Scrapbooking with newspapers has never been more popular, say archivists Jeanne English and Al Thelin, and the possibilities are endless. They offer these suggestions on working with newspapers:
Washing
Cut and trim newspaper clipping to a size that will fit in a 9x13x3-inch glass dish. (It won't hurt to cut the clipping to fit the dish, since it will need to be cut to fit a scrapbook page).
Pour distilled water into the dish to a level of about one inch.
Immerse the clipping in the water and let it soak for at least 20 minutes. If the water turns yellow, repeat the procedure.
Dry the clipping on a clean, flat (non-wood) surface for about an hour. (If the temperature is about 70 degrees, it will dry flatter. A hot day will cause edges to curl, but they will flatten when placed in the book).
Spraying
Lay out tissue paper so you have a clean surface.
Place the clipping flat on the tissue and follow directions on the can of Archival Mist to coat the paper with a thin, even application.
Copying
Check with the copy center to make sure they use acid-free paper and powdered toner.
A color copy machine will not only give colors but copy halftones. You can reduce or enlarge the clippings to fit your scrapbook.
Gluing
Use water-soluble glue with little or no odor. Use solid glue sticks rather than liquid glues.
Dab just enough glue on the corners of the clipping to make it stick. Never smear glue on the entire back of the clipping.
When adding decorations and embellishments to the page, use the same glue or a safe scrapbook tape. But never use tape on newspaper clippings.
For more information on scrapbooking with newspapers, check out "SOS Saving Our Scrapbooks: Your Personal Preservation Guide," co-authored by English and Thelin and published by Creating Keepsakes magazine.
English also owns Preservation Source, a company that carries archival supplies. Call 278-7880 or e-mail her at jenglish@preservationsource.com