Welcome to a new department of Scrapbooking.com Magazine – Pens! Over the past few months, we have discussed the value of handwritten journaling and using the right pens to make the most intimate parts of your scrapbooks last. Each month we will share new ideas and important information about how to appropriately use and choose pens for your craft work. To start, let’s discuss the basics of archival pens.

You have probably seen the term “archival” printed on scrapbook supplies and pens. What exactly does archival mean? According to the Scrapbook Preservation Society, archival in arts and crafts implies “permanence, durability, or chemical stability”. In other words, if something is archival than it could be safe to use for preservation purposes. This is supposed to be a cut and dry definition for us to follow but there is no standard definition.

All hope is not lost to finding a pen that will last and not fade. The key is to use pigment ink pens that have been clearly tested to be fade-resistant, lightfast, bleed-proof and waterproof. Journaling and sketch work done with pigment ink pens as opposed to dye inks will maintain their vivid color and design. If you plan to use to pens around photos, you should be sure the ink has passed the PAT test. The PAT is a standard test used to insure items are safe for use in and around photos and negatives. Check with manufacturers and read packages before purchasing your pens. This will tell you if and when the pens were tested and if they are safe for use.

Here are a few pens from Sakura of America that have been PAT tested and are safe to use in your scrapbooks:
• The Pigma Micron®: A fine point drawing and illustration pen made with Pigma® ink

• Gelly Roll® Pens: A permanent gel pen made with archival quality ink.(regular ink color series)


• Permapaque® Markers: Archival quality markers available in 20 colors each safe and odorless.

For more information about archival quality and preservation, visit www.scrapbookpreservationsociety.com or to learn more about archival pens from Sakura of America visit www.gellyroll.com. Your scrapbooks are an important part of your family’s life and we want to make sure your creative work lasts for years to come.

To find the products mentioned in this article and shown in these layouts, check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail Stores for coupons to a store near you.