Still haven't decided on a journal to send out, but I've finally got a theme (I think): secrets. Totally open to interpretation. . .

PS: Happy New Year Day everyone!

I don't know much about how to protect the paper structure, but I know that there's a product called Archival Mist that you can use to spray on the paper to keep it from discoloring. Hope that helps!

Sending a PM your way!

Just saw this post --- I'd definitely be into creating some pre-made pages!

You know, there are a lot of great resources out there for zines and fanzines, which is what I think you're looking for. Try http://www.zinebook.com/directory/zine-distribution.html or http://www.undergroundpress.org/ for ideas. Good luck!

cyberology -- sending yours out this weekend! hope you like it!

Depends on what you mean by "scrapbook" and what you'd like it to represent for you. I've got a variety of stuff that I call scrapbooks and lots of different materials that I use for each:

- For my more traditional scrapbooks that are safe for family consumption, I use the kind of materials that you can find at a place like JoAnn Fabric and Crafts, Michael's, or AC Moore. These usually include acid-free paper, cardstock, glue and other adhesives; stuff I find in the embellishment sections like stickers; good quality pens and markers. I don't go nuts with the ribbons and scissors, but that's a personal preference. I've made quite a few that I share with my family that usually chronicle events like holidays, trips, and other stuff that involve lots of picture taking ("Hey, Grandma, check out these pictures and postcards I collected from my trip to Dollywood!"). While I find some of the stuff a little too cutesy for my personal liking, I find websites like http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com, http://www.heidiswapp.com, and http://scrapbooking.about.com useful for ideas.  Also, http://www.stickersgalore.com has a pretty good selection of stickers with reasonable shipping and great sales -- I bought a ton of alphabet stickers there. I like 12"x12" post bound albums the best for these because of the variety you can get in layouts.

- For the themed scrapbooks that I've made for my fiance, I put stuff that I've collected like movie ticket stubs for a preview screening of "Serenity," notes and cartoons that we drew for each other, and assorted pictures. For these, I end up using a lot of the same types of materials as my traditional scrapbooks. I've used 12"x12" post bound albums and even traditional picture albums for these.

- For my art journal / visual diary scrapbooks that are just for me, I have epherma, quotes, and observations that I make from day to day. Since I use more collage techniques with these, so I end up using quite a bit of acrylic paint after priming the pages with gesso. I also like using a lot of rubber stamp work with these, and I use blank sketchbooks or homemade books for these. I'm inspired a lot by Sabrina Ward Harrison, SARK, and Teesha Moore's work.

I've got tons of sites that I've bookmarked, so let me know what techniques you'd be interested in! Good luck!

Are you looking to start something like a homemade zine or fanzine or something more slick and commercial with true advertisers?

Ooh, I like the idea of an old / new swap. . . I'd definitely be interested in something like that.

EXCELLENT idea. How do they hold up when you shuffle?