Specialty Album Sizes

My scrapbooking albums evidence my ever-evolving scrapbooking style. When I began scrapbooking, I chose 8.5" x 11" as my layout size. As I progressed (and started taking more pictures) I moved to 12" x 12" layouts. However, at this stage in my development, I scrap almost every album size available, depending on my mood and my project's specific requirements. With all the great album size choices out on the market, how could I ever choose just one? Below I've spelled out the pros and cons for each of three specialty sizes: 6" x 6", 8" x 8", and 11" x 8.5" (as opposed to 8.5" x 11").

6" x 6" Albums

Pros:

• Provides an effective use for 12" x 12" papers (just cut a sheet of 12" x 12" paper into quarters and you've got four sheets perfect for your 6" x 6" album!)
• Is a perfect size for brag books

Cons:

• Usually only fits one photo per page (see image below for example)
  
• Provides only a limited amount of space for journaling

8" x 8" Albums

Pros:

• Usually fits several pictures to a page
• Easy to print digital layouts in 8" x 8" size on a regular printer

Cons:

• Paper not as common in 8" x 8" size, so pages usually must be cut down from 12" x 12" or 8.5" x 11" paper; there are some 8" x 8" paper tablets on the market
• Room for only two refills to an album (as 8" x 8" albums usually only have two posts, compared to three in most 12" x 12" and 8.5" x 11" albums)

11" x 8.5" Albums

Pros:

• Albums fit neatly on most shelves
• Perfect for large horizontal pictures

Cons:

• Tricky to design two-page layouts depending on picture orientation
• Can be awkward to store on shallow shelves
• Many popular papers only come in a 12" x 12" size, so you must cut the paper down if you wish to use it

Next time you're in a scrapbooking rut, or you have an entire roll of pictures from an event, try creating a theme album in one of these new, specialty sizes. Your creativity will be rejuvenated, and the album will stand out among all your other "usual" albums!

Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!
Enjoy 5-Star service, HUGE selection and LOW prices!
Click here to start shopping!