6 Modern Ways to Scrapbook

Scrapbooking isn’t done the way it used to be. And that’s a good thing. Now, anyone can create a beautiful scrapbook without the tedious bowls of beads and buttons of yore. (Only Beverly Goldberg can keep track of those tiny things, anyway.)

Today, scrapbooking is done in tons of different ways, whether in a physical or digital format. If you’re looking to make a modern scrapbook, consider the following options:

1. Paper Scrapbooks

Even the traditional scrapbook filled with photos, lace, metal tags and lots of paper has evolved over the years. But it is still around for a reason: it works. If you want a more classic type of scrapbook, use a simple symmetrical leather book like Gallery Leather Yarmouth 12X12 scrapbook. Then, arrange your photos in a grid with double-sided tape on a white or black background. Use Polaroid photos if you have them, and keep photo tags to one line.

2. Fabric Scrapbooks

Softer and subtler than the paper scrapbook, a fabric scrapbook is a great option for more sentimental memories, such as your baby’s first year or your wedding. A fabric scrapbook combines photo preservation with the quilting hobby you love (or that your mother-in-law wished you loved). Sew together sturdy fabrics like felt or upholstery mounted on a three-ring binder to give it a book shape. Then, affix photos and embellishments with double-sided tape, hot glue or embroidery.

3. Shadowbox

Not all memories in life can be shoved into a page protector. Show some extra love to the third dimension in your life with a scrapbox. Start by buying a shadowbox from a local craft store like Michaels. Then, use a favorite photo to anchor the box and decorate with three-dimensional objects, like a pair of baby shoes, jewelry, a wedding veil, or dried flowers. Display your scrapbox in a hallway or your living room wall (instead of the back of your dusty bookshelf).

4. Digital Scrapbooks

For those who are less appreciative of sticky fingers and afraid of tiny choking hazards, digital scrapbooks are perfect — they keep photos forever and are savable with the click of a button. Look for free ideas and affordable design templates on Instagram. Or, convert your paper scrapbooks to a digital file by scanning the paper files into a cloud server. This way of scrapbooking saves your memories forever, regardless of how many times you move or how many cheerios your children smash into your photo albums. Check out Top10CloudStorage for reviews of some of the best and most popular cloud storage providers.

5. Envelope Scrapbooks

After a trip to Europe or the Caribbean, you have way more ticket stubs, maps, souvenirs and photos than you can possibly fit onto a page. Enter the envelope scrapbook. This homemade version of the paper scrapbook enables you to feature one or two photos on a page, as well as keep other photos, maps, tickets and memorabilia contained inside a neat envelope. Get the tutorial at Making-mini-scrapbooks.com.

6. Scrapbooks on a Ring

For the easily-intimidated or distracted moms (hello, isn’t that everyone?), a scrapbook on a ring may be the best option. All you need are index cards, photo prints or Polaroid photos, a hole-punch, an index-card ring, double-sided tape and embellishments. For free background paper or colorful embellishments, nab some extra paint samples from your local hardware store.

Do you scrapbook?

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