How to Select the right album for a scrapbook

Looking to make a special scrapbook? You've got the "scraps"—now you need the book. Before you rush out and buy the first flashy binder that grabs your eye, put a little thought into what you really need.

You Will Need:

• Your planned scrapbook layouts

• Time to think

• A notepad and pen

• And a ruler or tape measure

Step 1: Consider temporary mounting

If you have anything you might want to remove at some point, you'll need to find a way to mount it temporarily, like with photo corners.

Step 2: Consider purpose

If it's for personal use, a delicate, handmade binder could work. An archival item to be circulated or passed down through the generations requires a sturdier build.

Step 3: Measure layouts

If your materials include large items like maps or posters, they might merit an oversize book like a tabletop ledger. Smaller, more intimate presentations work better in a baby book or diary.

Step 4: Consider pages

If you have unusually shaped layouts, consider using double pages or pages that fold out.

Step 5: Buy the book

Start the final step in the process—assembling your masterpiece.

Step 6: Think about number of pages

You don't want a half-filled book, but if your theme might expand over the years—like "Thanksgiving" or "Summer Cottage Memories"—you'll need a binder so pages can be added.

Step 7: Consider emotional impact

Should people feel nostalgic? Impressed? Amused? Write down the word or words that come to mind—they'll serve as helpful reminders when you find yourself overwhelmed by choices.

Step 8: Pick a book

Look for a style that accommodates all your materials in the way you want to organize them, and make sure it's the right color, texture, and size for your theme.

Step 9: Consider special features

If your materials include souvenirs and keepsakes that are not flat and easily mountable, you may need to plan creative treatments or buy customizable pages to accommodate th