scrapbook envy

I've been afflicted by a sudden attack of scrapbook/collage/journal envy. I don't know where it came from, and yet there I am in the Paper Source, biting my lip and wondering if it would be sooo bad if I bought just a few more sheets, or some ink, or a bottle of sprinkly powder or whatever it is. This is why it's scrapbook envy: I don't know how to use any of this stuff; I just lust after it. I only wish I were the person who knew what to do!

I've made attempts at keeping scrapbooks before but they've always been kind of unsatisfying. The traditional bound book doesn't seem to fit my personality. I like to shuffle my pages around. And I hate most of the paper in ready-made scrapbooks. And I'd rather print my own darn pages. And I dislike post bindings. The obvious solution is a ring binder but those seem to be a choice between the plastic things from Staples or the pastel-colored monstrosities that cost an arm and a leg and scream "WEDDING!". And the loose rings are always flopping around and annoying the hell out of me. (Clearly, the real issue here is that I am picky and easily annoyed.)

BUT! This week, I finally figured out how to make the loose binder rings stay put. I don't know why bookbinding books don't just tell you this. I admit, the metal rings don't look as nice as those elaborate sewn bindings, but I can't be the only person who likes them.

Hehe. Now I know enough to be dangerous.