Classic Scrapbooking

Lorraine Douglas is the youth services co-ordinator at the Winnipeg
Public Library.

Scrapbooking has become a popular pastime in North America. This book
covers “classic” scrapbooking, or creating thematic books of
memories. The authors present interviews with classic scrapbookers and
instructions for creating a variety of books, including an album, a
journal, and accordion scrapbooks.

Unfortunately, the instructions are poorly presented and imprecise.
Basics of bookbinding, such as finding the grain of materials and how to
glue, are not covered. The authors suggest heavy waxed thread for
sewing. How heavy? How can you wax thread if you cannot purchase waxed
thread? These questions are not answered.

The drawings that accompany the directions are not clear. For example,
the illustrations for mitring corners could have been presented in a way
that would lead to more professional results. Finally, the authors
suggest wrapping a glued book in wax paper. This is not good advice: the
wax paper can cause rippling and the wax can be transferred onto the
work (mylar works much better).