MyBinding Knowledge Base
What are the options for binding scrapbooks?
Scrapbooking is a great hobby. It offers you a way to be as artistic as possible while creating mementos that can be treasured for years and even passed down to new generations. Since this craft is so popular, there are a lot of supplies available for it including scrapbooks that have already been bound. However, it is possible to bind your own – you just need to choose a bookbinding method. Here are a few you can choose from….
1.) Plastic comb binding. This is one of the easiest ways to make a scrapbook and the supplies are pretty cheap. (You can even get a binding device for very little money since some machines cost less than $100.00.) You’ve probably seen plastic combs before since they’re used to bind a lot of different kinds of books. Plastic combs can bind books that are more than 400 pages long and they can be re-opened so you can edit your scrapbook as often as you want. There are a lot of different colors available so you can find one that matches your book’s color scheme. This is a great bookbinding method for scrapbooks so be sure to give it some consideration.
2.) Twin-loop wire binding. If you want to create an elegant-looking book, using a twin-loop wire binding machine is a great way to do so. This bookbinding method is especially good for scrapbooks that commemorate weddings or other special events. One of the best things about wire spines is that when they’re closed, they make the book lie completely flat. You can also rotate the pages pretty freely which makes it easier to view the book’s contents. Wire spines and machines are a little bit more expensive that what you need for comb binding, but it’s worth it if you’re really into your craft.
3.) Thermal binding. Finally, thermal binding is a terrific way to assemble your scrapbook. It’s fast and easy. Depending on the device, there are sometimes just three steps to the process so you can spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labor. You can make hardcover books with thermal machines which is really helpful if you want to create a scrapbook that will last a long time. There are some other great thermal covers available including ones that have windows cut into them so you can show off a title page. Thermal devices can be pricey so you’ll want to think carefully before getting one. However, once you use one, you’ll probably be so impressed with the results that you’ll wonder why you ever used anything else.
There are other bookbinding methods out there, but plastic comb, twin-loop wire, and thermal binding are particularly good ones when it comes to scrapbooking. The biggest advantage to assembling your own book is that you have total control over the entire process. This will enable you to create scrapbooks you can take pride in. Be sure to think about assembling your own scrapbooks. It will be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
