Scrapbooking: Safe Photo Storage

To scrapbook or not to scrapbook? That is the question.

How do you currently store your photos? Are you happy with this method? Let's look at some photo-storage options:

   1. Do you put them in an old-style non-scrapbook album? These old-style albums contain lots of photo-damaging chemicals, such as acid (which deteriorates the quality and clarity of the image), lignen, (which can send your photos yellow/brown) and PVC (which lets off a chemical gas which can damage them). It is clear that it is wise, then, to go with the modern idea of scrapbook albums, as most are acid-free and lignen-free. Scrapbook pages which are buffered are even better, because buffering keeps them acid-free and lignen-free.
   2. Do you store your photos in a box in the attic or somewhere else? This is probably not the most desirable option, as you run the risk of them getting lost or damaged, although it is definitely better than housing them in non-scrapbook albums. Take note, though, you would want to make sure your storage box is dark, weather-proof and waterproof. You don't want mould creeping in, do you?
   3. Do you leave them in the packets they come in and have them scattered all over the house? Again, the packets are less damaging than old-style non-scrapbook albums, but there are still disadvantages with this method, too. One of the most obvious is that you may not be able to find the photos you want when you want them. I've been in that situation (before I knew about scrapbooking) and I must say it's no fun trying to find what you want. Of course, if you need to evacuate your house for a fire or other natural disaster, you can say goodbye to most of your photos, as you'll never get them all in time. Scrapbook albums can be grabbed in a couple of seconds and taken to safety much more easily than packets everywhere.
   4. Do you throw your hands up in the air and say "I'll never be able to get these photos organised!?" I can honestly say I've tried that and guess what - it doesn't work! Of course, this theory doesn't work with anything!
   5. Do you ask a scrapbooking friend to organise a scrapbook album for you? This could be a good option if they remember or have the time to spend on it! But let's face it - they probably don't have enough time to work on their own scrapbook albums! That is exactly what all my scrapbooking friends and customers would say to me!
   6. Do you create your own scrapbook album, when you get time, which may or may not ever happen? Even if you do eventually find the time to have a go, will you remember all the details by the time you get to make it? Most of us are busy these days and finding time for ourselves is very difficult.

So, which option will you choose? I firmly believe that you will find time to do anything if it's important enough to you! May I encourage you to make the time, as you never know what is around the corner. Tomorrow may never come. Seize the day - make your scrapbook albums today! They don't have to be creative if you don't want them to be - just DONE!

Timmy have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for scrapbooking supplies and great passion and knowledge for scrapbooking  and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here scrapbookingtools.org