Scrapbook Paper

Scrapbook Paper

In North America, scrapbook paper comes in two standard sizes for creating page layouts. The most popular is 12" x 12". The second most popular is 8 1/2" x 12". There are also smaller sizes available as well in the form of paper pads. These smaller pads of scrapbook paper are mainly used to create accents or embellishments for a larger page layout or they are used the size they come in to create mini books or mini albums.

Scrapbook paper is acid free and lignin free. This means that it is of an archival quality. You can safely use it with photos and it will not cause the photos to deteriorate with age. Purchasing regular paper for scrapbooking is not advisable since it will not be archival paper and thus you could be seriously harming your photos by using it.

There are several different types of scrapbook paper that people use for creating scrapbook pages or layouts. We will discuss them in a bit of detail below.

Card Stock

Card stock is the scrapbooking standard. It is also known as "card." Card stock is a thick quality scrapbook paper which is often used as backgrounds for the whole scrapbook layout. Card stock is also used to matte photos or journaling boxes. You will find that having card stock scrapbook paper is a necessity for scrapbooking.

Patterned Paper

Patterned paper scrapbook paper is the piece de resistance of a scrapbook layout. This is what you will use to decorate and embellish your page. Patterned paper comes in endless designs and colors. Choose the best patterned paper for your project by matching it up with the card stock and photos.

Vellum

Vellum is a type of paper that has a filmy and grainy look to it. It is semi-translucent and made from a specially treated paper. Vellum scrapbook paper comes in a variety of colors and textures. It can even have muted patterns printed on it. Scrapbookers will use it to overlay on top of another element on a page. Or, they may use it to matte photos or journaling boxes.

Clear Overlays

Clear overlays are often used by scrapbookers. They are sometimes called transparencies because they are totally clear except for those that may have silk screened prints in some areas. One company, Hambly, in particular is known for their printed clear overlays. Clear overlays are used as scrapbook paper for different aspects of a layout.

Handmade Papers

Handmade papers are also used as scrapbook paper. These type of papers are often unique and one-of-a-kind. They are used in many aspects of scrapbooking. They are certainly a type of paper that will not be going away anytime soon.

Choosing the best scrapbook paper for your scrapbooking project is all about coordination. Start with your photos. Find colors in the photo that you want to accentuate. Find patterned paper and card stock to match the photos and your resulting layout will be look well coordinated and pleasing to the eye.