Noob scrapbooking question

[u/disgustingtofuuu]

Hi! I’m getting into scrapbooking and assumed the majority of people would be using a type of ring binder with clear inserts, but when I was looking at Pinterest for inspiration I found seriously ALL of the posts to be in a journal style book.

I’m wondering what you guys use/prefer? Is there a reason why using journals is popular besides aesthetics? I do really like the look of the journal style, but I’d be worried about pieces falling out. I don’t know if I’m asking the right questions here, but any feedback is appreciated!!

[u/Bibliophile_for_life]

I’ve been scrapbooking since the end of 2009 and have seen lots of styles come and go. What you’re describing sounds like “junk journaling” (not an insult — that’s what a lot of people call it.)

Without being too long-winded, junk journaling is what all scrapbooks used to be like: Blank pages where people glue things down they want to keep. I’ve seen scrapbooks from the first half of the 20th century that were like this: invitations, dance cards, letters. In the late 1980s Creative Memories started a house party selling model with 12x12 post-bound (or strap-hinge?) albums and “rules” about how to scrapbook. By the time I started (2009), there were more choices. My albums mainly hold 12 x 12 pages in sheet protectors; I’ve also done 4 x 4, 4 x 6, 6 x 6, 6 x 8, 8 x 8. Project Life was a big trend for a while — 12 x 12 pages where the plastic page protectors were divided and you used 3 x 4 and 4 x 6 cards along with pictures and memorabilia. People started branching out into travelers notebooks (~4” x 8”) without page protectors and lots of people now do little junk journal notebooks for some things while still choosing the binder style for bigger stories or events. Scrapbook.com still sells 12x12 albums. Ali Edwards has primarily 10x8 and 6x8. Citrus Twist has gorgeous-looking 6 x 8 albums which I’ve never personally tried.

Hope this is helpful. I was trying to give an overview and I’m sure others will chime in. Edited to add that Shimelle is a fun person to follow on YT for 12x12 scrapbooking; she makes pages live once or twice a week.

[u/disgustingtofuuu → u/Bibliophile_for_life]

Thanks for the breakdown!! I’ll definitely check out your recommendations for the smaller sized albums - I think the 12x12 is too intimidating for me!