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The Best Scrapbooking Paper

Last updated on March 8, 2022
Best Scrapbooking Paper

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Scrapbooking is an elegant way to archive precious memories, which is why it is crucial that none of the materials used in the scrapbook spread could contribute to the fading or discoloration of photos. To avoid this, scrapbooking supplies are made acid-free with a pH level of 7. (Acid levels are measured on a pH scale of 0 to 14.)

When buying scrapbook paper, the most important thing to consider is if the paper is archival quality. That means it is acid- and lignin-free. Lignin is a plant fiber found in wood that causes paper made from wood pulp to turn yellow over time. Most scrapbooking papers are already made acid- and lignin-free, but always double check if you are venturing out of the scrapbooking realm when purchasing paper.

There is a wide variety of paper available for scrapbooking: sturdy cardstock, transparent acetate and patterned scrapbook paper, to name a few. However, the options are truly limitless. Depending on what you want to do with the paper, you may have to consider the method used to make the paper.

When paper is made, the wood pulp is either cold- or hot-pressed into its shape. Cold-press paper has a texture to it, called the “tooth,” and it can absorb water, making it best for ink, watercolor and other paints. This type of paper also tends to have subtle colors. On the other hand, hot-pressed papers tend to have vibrant colors and are smooth, making them best for writing or drawing clean, fine lines.

Our Picks For The Top Scrapbooking Papers

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Scrapbook Customs Burlap & Lace Double-Sided Scrapbooking Paper, 12-Pack

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Scrapbook Customs

Burlap & Lace Double-Sided Scrapbooking Paper, 12-Pack

When creating a wedding, anniversary or family history scrapbook, this lace-print scrapbooking paper is the way to go. Each set contains 12 double-sided sheets that are nice and thick and easy to work with. The color scheme of this set includes navy, burlap, mint, mauve and blush.

Overall Take

Elegant OptionThis scrapbooking paper is perfect for creating bridal shower or wedding invitations.

 Runner Up

Stamperia Intl Acid-Free Scrapbooking Paper, 10-Pack

Stamperia Intl

Acid-Free Scrapbooking Paper, 10-Pack

The floral and botanical prints in this scrapbooking paper set are truly beautiful to behold. Each of the 10 pages are double-sided and made to fit 12 by 12-inch scrapbooks. A set of complimentary cut-outs are also included, adding to the appeal of this set.

Overall Take

Botanical DesignsIn addition to using this scrapbooking paper in a photobook, you can also use it to create a stylish journal or unique treasure book.

 We Also Like

Colorbok Wild & Free Card Making Scrapbooking Paper, 50-Pack

Colorbok

Wild & Free Card Making Scrapbooking Paper, 50-Pack

These 25 multicolored bohemian patterns are the perfect way to accent your adventure-filled scrapbook albums. With their pastel colors, the subtle designs make beautiful backdrops for your memories.

Overall Take

Boho-Chic Pastels This 12-by-12-inch scrapbooking paper comes in a pack of 50 sheets for all your crafting needs.

 Strong Contender

Desecraft Craft Variety Scrapbooking Paper, 24-Pack

Desecraft

Craft Variety Scrapbooking Paper, 24-Pack

You'll find this scrapbooking paper can be used to create everything from scrapbooking pages to homemade cards to backgrounds for framed photos. The set includes 24 sheets of paper in eight different designs in size 5.9 by 5.9 inches. Crafters will love the paper's bright colors, as well as the included gold foil.

Overall Take

Most Versatile SetYou can order this scrapbooking paper in one of five different color palettes.

What to Look For

  • When shopping for paper, buying packs of paper instead of single sheets offers a variety of coordinating elements at a more manageable price point, making it easier to piece together cohesive spreads.
  • Having a variety of paper in both subtle and busy patterns and solid colors will give you freedom when designing spreads. Solid colors and subtle patterns won’t distract from spreads with many photos, while busy patterns can fill up a spread with just a few photos.
  • There are two types of cardstock papers: white cores and color cores. Torn edges of white core cardstock will appear white, while color core cardstock will appear the color of the paper.
  • If you’re ever unsure whether your paper is acid-free, you can always check with a pH level tester pen. If the pen shows up blue or purple, then then the paper is acid-free.

More to Explore

The history of scrapbooking can be traced back to personal journals from the Middle Ages. Perhaps the most famous and oldest known journal is from a French priest written between 1409 and 1449. However, journals didn’t start to resemble our scrapbooks today until the invention of the industrial printing press that gave rise to mass-produced greeting cards, calling cards and postcards in the early 1800s.

In the later 1800s, calling card albums rose in popularity as one of the first instances of scrapbooking as personal memory-keeping. At the time, it was common practice for visitors to leave a calling card, which could then be stored in a book for posterity.

More to explore