New Scrapbook Help

Hello and thanks.

I'm not really a "scrapbooker", but found myself having to re-do a photo album/scrapbook for my old Navy pictures from when I was in the service 40+ years ago. But I need some help and some answers. I'll try to just ask each question separately.

1) Where can I find the OLD STYLE expandable scrapbook albums (the ones with the studs or bolts in them). I am not interested in the notebook binder types, nor am I interested in the vinyl pages. Just looking for the old fashioned thick pages that were around back 20-30 years ago.

2) Glues/Adhesives - I have found some roll on double sided tape that works pretty well and it's permanent, but is there such a thing as a semi-permanent or removable double sided tape?

3) I'm dealing with almost all photos, but the reason I'm leaning towards the scrapbook side as opposed to the photo album side is that almost all photo albums nowadays use vinyl pages where you insert the images into the pockets (don't like those at all), and while I really liked the old "magnetic" style adhesive pages...the quality of those nowadays is terrible (the plastic film is very thin, and the adhesive went from sticking too well...to not sticking hardly at all.

4) I'm not interested in fancy, just a plain scrapbook with the ability to add or subtract pages.

If anyone wants to share other ideas for the scrapbooking, I would greatly appreciate any tips, ideas or help.

Thank you very much...sorry for such a lengthy post.

I will attempt to answer what questions that I can for you.

1) What you are looking for is known as a post bound album. All to my knowledge will be white or black pages inside of a "vinyl" page protector. The page protector will be what is bound into the album. The benefit of this is that it protects your photos and pages from damage, also the pages tend to not fall out, unlike the old scrapbooks. These come in a variety of sizes, the most common are 12x12, 8.5x11, 8x8, and 6x6. You will have to decide what size is best for you.

2) Adhesives: most double sided tape that is readily available is bad for your photos. Make certain that the adhesive and the paper you use is acid free. There are some repositionable adhesives in the SB.com store. Someone else might be able to tell you exactly what they are.

Most magnetic albums destroy the photos inside them. They are easy to use and convenient, but they harm your photos. Inks can also harm your photos, so if writing on or near a photo, use an acid free ink.

I checked through Wal-Mart online, but didn't see what you're talking about. Amazon had some 3-ring albums, but I didn't see any with pages...but I didn't go through the whole search.

Would a journal like in the sb.com store work for you? They have an art journal with kraft pages in it, as well as empty ones that you could buy paper for. I know what you're looking for. I have several of them, but most people prefer the protective pages anymore.

If you do a search in the sb store, you might find other items that would fulfill your needs. It's a great store to deal with and has fast delivery.

Sent you a PM.

I get the impression you are looking for the kind your mom or sister used when you were young. If your military was 40 years ago, my guess you are into your 60's? I am 76 and have been scrapbooking for well over 15 years.
I scrap for people I may never meet. It is important for future family to know about where they came from. The most important aspect of scrapping, in my opinion, is journaling. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a picture without word is a million questions. With out documentation, even you will forget the story behind the photo. I can't even remember why I went into the kitchen, and the only advice I get is "it gets worse".
I would ask you not ruin your photos. The magnetic albums are not magnetic, they are like super glue, They will not be removed.
The nice thing about the sheet protectors is it keeps the kids greasy fingers away from the photos.

Well, my fellow lady veteran (I too am a Navy veteran) there are Navy postbound albums available online. I have one... and I have another one I have not used. It is Navy blue with the Navy emblem on the front, it is a hard resin crest. They are made by K and Co. and are of good quality.

Sincerely,
YN2 Kimberly Cole

Those are nice Kimberly. I've seen them in Michaels, or Hobby Lobby or Joanne's - not sure which. They have them for all branches of the service. I bought a Marine one with the idea I would some day make a book for my dad for the family to have. Don't know that I will ever get around to it though. I don't really have enough to make an album.