Scrapbook Punch & Binding System
Scrapbooking is a popular creative pastime. It is a great way to preserve and showcase special photographs and mementos. When creating a scrapbook, a decision needs to be made concerning the binding of the scrapbook pages. A ready-made scrapbook can be purchased from a store, but binding at home is another option. A punch and bind system can be the easiest way to bind a scrapbook at home.
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History
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The bound edge of a book Book binding has been around for centuries. The first binding of books with pages dates back to about the 8th century. The earliest books were bound by a cord laced through holes that were stabbed through the manuscript. The history of scrapbooking is not clearly defined, but a serial book called "The Scrapbook" was published in 1825, according to Everything-About-Scrapbooking. The first punch-and-bind system was developed in the 1950s and was followed by others through the 1960s. This method can be done at home, with machines purchased for the purpose, and is a common way to bind a scrapbook.
Types
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Wire-O binding There are several different types of punch-and-bind systems, all suitable for scrapbook binding. These systems include plastic comb, Wire-O, Velobinding and spiral binding. Machines can be purchased for each of these types. Each type has a specific look and can either add or detract from the overall look of the scrapbook. Velobinding has the most professional appearance. Plastic comb binding has the least professional appearance. Wire-O and spiral binding appear more professional than plastic comb, but not as professional as Velobinding.
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Features
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Spiral binding Plastic comb binding machines punch holes in the paper and then open a plastic comb so the holes of the paper can be inserted into the comb. Wire-O binding machines operate in the same way as plastic comb machines, but they use wire comb instead of plastic. Spiral binding machines punch holes in the paper and then insert a piece of coiled wire through the holes. Velobinding machines punch holes in the paper; then the binding strips are inserted through the holes and the machine cuts the excess off and seals the strips with heat.
Benefits
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Each punch-and-binding system has its own benefits. Plastic comb binding is inexpensive and easy to edit. It is not as secure as other binding methods, however. Wire-O binding is very similar to plastic comb binding in features but can be more secure, as the wire is stronger than plastic. Velobinding is very secure, flat and cannot be edited without re-binding the material. Spiral binding is very durable, will allow the book to lie flat while open, and the pages may be opened back to back without bending the pages, but this method requires re-binding if editing of page order is needed.
Significance
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People who enjoy scrapbooking often enjoy binding their scrapbooks themselves. Binding a scrapbook instead of buying a pre-made scrapbook can be less expensive and more personalized. Since scrapbooks often are edited extensively, a binding method that requires re-binding after each edit, like Velobinding or spiral binding, would be practical only when the scrapbook would not need to be changed. Plastic comb binding is easily edited, but can be less secure, which could mean the loss of precious pages while the scrapbook is being transported. Each method of binding can be used, depending on the appearance and use of the scrapbook.
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References
- Photo Credit scrapbooking image by Philippe MICHAUD from Fotolia.com book 2 image by DLeonis from Fotolia.com spiral notebook image by astoria from Fotolia.com Blank white spiral notebook closed but empty ebook cover image by Nuno Oliveira from Fotolia.com
