This is because the paper it’s printed on contains acid. The acid is removed during the paper processing, making it “acid free”.

Lignin

What is lignin and how does it affect photos and the paper they’re on? Lignin is the natural element that holds wood fibers together. Have you ever noticed how quickly a newspaper turns yellow and starts to look frayed? This is because the paper contains lignin. Like acid, lignin can also be removed during the processing of the paper.

If you want to include newspaper articles or prints in your scrapbook, copy them onto off-white acid and lignin paper for an authentic look. This will help preserve the precious memories without ruining your pictures.

Buffered paper

Buffered paper is created by paper manufacturers adding a buffering agent such as calcium carbonate or magnesium bicarbonate to neutralize contaminates. Buffered papers have a PH of 8.5.

PH level

Speaking of PH, the PH factor refers to the acidity of the paper. Acid free papers have a PH of 7 or above.

Archival Quality

Another term you’ll often see on scrapbook paper is “archival quality”. Archival quality is a term used to indicate paper that has undergone laboratory analysis to determine whether the acidic and buffered content is within safe levels.

Where to find Quality Scrapbook Paper

The paper you use in your scrapbook is the foundation for your pictures, memorabilia, embellishments and journaling. This is why it’s so important to choose the right paper for your scrapbook.

Here at My Scrapbooking Supplies, I promise that the paper I promote on this site is acid and lignin free, of high archival quality and has the proper PH level.

For a great selection of paper, including different patterns, colors, textures and designs, see the Scrapbooking Paper on Ebay Now page. Not only will you find a huge selection of high quality scrapbooking paper, you’ll also get a great deal.

As any avid scrapbooker knows, paper storage can be a real problem. Especially since many individuals that enjoy this craft will pick up papers on a whim. If there is a great page, accessory, sticker, or other item that catches the eye, most won’t think twice about picking it up. This happens even when there is no idea how the page will be used. This is because many times pages are only available temporarily and good paper may not be there when you are ready to use it.

By stocking up on supplies ahead of time, it makes scrapbooking easier and quicker. Whenever the individual is ready to work, they have all the supplies they need and don’t have to run out and look for them. The problem is with trying to store all these items.

Scrapbook paper storage can be difficult, especially since many scrapbooks come in squares such as 8X8 or 12X12. This makes traditional paper storing methods impossible. However, with the right tools and accessories, these pages can be stored safely without ruining them. One option for storage is wall mounted shelves. These are similar to the shelves found in many craft stores that display the paper right on the wall. This is ideal if you have a room or area that is dedicated to the craft. However, these papers will still be exposed to light, moisture, and other elements.

Other scrapbook paper storage options include accordion style file folders. These folders stretch open to allow easy storage without ripping or tearing the paper. They are found in many craft stores and can store up to 500 sheets of paper. Then they can be stored neatly on a desk or bookshelf, under the bed, or in any nook or cranny you can fit it. Since they buckle shut there is no worry that they will spill out. They can also be used to store embellishments, cutouts, card stock, and other paper items in one easy convenient location.

Another fantastic option is using plastic paper organizers. These are similar to page protectors that are used in binders. While they don’t clip into a binder, these protectors are great for placing papers and then storing them on a shelf. For those that like to purchase packs of theme pages, the paper organizers offer an area to place labels. These are a fantastic option to protect the paper, save space, and organize the paper for ease of use.  Placed within easy reach of the project area, these can cut down on time.

Nothing is worse than looking for the perfect paper to compliment your theme and finding out it is ripped or torn. That is why scrapbook paper storage is so important. Square sheets of paper can be difficult to store but there are options available. Now pages can be organized easily so that they can be found quickly and used when they are needed. With label options there is no need to peruse several folders or cabinets for one sheet. Just place like themes in the organizer together, label, and then finding them is a snap.

I love the theme for this month being all about love. I discovered this adorable product line by ADORNit. Owls have been so hot and popular this year.

I work full time and my husband works away from home 4 days a week.  I have two boys under the age of 5.  So when I think scrapbooking I think quick, time savers that look sharp.  So when a company puts together a product line that matches, I go nuts!!!  You'll see how quick and easy this double layout goes together.

I selected to use the Owl Hoot A and cut it into two separate pieces.  I used my Provo Craft 12 inch trimmer a good bit.  After I selected my pictures I chose which elements out of the Owl kit I wanted to use.  I had 3 sheets of designer paper, 3 sheets of Bazzill card stock. a sheet of card stock stickers, and 12 inches of matching ribbon.

I used my Glue Glilder Pro for my adhesive to adhere my ribbon, pictures and paper.

I used s.e.i brads and the ADORNit Owl ribbon to accent along with the coordinating stickers.

I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope you were able to see how with so few products you can create wonderful, fun layouts.  I only invested about $9.00 into these products and I was able to get another double page layout out of the kit.  PLUS I still have enough left over to do another 1 page layout or create a card with the scraps.

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And if you'd like to see what Amazon.com has to offer, here are some paper storage units from there:

Accessory Organizer Value Pack - Clear

Classroom Keepers Construction Paper Storage Box

Cropper Hopper 12x12 Vertical Paper Holder: Clear