Supply List
This area in our classroom is where I will collect images, information and links to Library of Memories Essentials and some Extras—as well as a few other products/tools that I use and find helpful as I maintain my LOM system. NOTE: You do not need to make any purchases just yet.
Click on each image to learn more!
Essentials
Storage Binder
I love using a sturdy, 3-ring, 2-up photo album to temporarily hold printed photos for scrapbooking pages and projects―a collection of no more than ten of these binders is essential because they allow you to easily protect and see groups of pictures without making piles. If you have boxes of printed photos, or years of prints still in envelopes from the developer, or old magnetic/sticky albums, you’ll need more storage binders. If you’re only dealing with digital images, you are a lot younger than me and I recommend that you still purchase up to five of these binders, so that as you begin to print (even as an archive) a few of your BEST and more favorite images, you’ll be able to easily manage, enjoy and hopefully use them.
We’ll talk much more about why and how to use storage binders when class begins.
Alternative to Storage Binders:
If you are not able to locate Pioneer albums, you can “build” your own Storage Binder with these C-Line Clear Photo Pages (box of 50) OR these ClearFile Archival-Plus Print Page in a package of 25 or a package of 100. These photo sleeve pages are designed to hold 4, 5x7 prints—2 on each side—and roomy enough to accommodate small stacks of 4x6 prints.
You can add them to any 8 1/2” x 11” 3-ring binder! Remember that even when you make your own, Storage Binders are temporary storage.
Do NOT create more than is recommended.
Category Files
I cannot overstate how much I LOVE my easily accessed collection of triaged prints in category files. I am now recommending THIS high quality, portable 4 x 6 file with a metal base and clear plastic lid/cover. IF you have already purchased a set of metal category drawers (because you’ve taken an early version of this class), you are set and do not need to purchase this item. This card file comes with tabbed AZ index cards and one plastic divider—to use in customizing the capacity. You may need multiple category files to accommodate prints in the four general categories of Us, People, Places and Things.
Library Albums
12 x 12 Scrapbook albums that house and display finished pages or layouts—whether they are created with digital tools or with traditional paper + paste processes. Pages (or stories) in a Library of Memories are stored in albums, by category. I like to use four distinct colors of albums to create visual sections in my overall collection, but this in entirely optional. I have recently updated both the brand and colors of my library albums. I am now using My Legacy albums by Close To My Heart. Library albums can be added over time as your collection of pages grows. In my library …
Gray albums are for US stories
Stories about PEOPLE can be found in teal albums
Brown albums hold stories about PLACES
Black albums are where you’ll find stories about THINGS
IF you choose to use Close To My Heart albums, you can create your own custom selection of cardstock to use for navigation pages.
Quality 12x12 scrapbook albums are sometimes tricky to find, but I also recommend We R Memory Keepers. We will talk much more about what to look for in albums and how to successfully grow a collection that is both functional and visually appealing.
Hobby Lobby has a nice selection of scrapbook albums in multiple sizes. They are less expensive and often on sale. I am using some of these linen, 8 1/2 x 11 albums in my library. I am also impressed with the quality of their refill pages. If you do not have a local store, you can easily shop online.
Extras
Cold Storage
Out of sight, out of mind storage, for printed photos that have been intentionally removed from the active flow of the Library of Memories system, but not thrown away!
Look for an archival storage box (light, dust and glue free).
Family Tree Drawers
Shallow, flat permanent storage for historical documents that verify or relate to your family pedigree. I am recommending these two-drawer units from the Stockholm collection available at The Container Store. These drawers provide dark, dust-free space to gather and store (long term) your most important and original photos, certificates, documents, materials.
Family Words File
Small recipe-style box used to organize and store quotes and insights captured on loose pieces of paper. Tabs inside are labeled for each person in your immediate family (Think: Us category).
Cultural Memorabilia Box
A “drop here” container that holds bits and pieces of everyday life—items like product labels, tags, tickets, wrappers and receipts. It might be FUN to purchase a set like this one, so that you can encourage another member of your family to use one—or keep one in another handy location!
Materials File
For large projects that require weeks or months to finish—or for projects that you will update/add to over time, a Materials File can be a handy solution for storing cardstock, pattern paper, letter stickers, embellishments—even memorabilia—in a “put away-able” place.
Travel Pouch
A flexible and “easy to pack” pouch for collecting memorabilia as you travel. I have used different solutions over the years and you’ll find options at an office-supply store or on Amazon in different sizes. I like these in a Smaller (12 x 9 1/2) and Larger (14 1/2 x 11) size.
Memorabilia File
A large, portable storage box with lid and hanging file folders used for sorting and temporary storage of general or school-related memorabilia for scrapbooking. You can also use a Memorabilia File for long-term storage of a large collection of organized, personal memorabilia. If what you’re storing is very old or very fragile—and you need a permanent storage solution, please purchase the most archival quality you can afford. Lineco and Gaylord and are resources.
Click on images below.
Available at Amazon—or at most office supply stores
Square Punch Picture Drawers
A set of small, shallow drawers to hold printed photos that are either printed small or pre-punched into squares and/or circles—these photos are so FUN to grab and use in a variety of ways.
General Supplies
Photo Printer
I LOVE having a printer at home that I can print photos with―especially if I’m printing just a few or I want to print in custom sizes. I just purchased the Canon TS5320 model, which can be used with the automatic ink refill program. It is available in black, white, pink AND (sometimes) turquoise!
Digital Frame
I absolutely believe in the power of living with our digital images. By this, I mean seeing often our most recent and favorite images. This is easily accomplished by placing 2 or 3 digital frames in the main living areas of your home. There are now many different styles of frames with a variety of features.
Mini Clipboards
I’m rather a clipboard junkie. I will be using a mini clipboard to keep track of tasks associated with my LOM workflow. You can purchase them in any office store.
Journaling Pens
I am very pen particular ✍🏼 and I especially love super fine pens for list-making and mixing point sizes in my journaling. These Muji pens are my current fine-print preference—I love that they come in a set of three—you know how good pens tend to disappear.
Precision Pens from American Crafts are another favorite of mine. I enjoy mixing the .01, .03 and .08 point sizes. This set contains all of those and more!
Adhesive
This dot-liner adhesive from Kokuyo is my absolute favorite!
Please remember: This class is not about you doing exactly what I do. This class is about you customizing and implementing your own system.
😊 Most of us will have easy access to other options and perfectly suitable substitutes for products and links I have shared here. Please also note that I use affiliate links where it makes sense.
