How do you know if buttons are safe for scrapbooking?
I'd like to use buttons in my scrapbooking pages, but I don't want to pay the price for what they sell in craft stores. What materials are generally safe (acid/lingin-free) to use on scrapbook pages?
Public Comments
1. Great question!
Buttons are not safe to use. Mainly, they will leave indentations on your page and the page behind and next page, too. I humbly suggest that you not use anything 3-D, as they really do make indentations on the page.
I am unsure where you are getting your supplies, but Creative Memories sells supplies that are ALL photo safe....the adhesive, pages, papers, stickers.....everything! Check out Creative Memories at
www.mycmsite.com/marycluley
In addition, I am unsure what kind of album you are using, but the "post bound" with the metal screws.....don't get that kind as if you'll notice, the pages are held to the screwswith 1/8th inch of very flimsy plastic. It will be just a matter of time before those rip! I have seen it so many times! People do all that work and then the album falls apart!
Good luck to you! Happy scrappin!
2. I use lots of "3D" stuff on my scrapbook pages. When I put them into an album I put foam strips on the binding so the pages have room in between them.
Yes you can use buttons, just don't have any touching your photos.
3. Most buttons are fine and 3D things make a page pop, especially if you plan on framing that page (looks fabulous on the wall!). Plastic buttons are usually fine as are metal. I've never had a problem with them. Some wooden buttons might leech stain or paint onto your page, so you might want to be a little more careful with them. Either than that, it's not a problem at all. If you're worried about acid/lingin free, you might want to keep your eyes open for a spray meant to remove acids from photos and things, made specifically for scrapbookers and people keeping old photos.
4. I use buttons all the time, i just use small ones and I haven't had any problems.
5. Go to CropMom at http://www.cropmom.com and use your photos and CropMom's graphics to create your scrapbook. They have thousands of graphics including buttons. It is fund, easy, and safe.