Handmade Albums

• If you can't find an album that fits your budget or style, make your own. Use heavy card stock paper cut in a heart shape---or any uncommon but easily cut shape. You can glue decorative scrapbooking paper on the top for added style that is still durable. Make the pages the same size, shape and weight as the cover. Put the scrapbook together by punching two holes in the side of the book and securing with key rings. This technique is best suited for smaller albums. Decorate the front of the book with your favorite scrapbooking cut outs, frames and embellishments.
  
  You can make scrapbook albums from unusual items, like a rolodex. Use each rolodex page as a place to store journal entries and photos. Stick with thin embellishments and stickers so the rolodex can still close easily. The advantage to a rolodex album is that it's uncommon and already has dozens of pages to create a large scrapbook that you can keep on your desk.
  
  

Album Cover Crafts

• A generic store bought album can turn into a project full of memories. Choose a fabric that has meaning to you like a worn tablecloth or napkin from your childhood. According to the Real Simple website you should iron the fabric before you start the project. Glue the napkin or tablecloth over the album. Be careful to pull the fabric tight enough that it doesn't wrinkle, but not so tight that the scrapbook has difficulty closing. Complete the project by gluing ribbon over unfinished edges. If you don't have a scrapbook on hand try using a regular binder.
  
  Home maven Martha Stewart suggests further customizing a homemade cloth album. Print out the word "album" or the name of your family. You can even title your album the way you would a scrapbook. Use a utility knife to cut out the word and adhere it to the album with an archival glue stick. When working with album craft projects make sure that all of your glue is archival quality to protect your photos and pages.
  
  Add a patterned cover to an album with decoupage glue. You can use several papers cut into waves or stripes. Paint the decoupage medium under the paper to act as glue and then over your finished piece to seal it. Fold the edges of the paper onto the inside of the album and use decoupage glue to hold it in place. You can layer heart or star shapes on top. For a more personal touch add a copy of a family photograph. Use a soft cloth to apply antiquing gel for an aged appearance.