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Scrapbook and personal card crafters are always looking for ways to enhance the quality and uniqueness of their finished creations.  Paper tearing is one of those simple, yet very effective ways to add that uniqueness to their cards and pages.

The reason this technique is so popular is because of its simplicity, and there are not tools required to make your creations–just paper and your fingers.  In a matter of just a few minutes you can turn your cardstock, photos, vellum and other papers in to useful and interesting additions to your projects . . . adding varied dimensions, textures and interest as you go.

As you begin this simple technique you may want to experiment on scrap pieces of paper to see what effect your tear will have, and that this effect is what you’re looking for.   Tearing gives you two separate textures:  a smoother side and a rougher side.  You get the smoother side by tearing the paper towards you, and the rougher look by tearing away from you.

Some papers have different colored cores–some card stock for instance.  If you are looking to reveal that core you may want a more rough looking tear, so tear the paper away from you.  Remember to experiment a bit with some scraps to see what the end result will be, and if that results is what you want.

A controlled jagged edge can best be made by placing the paper you wish to tear on a flat hard surface.  With one hand hold your paper on the hard surface, and with the other hand–using only your thumb and index finger–begin the tear  in small sections working down the paper to what ever length you wish.  This slow small tear approach allows you to control the size and length of the tear.

For a wide tear effect, hold your paper with both hands and tear in opposite directions with each hand.   The speed of your tearing will help determine how much control you have on the width of the tear.  This techniques is best suited for longer paper tears.

If you’re looking for a more soft, fuzzy and delicate tear you’ll need to crease your paper where you want the tear to be.  Then add a bit of moisture to the creased area using your finger moistened with water, or use a soaked cotton swab, or a sponge (not overly wet).  Wipe the creased area to add a bit of moisture to the paper.  With the crease moistened begin your tear–on a solid flat surface to help control the tear.  Tear the paper down and towards you.  The completed tear, when dry, will have a soft fuzzy appearance.

Another soft tear technique is to use a straight edge down on your paper and pull the paper towards you.  The end product will be similar to the wet method above with a soft straight tear line.  There are tearing guides that will also give your a patterned tear like the deckle or scallop edge.

Courtesy of Oriental Trading

In the beginning years of scrapbook crafting, card stock was the prime paper available and used by most crafters.  With the coming of printed papers many paper crafters abandoned the plain color card stock offerings.  Nothing against patterned papers, but there is a place–a significant one–for plain colored paper.

As you acquire your scrapbook and personal card making supplies, paper will obviously be a staple.  When choosing the primary papers you want to work with, and there are tons of choices out there, be sure to have ample supplies of card stock.

Beginning scrappers may be well served to “cut their teeth” using plain colored card stock on their initial scrapbook projects.  Card stock offers you a simple clean and fresh looking paper to begin your layout.  There is less time and focus needed to select accents and embellishments that won’t clash with a printed or patterned paper.  A beginning crafter need only concern themselves with an appropriate color, selected photographs, some journal entries and an accent or two to bring our your page’s theme.

With time and experience, paper crafters can expand their horizon.  They will learn balance, symmetry and color schemes that will allow them to begin mixing textures and patterns in their creations–but in the beginning they will do well to stay with simple elements.

Card stock holds a great deal of versatility.  In addition to being the backdrop of your scrapbook’s pages, with the help of scissors and die cuts, scraps of card stock can be the embellishment you need for a particular project.  This also extends the cost value of the card stock itself by making more use of the whole sheet for other than your page’s background.  Consider, too, using card stock for photo mats, journaling strips and blocks, tags and borders.  You’ll find more uses for this important material as your effort and experience increases.

Be sure the card stock you purchase is lignin and acid free.  If you purchase your paper from reputable scrapbook and craft supply stores or outlets (online), you should be comfortable their providing you with reliable card stock.

Scrapping can be tons of fun, but costly, if you let it.  Use these tips to help you enjoy your crafting and help reduce your expenses.

Scrapbook, card and paper crafters are always on the lookout for supplies and tools which can help them design and complete their projects. There are so many products and tools available, and the offerings continue to change constantly. Finding what you may need to get your projects from design to a finished product is a challenge. Not all scrapbook and craft stores carry all of the things you seek.

Here is a listing of scrapbook and paper crafter manufacturers, suppliers and outlets we hope will be of some help in finding and purchasing what you need. We have provided a generalized synopsis of what each company offers. Click on a LOGO to see what they provide.

Some items you may be able to buy direct from the manufacturer or supplier, while others you will have to go to a retail source–either in a store or online.  We have noted some of the online outlets we use, that can generally meet most, if not all, of your scrapbook or paper craft supply needs, including finding products provided by the manufacturers and suppliers listed here.  Not all of them have everything, but you are likely to find just most things you’ll need through one of these online outlets. Click on an outlet to take you to their website.

Scrapbook.com
Scrapbooksupercenter.com
Scrapbookpal.com
Acherryontop.com
Restockit.com
Joann.com

3 Bugs In A Rug	This supplier provides scrapbook embellishments: paper collections, stickers, rub-ons, clear stamps, brads, ribbons, paper backs, clipboard/design board in a wide variety to choose from
3 M	3M is one of the world’s largest manufacturer of Tape dispensers, cutting tools, craft supplies—Scotch® Brand products help you get the job done right. Whether you need to make a deadline, make the grade or make something special, they may well have the tools you’re looking for.
7Gypsies Scrapbooking Products	This supplier provides a wide variety of scrapbook papers and embellishments (the items listed may not represent all of their offerings): Paddington 2 sided paper (12″x12″; 8″x8″; “6″x 6″); chipboard alphabet & numbers; clear stamps and tags. Conservatory 2 sided paper (12″x12″; 8″x8″; “6″x 6″),;chipboard alphabet & numbers; tags. Book covers; decorative binder rings; journal pages; mini ephemera; hardware (metal charms & gears); atc receipe holder; assorted trays; library drawer w/index cards;  stickers and rubbings.
Acme Unlimited Corp	Acme United Corporation brings you titanium cutting tools including scissors; craft crimpers; hobby knives and blades & cutting mats; rulers; pencil and crayon sharpeners; punches and staplers; cutters/blades; paper trimmers.
All About Memories	Provider of scrapbook page photo mats
All My Memories	All My Memories is the Crafter’s source for functional, cost effective organizational products for scrapbook supplies, photos and crafting materials. We offer organization solutions that are not only archival safe, but maximize your workspace
American Crafts	American Crafts is known for fresh, clean product design and friendly, personalized customer service. Products feature bright, vibrant colors and a contemporary feel, inspiring crafters to record their memories in a fun, sophisticated, and stylish way.
American Traditional Designs	What’s your story? Everyone has one! And with our family of ATD products you can tell yours with exceptional results. Stunning papers, unique stickers, shining embellishments and beautifully constructed albums make scrapbooking easy and fun. Mix and match with our unique designs and treatments. Each product offers instruction and inspiration so that everyone can enjoy expressing themselves through scrapbooking.
ANW Crestwood	ANW Crestwood markets to retailers across the world, selling scrapbooking supplies, cards and envelopes, stationery products and card stock under the brands of The Paper Company™, TPC Studiotm™, Paper Adventures™ and CreativityWorks™.
Anna Griffin Inc	Anna Griffin is a provider of fine stationery, cards and invitations. In addition Anna Griffin provides decorative papers for creating elegant scrapbook pages and cards. The designs include something for everyone, while staying true to the antiques inspired images which crafters look to Anna Griffin. Kits provide all that is needed to complete a wonderful project.
Apple Pie Memories	Apple Pie Memories designs and manufactures many different styles and mediums of embellishments and an extensive line of acrylic stamping blocks to enhance your scrapbook and greeting cards.
Around the Block	Around the Block is a supplier of a broad selection of scrapbooking paper, bags, brads, embellishments, card stock paper, tools, kits, metal, ribbon, storage, frames, stamps and chip board. See your favorite scrapbook or craft store for specific items that will help you in completing your projects.
ArtBin Storage & Totes	ArtBin®, the leader for innovative craft and hobby storage offers an extensive line of molded storage boxes and soft-side products for at home or on the go! With versatility being a key factor, ArtBin storage products’ unique designs allow YOU to customize your storage solution to what best fits your needs!
Amaco Art Emboss	Art Emboss foil sheets are extremely soft and pliable, these colorful foil sheets can be used to accent hundreds of your favorite craft projects.
ArteLatinOh!	Arte LantinOh! brings crafters authentic Spanish scrapbook and paper supplies with a Latin warmth. In addition they provide needed accessories for rubber stamping, card making and other paper crafting needs.
Art Institute Glitter	Our fine art glitter remains unsurpassed in quality. See and feel the difference! Ultra-fine, micro-fine, chunky and flake glitter are mainly cut from polyester films that are so thin you cannot see the dull side of the cut.  Some of the ultra-fine opaque colors have a mix of metallic glitter in them also. All polyester glitter is acid free and safe for wearing on skin.
Artistic Expressions Inc	Artistic Expressions offers a specialty line of unique and high-quality scrapbooking products that add an instant touch of elegance to your scrapbook layouts or paper craft projects–including Timeless Tins and Clear Expressions acid-free and lignin-free 12×12 transparent overlays .
Atco Products Inc.	A source for specialty metal hardware.
Autumn Leaves A Division of Creativity Inc.	Autumn Leaves is a one five major categories of Creativity Inc. company’s products which encompass: Basic Crafting, Beading, Organization, Paper Crafting and Scrapbooking. These products are sold under 5 major identifiable company names: Autumn Leaves, Blue Moon Beads, Crop In Style, DMD and Westrim Crafts.
Avery	Personalize your scrapbooks with our Personal Creation™ Printable Products. With our border and die-cut journaling sticker papers, and our die-cut printable tags, you’ll be able to create acid and lignin-free designs to accent any scrapbook page.
Basic Grey	BasicGrey is an award-winning US based design house which creates self-branded and licensed products for the scrapbooking, fabric, and general craft industries. Our multi-disciplined team also creates digital content that can be transformed into digital scrapbooks, blogs, and e-cards.
Bazzill Basics	Bazzill is a provider of a wide variety of card stock for scrapbook and paper crafters. They carry additional scrapbook and paper crafting supplies
Bella Blvd	Bella Blvd provides which includes: Patterned Papers, Cardstock Stickers, and additional embellishments including Clear Stamps, Blooms A Bellatm cotton flowers, Wooden Flourish Frame are, handmade and painted by Artist Heidi Bohn.
Bisous (b-zoo) French for Kiss	Introducing the exciting new line of Bisous scrapbooking PDQ papers, chipboard, scrapbook kits, stickers, CUTouts and die cut tags. Versatile and easy-to-use, these scrapbook products make creating memorable, beautiful scrapbook pages, cards and projects simple and fast.
Bluegrass Publishing	Bluegrass Publishing provides books to help in your scrapbook journaling, as well as a wide array of transparencies to help in crafting your scrapbook and paper craft projects.
Blue Hills Studios	Blue Hills Studios, a division of Alvin & Co., provides crafters a broad array of products to help you with your paper craft and scrapbook projects, including: Blue Hills Studio™, Paper Punches & Crimpers, Templates & Stencils, Markers, Pens & Pencils, Papers, Cardstock & Kits, Cutting & Measuring Tools, Adhesives & Finishing Sprays, Brads, Buttons, Eyelets & Ribbon, Flowers, Die-Cuts & Charms, Accents & Embellishments, Rub-Ons, Alpha, Word & Phrase Stickers, Flat Stickers, 3-D Stickers, Outline Stickers, Glitter, Mica, Flocking & Foil, Scrapbooks & Album Kits, Photo Albums & Home Decor, Blank Surfaces, Rubber & Acrylic Stamps, Chalks, Pastels & Pigments, Ink Pads & Bottled Inks, Embossing, Polymer Clay & Tools, Organizing & Storage and more.
BoBunny	BoBunny provides helpful printed papers and project ideas for scrapbook, card and paper crafters.
<Boxer Scrapbook Productions	Boxer Scrapbook offerings include nearly 1000 unique products, including: albums; boxer cuts; calendars (one their specialties); chipboard; embellishments; kits; exclusive paper, sticker and stamp designs; tags; tins and tools.
Buttons Galore and More	Buttons Galore and More has evolved into a designer and manufacturer of novelty buttons and other embellishments. Their current product lines include Button Theme Pack, BaZooples Buttons, Haberdashery Trims, Flat-Back Theme Buttons, Button Bonanzas, Button Jars, Grab Bags, Felt, Charms, Beads other embellishments.
C & T Publishing	Publisher of scrapbook and paper craft ideas and tips.
Canvas Concepts	Our hand-crafted pre-stretched, acid free and archival cotton canvas is a natural. Think of Scrapbook Décor TM canvas as a page in a scrapbook. All existing scrapbook materials, formats and designs can be used. With a large combination of shapes and sizes, anyone can change their living space easily and cost-effectively.
Adornit – Carolee’s Creations	Adornit is a trend-setter and leader in the scrapbook industry, creating the latest in patterned paper (including our popular word papers and ribbon), cardstock and dimensional stickers, chipboard albums, die cuts, metal accents, rub-ons, altered art, wood products, pattern books and more. Adornit also creates unique idea books – digital scrapbooking and home décor.
Chatterbox Scrapbooking	Chatterbox’s product lines include: artsy.licious Collection; Fabulous Collection; Together Collection; Happy Day Collection; Eclectique Collection; Botanico Collection; embellishments; gift books & mini albums; stamps; storage; Doodle Genies; page kits; albums & album kits; Easy Bradmaker; pens and refill pages.
Clear Scraps	Clear Scraps is your clear choice for chipboard and acrylic albums! We also offer unique home décor, embellishments, custom word albums and many more great designs.
Clearsnap	Clearsnap developed the Rollagraph roller stamp system. Rollagraph introduced the world to the self-inking rolling rubber stamp with interchangeable ink cartridges and stamp wheels. Some of their product line includes: Smooch; Crafter’s High Top Pigment Inkpad; Crafter’s Multi-Color Option Pad; Blended Ink; Pigment Ink; Dye Ink; Craft Ink; Specialty Items and Accessories.
Cloud 9 Design	Cloud9 Design is the producer of scrapbook and paper crafting supplies including card stock, stickers, tools and paper.
Colorbök, Inc. (pronounced col•or•book)	Colorbök is a manufacturer of several scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies including: Albums (In Line. Perfect Scrapbook, Album Assortments and refills); Scrapbook accents and embellishments; Paper packs; Page kits and Box kits.
Coluzzle by Provo Craft	Coluzzle is the original template cutting system. The patented templates, cutting mat, swivel knife, and scoring tool let any crafter cut precise shapes and designs quickly and accurately. Boxes, tags, alphabets, geometric shapes, frames, borders and themed kits are just a few of the design options Coluzzle gives you.
Copic Artist Markers	Copic Markers are the original line of high quality illustrating tools . . . popular among the hobby industry . . . the highest quality, longest lasting, most versatile markers available anywhere. With over 300 colors, replaceable nibs and ink refills to choose from.
Core’dinations	Core’dinations ColorCore Cardstock has a core color which “core’dinates” with the surface color. Each sheet has a tab underneath labeled “core color” that represents the interior color of the sheet. You can choose to keep that color hidden or add your own creative touch by sanding, tearing or embossing.
Cosmo Cricket	Cosmo Cricket is a scrapbook and paper manufacture with products which include: Buck Naked Chipboard,Ready Set Chipboard, Spinner cards, Cardstock Stickers, Kits, Rub Ons, Ribbon, Blackboard and Paper.
C. R. Gibson	C. R. Gibson is the manufacturer of fine photo and scrapbook albums.
Crafter’s Companion	Crafter’s Companion is a provider of a wide range of paper and scrapbook craft supplies including: The Ultimate Tool, Paper Trimmers, Score Boards, Rock-A-Blocks, Books & DVD’s, Crafting Sprays, Fabric Sprays, Rubber Stamps, Beatrix Potter, S.w.a.l.k., Patchwork Polly, Popcorn the Bear, Adorables, Cute Companions, Coloring, Cleaners, Copic Sketch Markers, Craft Chalks, Ink Pads & Refills, Stickles Glitter Glue, Papers & Cardstock (12″ x 12″ 8 1/2″ x 11″), Adhesives and Peel Off Stickers.
Craft Mates	Craft Mates is the provider of Craft Mates™–for the storage for all your little things! This unique line of craft, scrapbooking, and hobby accessories includes: Canvas Organizers: Ezy Lockin’ Caddy (Tote), Ezy Snappin’ Organizer (Mega) and Ezy Snappin’ Organizer (Petite); Locking Caddies: 14-Comparment Locking Caddy, 3XL Locking Caddy, 2XL Locking Caddy, XL Locking Caddy, Large Locking Caddy (2 ct.), Medium Locking Caddy (2 ct.); Sorting & Organizing: Ezy Sort Tray, Stackables and 7-Sided Caddy.
The Crafter’s Workshop	The Crafter’s Workshop is an independent manufacturer & distributor of templates, which come in sizes 12″X12″ and 6″X6″–All Letter templates come in sizes 8 1/2″ x 11″ and 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, and stencils. They also carry a selection of paper and stickers.
Crafty Secrets	Crafty Secrets has evolved to focus on pairing wonderful words and images into stickers, books and a line of Clear Art Stamps for paper arts and scrapbooking. Their offerings include: Index, Notes, SweetChips, CreativeScraps, PaperPads, ClearArtStamps, Postcards, CottonScraps, Stickers, Heartwarming Vintage Cuts, Wood Albums, Booklets & Books.
Crate Paper	Crate Paper is a supplier of paper crafting and scrapbook paper. They have a wonder full line of papers.
Creating Keepsakes	The publishers of Creating Keepsakes Magazine–a magazine devoted primarily to scrapbooking.
Creative Imaginations	Creative Imaginations is the industry leader in themed scrapbook products. From traditional themes like Baby and Travel to more fashionable themes like Love Struck and Caution Girl, Creative Imaginations is proud to offer a wide array of products in coordinating themes. They boasts designs from over 20 licensed brands and artists featured on scrapbook products targeted from the beginner to the advanced scrapbooker. They design, stock and distribute worldwide more than 3,500 individual products. Their diverse line of scrapbook brands include works from artists Allison Connors, Barbara Tourtillotte, Christine Adolph, Danelle Johnson, Debbie Mumm, Karen Russell, Marah Johnson, Renaé Lindgren, Samantha Walker, Sandra Magsamen and Teri Martin.
Creative Impressions	Creative Impressions designs and develops a wide range of embellishments which include: ribbon/twill, bling, blossoms & leaves, cork paper, creative clips, embellishment kits, felt & shimmer shape assortments, metal fun, paper fasteners, rubber stamps, snowflakes and tools.
Creative Options – Scrapbook Storage	Creative Options is an innovator in craft organization and storage with its line of fashion-forward, functional and affordable products. Whether you knit, stitch or scrap, our goal is to keep you — and all of your crafts – covered.Supported by Plano Molding Company, the most trusted name in organizational storage, Creative Options is the only brand offering a full line of hard and soft storage that can be used for any craft. From stylish totes that carry your needles, scissors and skeins, to sturdy, molded organizers that hold everything from stickers to die-cuts, our products come in easy-to-coordinate colors, prints and textures.
Crop in Style Scrapbooking Storage and Totes A Division of Creativity Inc.	Creativity Inc. is a leading designer, marketer and distributor of arts and crafts products. Their product line includes: Basic Crafting, Beading, Organization, Paper Crafting and Scrapbooking. These products are sold under 5 major identifiable company names: Autumn Leaves, Blue Moon Beads, Crop In Style, DMD and Westrim Crafts.
Cropper Hopper – Scrapbooking Organization and Storage	Cropper Hopper provides an array of storage options for scrapbook and paper crafting supplies.
C-Thru Ruler	DeJa Views is a division of C-Thru Ruler. They are producers of measurement, drafting tools, art materials, paper crafting and scrapbooking products (under the Deja Views label). Products include: paper and die-cut embellishments to vellums, bound tablets of paper, rub-ons, stickers and paper crafting tools.
CutterpedeTrimmer & Blades by EK Success	EK Success provides products from scrapbooking, stamping and paper crafting to jewelry making, needle crafts and kids’ crafts. Their products will inspire you to celebrate everyday life! They provide nationally recognized brands, including one of the largest portfolios of licensed products including Disney, Sesame Street®, Marvel™, Girl Scouts and the U.S. Military. They provide over 10,000 wonderful products for the crafter.
Daisy Bucket Designs	Daisy Bucket Designs is a source for patterned paper, acrylic stamps, ribbon paper, rub-ons, chipboard and card elements, and project kits.
Daisy D’s Scrapbooking	You may still find Daisy D’s paper and embellishing elements online and in some scrapbook and paper craft stores.
The Dalee Book Company	Dalee Book is an American bindery specializing in leather photo Albums, Scrapbooks, Frames, Ring Binders, Photo page Refills, Brag Books and more.
Darice	Darice, Inc. has become a leader in the Craft Industry since 1954. They provide over 80,000 items for the craft industry including a large selection of scrapbook and paper craft items.
Design Originals Books	Design Originals Books is a publisher of craft books, stickers and scrapbook papers.
Designs by Reminisce	Designs by Reminisce is the manufacturer and/or provider of a wide array of scrapbook papers and transfers.
Die Cuts With A View	Die Cuts With A View provides a wonderful range of scrapbook paper, chipboard and card stock stacks, scrapbook kits, shadow boxes, albums, card making kit and embellishments.
Disney Scrapbooking	Disney scrapbooking is fun and easy with scrapbook paper, sticker sheets, page layouts and embellishments. Products for many favorite Disney characters are available. Also, some manufacturers produce “Disney-inspired” products that can add some great touches to your pages. Disney has categorized their products by character and by park to help you find those products that will be the perfect solutions for your scrapbook page designs.
D M C	DMC products include: richly colored needlework threads, superior quality fabrics, premium crochet cottons plus accessories and color cards for use with your needlework projects. These thread offerings are great for those paper and scrapbook crafters to do “stitching” on their projects.
D M D	D M D Industries is a provider of paper and card stock for paper crafters. The also have spiral scrapbooks, as well as other craft supplies.
Doodlebug Design, Inc.	Doodlebug Design is a fun and exciting scrapbook manufacturer that is always looking to provide customers with original designs and quality products. They offer a variety of products, from paper to stickers and buttons to ribbons that have all been designed and custom manufactured exclusively for them. All of their whimsical designs have been color coordinated to match.
Face It Honey	Face It Honey will create a superb photo jigsaw puzzle from a copy of your favorite digital scrapbook pages. Share all your creativity with others by sending them jigsaw puzzles of your chosen pages.
Flair Designs	Flair Designs provides beautiful and unique scrapbooking products and scrapbook ideas. Flair’s innovative, coordinating collections of patterned papers, die-cut card stock stickers and vellum quote books will add flair to your scrapbooks, cards and paper projects!
For Keeps Sake	For Keeps Sake is a provider of quality furniture designed to fit any space, any style, any budget. Whether you have limited space to work with, an existing spot to add to, or a whole room to design, STACKS offer a number of customized solutions to meet your organizational needs.
The Freeze Frame	Freeze Frame is a tool which allows you to keep from loosing your design by instantly freezing it in place. Great for scrapbooking, mosaic tile, fabric applique and other precision craft projects.
gel-à-tins™	Gel-à-tins™ are clear stamps that are soft and sticky like a gelly candy that come stored in a handy metal tin. You’ll find a wide assortment of letter and image stamps as well as our build-your-own layering stamps where you can create your own unique designs.
Generations	Generations™ offers a wide array of products including: stickers, embellishments, albums, and a wide variety of storage pieces that safely organize, store, and transport your tools and supplies. The mainstay of Generations by Hazel is the innovative rolling workstation.
The Girls’ Paperie from Advantus Corp	The designer and provider of coordinating papers and embellishments.
Glitz Design	Glitz Design is a full-fledged Scrapbook company! They carry original paper, stickers, rub ons, stamps, rhinestone strips (we like to call it “frosting”) and much more.
Glue Art	The strength of GlueArts® lies not only in the wide variety of unique adhesives. GlueArts® offers artistic freedom with glue, allowing the user freedom to accomplish a project on any level. Their product line includes: Glue Glider, Adhesive Squares, Ribbon Adhesive, Vellum Adhesive, WallArt
Glue Dots Adhesive Products	Glue Dots are reliable, easy to use scrapbook adhesives. Use Glue Dots for mounting photos, adhering embellishments, creating 3-D effects and every other scrapbooking task! Glue Dots qualities include: Super-strength, Lignin-free, Bonds instantly, Archival quality, Acid-free and no mess.
Grafix	Grafix offers a wide range of creative plastic films and paper craft supplies for all your art and craft needs. Don’t limit your creativity! Grafix products are perfect for school projects, jewelry making, scrapbooking, graphic arts, model making, airbrushing, home decor projects and more.
Graphic 45	Graphic 45 is an award-winning scrapbook and paper crafting company. They offer vintage inspired crafting products that capture the flamboyant style of days gone by—with vibrant color, irresistible texture and imaginative design to create products with decades-old appeal that’s both fresh and familiar.
Hampton Art	Hampton Art manufactures and distributes premium quality rubber stamps, clear stamps, paper products and inks. They offer new and exciting stamp images and coordinating paper crafting products on a continuous basis. They also distribute a full line of value products for Studio G.
Heartland	Heartland is the provider of scrapbook and photo albums and totes.
Heidi Grace Designs from Fiskars	Heidi Grace designs feature fun and whimsical stickers, papers, and embellishments for scrapbookers and paper crafters.
Helix	Helix is widely known as the leading brand in drafting and school supplies. Their products now expand beyond just drafting and measuring tools. They also have a wide range of professional and art papers are used by the hobbyist and professional alike. And, many of our cutting mats, measuring and cutting tools, lettering guides, and templates are used in art, design and craft projects. They offer The Paper Craft Station–a multi-functional system for embossing, scoring and cutting in one portable unit which is easy to transport.
Hero Arts	Is the provider of rubber stamps for the stamper, personal card maker and scrapbook crafter. Their motto is: “good rubber stamps make good things happen.”
Hip In A Hurry	Hip In A Hurry is a producer of vinyl shapes and cut outs. You’ll find great uses for your personal card making, scrapbook and paper crafting projects.
Hot Off The Press	Hot of the Press’s Paper Wishes provides a quality selection of scrapbooking supplies.  Look here for the newest additions to their fun stash of scrapbooking supplies, plus special savings on scrapbooking supplies and the latest scrapbooking ideas for using your scrapbooking supplies. Scrapbookers come first to Paper Wishes for the best variety of scrapbooking supplies, card making supplies and paper crafting supplies. Their scrapbooking supplies are top quality, making them a trusted source for scrapbookers, card makers and paper crafters.
Imaginisce	Imaginisce – pronounced: Im-aj’-e-nis is a designer and provider of scrapbook supplies including: i-rock, i-top, an array of coordinating papers and many more crafter embellishments and  supplies to help you complete your scrapbook and paper craft projects.
Impression Obsession	Impression Obsession is a provider of rubber stamp images–with over 4000 images available for you to choose from.
Inkadinkado by EK Success	Inkadinkado – Is a member of the EK Success family of craft supplies. They have a creatively diverse line of art stamps in clear, wood-mounted, and foam-mounted styles used for card making, scrapbooking, and more. A consistent level of excellence in design makes this brand an industry leader.
Janlynn	Janlynn has been unleashing creativity for millions of people. Whether you are looking for Disney Creative Products, Tote Bags, Cross Stitch, Needlepoint, Art Rubber Stamps, Computer Crafts, Kids Crafts or more.
JBS Mercantile formerly Jenni Bowlin Studio	JBS Mercantile is the new name and site previously known as Jenni Bowlin Studios which provides a wide range of paper crafting kits and other craft supplies.
JewelCraft	JewelCraft supplies fabulous decorative embellishments for crafts, scrapbooking, jewelry, wearable art, and other creative pastimes. Available in independent specialty stores and nationwide chains, their fine quality products feature the latest colors and designs. Their products include: beads, birthstones, books, cabochons, charms, eyelets, magic mesh, metals, mirrors, nailheads and rhinestones.
Jillibean Soup	Jillibean Their product line includes: patterned paper, alphabeans, journaling sprouts, bean seeds, kraft accessories, clear stamps, bean stocks,corrugated alphas, sugar picks, coordinating card stock stickers, printed canvas, kraft shipping tags, corrugated shapes and cool beans.
K&Company® from EK Success	K&Company®, believes a scrapbook album is a one-of-a-kind map of memory lane, made from your memorabilia and our materials. They create and collaborate to design thousands of absolutely superb scrapbooking items: scores of stylish albums, acid-free papers, detailed stickers, metal art, fabric art and much, much more.
KaiserCraft	Kaisercraft is an Australian owned craft and scrapbooking products manufacturer & wholesale supplier to craft retailers around the world. Their products include: embellishments, papers, collections, craft, home decor & wood albums, woodcraft and a host of other crafting products.
Karen Foster Design	Karen Foster Design, one of the scrapbooking industry’s most innovative manufacturers of themed papers and stickers, embellishments, tools, storage, specialty paper crafting products, stationery and Lucidiom photo kiosk content.
KI Memories	KI Memories provides scrapbook and paper crafters with several products–including: scrapbooking kits and paper pads, themed collections, lace card stock, adhesives and refills, books, specialty embellishments and digital scrapbooking.
Leisure Arts	Leisure Arts is a great craft resource for books, albums (including ATC ablums), frames, stickers, tags, thinkable inkables and twill tape.
Li’l Davis Designsfrom Fiskars® Brands, Inc.	Li’l Davis Designs offers a line of laser cut shapes to offering a complete array of scrapbook and stamping products, in addition to embellishments, paper, and tools to a rapidly changing scrapbook and paper crafting industry.
Luxe Designs, Inc.	Luxe Designs, Inc. has actually ceased operations, but you may still find some of their products online under their brand, but any continuation by new firms will most likely be under their own brand name.
Mackinac Moon	Mackinac Moon is the manufacture of totes, storage and storage boxes bags used by paper and scrapbook crafters.
Magic Mesh	Magic Mesh is a self-adhesive, repositionable decorative craft mesh that adds dimension and texture to any page or project. The mesh comes in a variety of weave thicknesses, and textures–including Dottie Ann’s (polka dot) and bejeweling mesh (knit metal mesh)—widths, and a wide range of colors—over 50 products in all. With Magic Mesh you can add pizzazz, texture, and 3-D effects to pages, cards, tags, memory books, and other projects with our craft mesh. The opportunities are limited only by your imagination.
Magic Scraps	Magic Scraps provides a number of paper and scrapbook crafting products and embellishments to add a bit of sparkle to your craft projects.
Making Memories	Making Memories has become one of the nation’s fastest growing manufacturers of craft and scrapbooking supplies. They boasts of having more than 5,000 individual products to help the paper and scrapbook crafter in creating and finishing their projects.
Martha Stewart	Martha Stewart is well know for her crafting and quality of her products. Some of her card making, scrapbook and paper crafting products include: Scrapboxes, Embellishments & Stickers, Decorative Edges, Adhesives Tools, Punches and glitter with an array of selections from each category.
McGill Punches	McGill began their business over 130 years ago selling ticket punches, and today carries a number of punch products–including many decorative punches for the paper craft, scrapbooking and card making crafter.
Me And My Big Ideas	Me & My Big Ideas ® is a wholesale manufacturer and distribution company selling our products through our valued licensed retailer partners.
Moxxie	Moxxie is a “theme oriented” scrapbook manufacturer. They provide paper and related products for the paper crafter and scrapbooker.
My Little Shoebox	The idea behind “My Little Shoebox” is to make scrapbooking simple, quick, uniquely personalized, and most importantly, beautiful. There products include: paper collections, mini alphabet stickers, glitter alphabet stickers and chipboard alphabet.
My Little Yellow Bicycle	My Little Yellow Bicycle is excited to offer their collections of paper crafts and supplies.
My Memories Suite	My Memories Suite is a provider of digital scrapbooking software including kits and templates.
Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker	Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker creates wonderfully original scrapbook paper and embellishments. They mix elements from different sources, including styles, colors and materials. Their designs are genuinely eclectic. Their papers use vibrant colors with unique patterns and often contain irresistible characters.
October Afternoon	Octobert Afternoon provides scrapbook crafters papers, stickers, flash card books, wild cards and rub-ons in style lines: Modern Homemaker, Campfire, Schoolhouse, Seaside, The Thrift Shop, Fly a Kite, Very Merry, Report Card, Cherry Hill, Ducks in a Row, Road Map, Weathervane, Night Light, Hometown, Detours and Daydream.
O’Scrap	O’scrap’s products include: Sampler Coordinates, Simple Life (Baby Boy), Choice Coordinates, Storage, Embellishments, Acrylic Stamps, Rubber Stamps, Binders, Paper, Die Cuts, Stickers, Flowers and Gift Boxes.
OttLite	OttLite Technology provides full spectrum lighting products which crafters would appreciate and benefit by.
Outdoors and More	Outdoors & More Scrapbook Decor is the home of interactive scrapbooking! Scrapbook pages are meant to be relived after they are finished. Have fun experiencing memories again with your finished interactive scrapbook pages with Outdoors and More’s Moving Memories and Foto Flaps. Outdoors and More has many scrapbook items for everything you like to do outdoors.
Paper Bliss from Creativity Inc’s, Westrim Crafts	Paper Bliss is a division of Creativity Inc’s, Westrim Crafts, and has an innovative line of textured, three-dimensional embellishments to suit a variety of scrapbooking, gift trimming, card making and other paper crafting needs.
Paper House Productions	Paper House Productions, known for its expert die cutting and crisp, clean photographic images. through their stationery and scrapbooking lines, they produce over 3,000 irresistibly fun creations. From their award winning cut-out cards, magnets and stickers to their fund and photographic papers, card stock stickers and mini cut-outs.
The Paper Loft	The Paper Loft provides a selection of background papers and card stock for scrapbook crafters.
Pazzles	Pazzles is the provider of electronic die-cutting machines: Creative Cutter Inspiration and Creative Cutter Pro.
Pebbles Inc A Division of American Crafts	Pebbles is a provider of several scrapbook and paper craft products included in these categories: chalk & accessories, collections, printed paper, embellishments, ribbon, rub-ons, share & tell and stickers.
Petaloo	Petaloo is your source for floral and specialty embellishments. There products include: Color Me Crazy, DAZZLERS Papers Glitters & Sequins, Florettes & Gypsies featuring 100% recycled Cotton paper, Daisy Dahlia & Peonies – fabric, Celebrations – Wedding Stationery Embellishments, Tiffany’s Treasure, Mulberry St. Paper flowers, FloraDoodles, Holiday lines and Party Petals Petalled Squares & more…
Pink Paislee	Pink Paislee products aren’t manufactured; they’re crafted. With over 500 products available from Pink Paislee blends design and function to make scrapbooking and paper crafting easier!
Piggy Tales	Piggy Tales is a provider of scrapbook paper, rub-ons, card stock stickers and piggy-back kits.
Pinecone Press Books	Pinecone Press  is a publisher of craft books covering many craft subjects. Very helpful to crafters for information and ideas in their chosen craft.
Pioneer Photo Albums	Pioneer offers photo albums and memory scrapbooks for most popular size photos and enlargements in trend setting cover designs and classic solids. Both refillable and non-refillable styles are available in 3-ring, screw post, book bound, spiral bound, flip-up and heat set. Pioneer also carries Advanced Photo System™ products, wedding and baby albums, photo/video boxes, photo corners, sticker mounts, glue sticks, double-sided tape, caption stickers, gel ink pens, scissors, templates, address books, diaries, and travel diaries.
Plaid	Plaid is proud to offer over fifty craft brands (with more than 5,000 individual products) under 50 different brand names worldwide including: FolkArt®, FolkArt® One Stroke™, Bucilla®, All Night Media®, Mod Podge®, Simply® and many, many more! Whether your favorite craft is decorative painting, decoupage, paper crafting or all of the above we have inspiring projects, articles and technique information for you.
Prima Flowers	Prima introduces artisans and crafters to a huge collection of the best flower styles for scrapbook embellishments ever made.   They use a wide variety of materials to create these floral masterpieces, from mulberry paper to luxury fabrics of all types.   Their  flowers are hand-made by skilled artisans, never by machine, in processes than ensure the finest quality and craftsmanship available.  They offer crafters a broad range of products which include:  collections, stationary, accent gems,  alphabets, canvas products, chipboard, clear & foam stamps, felt products, iron-ons, flower centers, flower embellishments, lace, mask, papers, pebbles, rub-ons and say it with crystals.
Provo Craft	Provo Craft has been to inspire creativity by providing the best products, tools, education, ideas. A worldwide manufacturer and distributor of craft, hobby, and education products. They have introduced several exciting and successful product lines over the years, including Cricut™, Cuttlebug™, Coluzzle®, and Knifty Knitter®. They provide timesaving and effective tools to help all types of crafters create paper crafts, home décor, school projects, and more.
Pulp Products	Pulp has grown to be the premier designer and manufacturer of products that display and preserve all the memories that you hold close. Their products include: cork, bulletin, memo and memory boards, scrapbooks & albums, binders and refills.
Purple Cows, Inc.	Purple Cows features over 100 products ranging from decorative blades and paper trimmers to iCube storage. Purple Cows designs remarkable tools for scrapbookers, digital photographers, and other crafters.
Queen & Co.	Queen & Co. provides eyelets and related tools, as well as glitter and beads for the crafter.
Quickutz A member of the Lifestyle Crafts  family of products.	QuicKutz produces a Personal Die-Cutting System.  In addition to the Quickutz die-cutting machine they provide a number of accessories, tools and scrapbook and paper crafting products through Lifestyle Crafts.
Quick Quotes Instant Journaling	Quick Quotes Instant Journaling is a producer and provider of products for the personal card maker, scrapbooker and paper crafter. Their product lines include: adhesives, albums, blank canvas, chipboard shapes, embellishments, idea books, itty bitty box quotes, kids create, kits, paper & accents, powderpuff chalking inks, private reserve+, quotes+,T-shirts & totes. They provide classes and seminars around the USA.
Ranger Crafts	Ranger is well known for bringing quality inks, embossing powders and innovative craft products for stampers, scrapbookers, mixed media artists, jewelry makers and home décor crafters worldwide. Inkssentials™, Adirondack® and Distress™ lines are just a few of their products.
The Robin’s Nest	The Robin’s Nest brings a broad array of products to the personal card maker, scrapbooker and paper crafter. Some of their product line includes: papers, binders, chipboard, glitter papers, card stock and vellum, stickers and embellishments.
rubbadubbadoo	Rubbadubbadoo are manufacturers of high quality art rubber stamps and your 1-stop-shop for all your crafting needs.
Rubber Stampede™ A Division of Delta Creative	Rubber Stampede images and accessories have been carefully designed to meet the needs of today’s paper crafter and to reflect the lifestyles of their customers. Improve your crafting experience using their superior wood-handle stamps, inks, stamp kits, accessories and tools. Create and be creative with their products, design wonderful projects for yourself as well as the special people in your life. Fuel your passion for paper crafting!
Sassafras Lass	From the pages of your scrapbook to that unique card for that special someone, Sassafras products will make a lasting impression. Their products include: collections, paper, collection kits, wee bundles, stickers, clear stamps, embellishments, brads, chipboard stickers, felties, “in a stich” blossoms, layered blossoms, paper whimsies, entwined blooms and vintage brooch.
Scor-it-All	Scor-it_All is the creator and manufacturer of several papercraft tools, including: the original Scor-it-All, Scor-it-All boards, perga soft wax, Scor-Grip, and other crafting tools and supplies.
Scrapbook101	Scrapbook101 is an online retail outlet for a large selection of scrapbook, personal card and paper craft products and tools.
ScrapbookPaper.com	Scrapbookpaper.com is an online resource for new and hard-to-find Karen Foster Design scrapbooking, craft and stationery products. They offer over 75 different scrapbooking themes from Pirate to Pets and Basketball to Birthday. You’ll find a huge selection of patterned papers, stickers, rub-ons, brads, unique embellishments as well as tools, storage and stationery products.
ScrapOnizer	ScrapOnizer is a manufacturing company specializing in producing environmentally friendy, clear, acid-free storage & organizational containers made from recycled plastic. ScrapOnizer products are perfect for craft & hobby workspaces, but also an ideal solution for organizing small notions, school & office supplies, toys and much more.
Scrappin’Sports & More	Scrappin’Sports & More is a scrapbook product supplier with a definitive focus on sports and related themes, and school paper craft products. The carry a wide range of themed paper and other paper craft embellishments and supplies.
S. E. I.	S.E.I is a source of digital scrapbooking with products that include: digital embellishments, digital paper packs, digital ready mades, limited release, digital holidays, collections and trial downloads.
Sizzix from Ellison Leading Expression	Ellison has pioneered die-cutting innovation for the crafter, Ellison offers unlimited creative solutions with Sizzix shape-cutting equipment and ancillary products. In addition to their shape-cutting equipment, Sizzix shares other paper and scrapbook crafting products.
Speedball Art Products	Speedball Art Products is your premier supplier of Art Supplies such as Block Printing, Screen Printing, inks, ceramic glazes and many other supplies.
Spellbinders™ Paper Arts	Spellbinders™ Paper Arts manufactures, markets and sells the Wizard, and more than 250 products under the following trade names: Nestabilities®, Edgeabilities®, Shapeabilities®, Borderabilities® Petite, Borderabilities® Grand, Shapeabilities Nested Sets and Nesties®.
Stampendous, Inc.	Stampendous, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high quality rubber stamps, Perfectly Clear™ stamps, Cling™ rubber stamps, Class A’Peel™ stickers, Glitzy Glitter, PEARLustre™ embossing powder, Fuzzy Fun™ flock and other great craft essentials
Sticker Studio from Crayola Creations	The 3 in 1 Sticker Studio is a fab drawing desk, sticker and badge maker all in one! Use the drawing desk to create cool designs, turn into fab stickers using the sticker machine or funky fashion badges with the badge maker! Includes units, 8 reusable badges, 20 sheets of pre designed & plain paper, 4 pens, pencil & sticker roll.
Studio by Sculpey	The Studio by Sculpey line of products is being discontinued. Most of tools and accessories have been rebranded as Sculpey Tools and Accessories, however the clay will no longer be available. This is effective 12/31/10 or while supplies last.
Sweetwater	In 2001, Sweetwater was born by taking the fabric designs of Farmyard Creations and turning them into paper. Coordinating stickers and other accessories were then added to give the Sweetwater line a soft, sophisticated style.
My Tattered Angels	Glimmer Mist started as a scrapbooker’s desire to have a product that would easily add glimmer and color to a large area. Tattered Angels has added some new tools and items to its line to increase customer creative inspiration. Product lines include: Glimmer Mist, Chalkboard, misting tools, Glimmer Glam, Glimmer Glaze, Glimmer Mist kits, products from Heidi Swapp Design’s line, Regal Collection embellishments, Nature Collection, Vintage Seasons Collection {Frosty Memories Collection,Timeless Romance Collection, Halloween Collection}, Tattered Traveler Collection, Garden Collection, Seaside Collection, and Tattered Trickets.
Ten Seconds Studio	Ten Seconds Studio is a company devoted to finding cool tools for cool people. Their tools can be used for many art forms–from metal and polymer clay to PMC and Art Clay. They have created a book of projects called “Metal Effects” and a DVD/CD, “The A to Z of METALworks”, which is all about techniques. Their product lines include: Tools sets, Molds, Metal, Adhesives and Media {Videos and DVD}.
Teresa Collins Designs	Teresa Collins Designs is a source for an eclectic range of scrapbook, card making and paper crafting supplies: She offers; Album kits, stickers, paper, stamps, die-cut card sets and more under several themes.
Therm O Web	Therm O Web is a prominent adhesive manufacturer. They launched a family of Iron-On Adhesives branded HeatnBond® and have expanded their adhesive line in the fast growing hobby and scrapbooking markets with brands that include: HeatnBond®, ZotsTM, SuperTapeTM, Sticky Dots, PeelnStick, Memory Tape Runner XL and more!
Tidy Crafts A Division of New Phase Inc	Tidy Crafts brings you many patented and exciting organizational systems. From their original Tidy Tray to their On The Fly and Quad Stow N Go Systems. They are the source for organizing most of your small items, including craft embellishments, beads, etc.
Tim Holtz	Tim Holtz is the Creative Director for Ranger Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of innovative inks, paints, and embossing products. Tim plays an integral part in the development and design of cutting edge paper crafting products. Tim has teamed up with various key companies like Ranger, Advantus, Tonic Studios, Sizzix, and Stampers Anonymous to bring unique products that work hand in hand with Ranger’s extensive lines.
Tinkering Ink	Tinkering Ink is a crafter of scrapbook and paper crafter designed with distinction and artistry.Their paper selections combine luxurious quality and expressions of magnificent beauty, along with vibrant color and strong design elements which offer limitless creativity. Let sophistication be your inspiration. Tinkering Ink unites the splendor of scrapbooking and magnificent high style. Take your scrapbooking to the extraordinary
Tombow Craft Products	Tombow is passionate about offering the finest and most innovative pens, office, arts and crafts products. Whatever your project, from preparing documents to scrapbooking to fine arts projects, you can count on them for unmatched quality and design.
Tonic Studios	Tonic Studios designs and manufactures innovative tools for the crafting market. They design products that allow crafters to cut, trim, slice and manipulate paper, card and fabric.
Tsukineko	Tsukineko takes pride in manufacturing unique ink products and craft accessories that make your imagination come alive! Their product collection includes products such as StazOn, the first solvent based ink to be available in an inkpad, Kaleidacolor with its innovative sliding palette, VersaMark, the world’s first monochromatic inkpad and Brilliance, an amazing water-based pigment ink with pearlescent colors that dries on vellum and coated surfaces. And Opalite, the first reflective interference inkpad.
Marvy Uchida	Marvy Uchida develops and market a wide range of quality office, craft, and art-related materials. Some of their offerings categories include: arts & crafts, calligraphy, fabric, gel pens, Marvy® Memories, office and writing supplies, opaque paint markers, paper crafting, rubber stamping, home decor and crafting tools.
Unity Stamp Co.	Unity Stamp Co. offers over 20,000 sentiments and images. Their deeply etched red rubber is what has made their line of stamps so brilliantly popular.
USArtQuest, Inc.	USArtQuest develops and markets new and unusual mixed media art materials. Perfect Paper Adhesive™ was developed for UV protection, being acid-free, archival, non-sticky, non-toxic, and odor-free. Other products include: books & videos, canvas and fibers, embellishments, kits, mica products, paints & sprays, paper, stamps, stickers and tools for the crafter. .
Walnut Hollow®	Walnut Hollow® is the nation’s leading provider of high quality, innovative, unfinished wood products, tools and accessories for the craft and hobby industry.
Webster’s Pages a division of Webster Fine Art Limited	Webster’s Pages is devoted to providing exceptional design and high quality products and tools for the creative memory crafter. Their products include paper, vellum, diecuts, diecut kits, journaling cards, alpha and phrase stickers, scalloped sparklers and trim.
We R Memory Keepers	We R Memory Keepers brings you the most beautiful, functional, quality-made products that fit the needs of all who wish to preserve their memories and memorabilia. Their product lines include: crafting tools {Crop-A-Dile, II & III [a ground breaking hand tool for punching holes in just about any type of material and setting eyelets, gromlets and snaps]; Sew Easy; Heart Attack; The Cinch; Corner Chomper and other Crafting Tools}, albums & sleeves, paper collections and embellishments.
Westrim Crafts A Division of Creativity Inc.	Creativity Inc. is a leading designer, marketer and distributor of arts and crafts products. It sells its proprietary designs and brands, plus commodity products primarily to national craft chains and mass merchandisers, and to a lesser extent, independent craft retailers. Westrim Crafts is the predecessor to Creativity Inc. Products encompass five major categories: Basic Crafting, Beading, Organization, Paper Crafting and Scrapbooking. These products are sold under 5 major identifiable company names: Autumn Leaves, Blue Moon Beads, Crop In Style, DMD and Westrim Crafts.
Xyron Inc.	Xyron develops, manufactures and sells innovative adhesive application, laminate application and image transfer products designed to enhance and protect ordinary printer output, digital images, photographs and hand-generated items. Products include Xyron personal cutting system, Cretopia, create-a-sticker (Magic Sticker Maker), Creative Station, Everyday Stories, Design Runner, Cutting Downloads and Wishblade.
Yasutomo	After fifty years of experience, Yasutomo continues to source quality art supplies, writing instruments and craft materials from all over the world. Our goal remains to supply unique, affordable, and safe products. They have over 1500 product items to help you in your scrapbook, personal card making and paper crafting efforts.
	Zsiage is a provider of unique designs of paper and card stock. They also have Chipboard which is finished white on 1 side, and plain chipboard on the other side. Scrapbook Film is a sheer translucent material which can be heat embossed, colored with alcohol inks or paint dabbers, sanded, and much more! It’s very versatile! In addition to their Accordion Keepsake book Four-panel accordion with 6″ pockets.

What challenges, damage or affect does acid and lignin present for scrapbooker’s?

Scrappers put in a great deal of time creating masterpieces of scrapbook pages and books.  The last thing these crafters want is to have this effort spoiled over time by the effects of chemical reactions (acids) on their handy work.  While there is sensitivity given to this problem by scrapbook product manufactures and providers, the problem does exist.  Perhaps one of the biggest culprits has to do with using “around the house” items for embellishment.

Scrappers need to be aware of the harmful affect acid can have on the long term preservation problem they can create.  Photographs, in particular, are very sensitive to acid.  So, scrapbook crafters should be wary of using items that they aren’t sure are acid free or neutralized.  By failing to pay attention to this warning, over time, wonderful works of scrapbook art will be accosted by the effects of this issue on their pages, and in their books.

Fortunately, this is a concern not overlooked by most scrapbook supply manufactures.  They have, and continue to be very aggressive at minimizing or eliminating this dreaded problem from the products they produce.

The “Acid-free” and “Lignin-free” Issue

Acid is the chemical reaction brought by the inter-action of factors present in things.  Oxidation is one of the prime culprits in this chemical fight.  Acid, or the lack of it, is measured by what is called pH.  The chart shows the pH level for various items.  The range is from acid to neutral to alkaline.  Both ends of the spectrum can be damaging to scrapbookers work, but the acid issue comes more from the paper we use.  That is why we talk about lignin.

Lignin is generally found between the cells in all vascular plants.  Lignin is what makes vegetables firm and crunchy.  Lignin in essence is the fiber we need in our diet–so it’s not all bad; an essential part of healthy plant life.  Nature provides us with a menagerie of plants with differing amounts of lignin;  paper is one of them.  Lignin is not an acid, but in the inner-action in the deteriorating process it gives off acids.  Thus, we want to use lignin free papers to reduce or eliminate this destructive process which could cause damage to our photographs. (Although some photographs like Polaroid photos carry destructive chemicals with them.)

Using neutral (acid free and lignin free) paper is the best answer for scrappers.  Paper is neutralized by bleaching.  Other elements such as embellishments should be kept from touching items, photos mostly, that would be affected by acid deterioration.  These items can be enclosed in neutral sleeves or covered with neutral coverings.

Most of us won’t be overly affected by acid issues if we use items produced or manufactured by scrapbook products providers.  They have take care of the issue.  Those papers or embellishments not marked as acid or lignin free should raise a flag about their use–especially those things we use from around the house.

As they say, “fore warned is fore armed.”

Scrapbook Paper Sources

Scrapbook paper is the core element in scrapbooking–second only to your photographs.  Here are some great suppliers of scrapbook paper in varying sizes, colors and patterns.  These suppliers may have just that one special sheet you need, or have been looking for, or just catches your eye.  Take a look.

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