Not sure about the smartest way to scrapbook different mementos? Adhere to these guidelines for common heritage-album keepsakes.
- Pressed flowers—Enclose in a Mylar sleeve.
- Newspaper clippings—Treat with a deacidification spray and encapsulate, or use a color photocopy.
- Letters—Treat with deacidification spray. To make both sides readable, place in a separate page protector,in a keepsake pocket, or color copy important passages for display.
- Cards and programs—Treat with deacidification spray and place in a keepsake pocket. If you want the inside to be visible, open the card and place a length of ribbon vertically along the inside fold. Then fasten the ribbon to the background paper just above and below the card.
- Polaroids—Use color copies.
- Fabrics—Encapsulate, color copy or photograph wool or silk items. Hand-stitch other items to your page.
- Coins—Place in keepsake pockets. Arrange so they'll stay in a single, flat layer.
3-D Danger Zone
The "layered look" is popular in scrapbooking these days—but certain embellishments can damage photos or attract insects. Employ these items sparingly or avoid them altogether:
- metal (wire, eyelets, foil, glitter)
- silk
- wool
- acetate ribbon or fabric
- any fabric or ribbon with dye that runs
- wire-edged ribbon
- thick pieces (polymer clay, buttons, beads)
- pressed flowers or leaves
If you want to use 3-D embellishments, stick to safe-scrapbooking rules: Don't let them touch photos. Enclose mementos in plastic sleeves or keepsake pockets, so they don't harm your pictures, either.