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Scrapbooks are not meant just for photos.  I tend to often date myself. When I was in elementary school, I had a scrapbook. Of course back then I used paper that is now yellow and I used glue. However, what’s important is I remember the contents of that scrapbook.

I kept movie ticket stubs, concert ticket stubs, love letters from boys I like, a test with an A+ on it and many other items.

Today, we can still preserve those memories by adding these extras to our scrapbooks. I always recommend making copies of everything. Unless the original paper is acid free, it will yellow and crumble with time. So, do include the original in your scrapbook, but also keep a copy.

So, what types of “extras” are fun to put into scrapbooks?

•    Report Cards
•    Essays from School
•    Birthday Invitations
•    Maps of Cities Visited
•    College Brochures
•    Greeting Cards
•    Post Cards
•    Decorative Napkins
•    Place Cards from Table Settings
•    Pressed Flowers
•    Receipts from a Favorite Restaurant
•    Play and Concert Programs
•    Sporting Event Tickets and Programs
•    Magazine and Newspaper Articles
•    Old Drivers Licenses
•    CD Covers

These items can be added to individual pages or they can be left in tact and put into a sheet protector alongside photos of the events they represent.

There is no limit to the items you can put into your scrapbook. Extra items can help tell the overall story.

One of the most devastating things that can happen to a scrapbook-er is for their creation to be ruined. So many hours, time, energy and money have been exhausted in putting together a work of art that brings back those memorable moments in time. There are plenty of ways that your book can get destroyed.  With just a few simple precautions, you can make sure that your book will be around for years to come for your grand childrens and family members to enjoy.

(1) Liquids obviously will destroy memorabilia, photographs and negatives.  To avoid disasters, store your scrapbooks supplies, albums, photographs and negatives in a dry, cool place where water from broken pipes or overflowing toilets cannot reach them.  Also, keep food and drinks out of your work area. Over time, sunlight can diminish photos, negatives, layouts, and album quality.  Keep all supplies out of direct sunlight.

(2) Extreme temperatures damage photos, negatives, layouts, page protectors and albums.  Always store all items in a regular-temperature area and in an area where there is low humidity.

(3) Although it may not be an immediately apparent problem but fingerprints on photos, negatives and layouts become visible over time.  Oil from skin is the cause of this problem.  To prevent this deterioration, handle all photos carefully, touching only the outer edges.  Wash hands frequently or use acid neutralizing wipes but make sure your hands are dry before handling any materials.  Use lightweight cotton gloves if available to ensure those pictures stay perfect.

(4) Handle and store your photos, negatives, and layouts carefully.  Improper storage increases the risk of scratches, tears, and bends.  Store and seal your photos and negatives in a sturdy container, in plastic sleeves that fit into a 3-ring binder, or in acid-free envelopes.  Keep in mind that not all plastics are alike.  In fact, some sheet protectors, binders, photo enclosures, and photo corners will eventually damage your memorabilia more than if you had not used plastic protection or enhancement at all.  To avoid this, do not buy materials containing PVC or PVA, buy your materials from reputable scrapbook stores. Yes, it may cost you a bit more but your scrapbook will last so much longer.  Look for acrylic or polyester materials as an alternative.

(5)  Finally, paper and cardstock you find in your local hobby store are not necessarily acid-free unless stated on the packaging.  Also realize that just because a manufacturer’s lighter colored paper is acid-free does not guarantee the darker colors will also be.  Your best bet is to test any paper that is not specifically marked ‘acid-free.’

Now that wasn’t hard at all, was it?  And you’ve earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to learn from another scrapper enthusiast.