Scrapbooking

What is all the buzz about using “acid-free” products for scrap booking, journaling and card making? What does “acid-free” refer to, and is it important?

When scrap-booking enthusiasts speak of acid-free products, they are referring to the pH level in the product, 7.0 and above being virtually acid free. In order for a product to be labeled “acid-free”, the active acids that are present have to be removed during the manufacturing process. When you see an old newspaper or book that is yellowed and brittle, you are witnessing the destruction that acid causes over time. Can you see the value in using acid-free products for scrap booking, journaling, and other paper crafts that are meant to last? If you want those memories to be preserved for years to come, you must use products that will stand the test of time without discoloring, fading, and becoming brittle.

Because of the booming scrap booking industry, it is very easy to find acid free products. They are readily available in any craft store — BUT can we trust ANY product that says it is acid free? Well, maybe, but if you are unsure, there are other ways to be sure your paper or ink is safe for your project.

One way is to buy a pH tester pen (available at craft stores). Just make a mark with the pen on the item in question, and it will turn a certain color of acid is present, or another color if the item is virtually acid free.

Another great product you can buy is KRYLON “Make it Acid-Free” (Nope, they are not paying me to say this!). Apply the spray to BOTH sides of any item for your journal or scrapbook, and it neutralizes any acid content, and also protects the item from becoming brittle. A definite lifesaver, if you are in doubt!

If you are planning to use an ink-jet printer for scrap booking or journaling, most ink is acid free. The down side is that printer ink is not water-fast or permanent, so it will not hold up to heavy use or moisture. However, if you still want to print graphics from your computer, the old black and white is the best way to go because it generally holds up longer than color print. To add color to your graphics, use acid-free pens and pencils. For a valuable resource to find out the length of time that different products last, visit www.wilhelm-research.com. This company studies on many products to see how long they resist fading and discoloration. Just type “acid-free ink” or “acid-free paper” in the search box at the top, and you will find a lot of valuable information.

There is something about us humans that we love to preserve our memories for the coming generations. With the abundance of acid-free products on the market today, you will have a better chance of having your projects stand the test of time.

For years now, scrapbooking has had many enthusiasts, from Mark Twain to President Thomas Jefferson.

This hobby involves creatively putting together printed memorabilia – from photos, articles from newspapers, stamps, calling cards, receipts, movie tickets, postcards, dried flowers, even candy wrappers – as long as the item represents a memorable occasion in a person’s life.

Scrapbooking enthusiasts all over the world have grown significantly over the years. These people are referred to as scrapbookers, and they often hold gatherings to share ideas about cropping photos and improving their craft.

The popularity of scrapbooking was further enhanced by companies which offer a line of scrapbooking products.

The idea in scrapbooking is to use decorated, colorful and personalized scrapbooks to showcase the photos and other memorabilia. Thus, companies came up with many different products specifically used for scrapbooking purposes.

Many of accessories have been sold, such as stickers, colored and patterned paper, lettering stick-ons and templates, and a host of other things to personalize scrapbooking.

History of Scrapbooking

Here is a brief run-through of the history of scrapbooking:

1598 –

The earliest form of scrapbooking started out from as early as the time of Aristotle, where men kept records of religious and political discussions. During these times, public notices were also recorded on paper or “white tablets”.

1769 –

William Granger published England’s history. This included drawings aside from the text itself, as well as blank pages where readers could add their own comments or illustrations.

1800’s –

President Thomas Jefferson saved newspaper clippings during his term in the White House and compiled them into albums. People also saved articles from newspapers, drawings and other memorabilia and compiled them into book-like materials.

During this period, albums were also more intricately designed, with locks and covers which have an embossed design or lettering. Personal journals and friendship albums were also made.

1826 –

John Poole published “Manuscript Gleanings and Literary Scrapbook”. This publication featured how-to instructions for displaying personal items such as poems, diary entries, and other “scrap”. Scrapbook is a word which came from the pieces of colored paper which were pasted into albums.

During the late 1800’s, Mark Twain became a scrapbooking enthusiast by creating personal albums which he later sold for almost $50,000.

1839 –

The daguerreotype was invented and was introduced to the public by Louis-Jacques Daguerre. This paved the way toward the invention of photography – which would further enhance the art of scrapbooking.

1888 –

George Eastman marketed the first ever Kodak camera and rolled film for photographs. This momentous event later on changed the way that people “recorded” events on their lives, as there is no better way to capture a moment than with the use of photographs.

Read more about Scrapbooking as a hobby at HobbyNook.com!

John