I use the white gel pen as a sort of "white-out". When I make a mistake journaling, I write over the letters with the white pen, let it dry, and then continue writing with my colored pen. It's worked great for me. As far as I know, they're acid free.

Not sure about ribbons, although I did read somewhere that Offray is making ribbon specifically FOR scrapbooking so maybe regular ribbon isn't acid/lignin free and this new stuff will be. But I have no idea.

Dear Anne,
There are some items that are highly acidic, that I do not reccomend using in scrapbook albums. 1. Newspaper or Magazines, most of these have a LARGE acid content and even with a buffer (acid free paper in between them and the photos) these items put off so much acid that they can in a short time yellow or age everything on that page. Color copy these items and then place the copy in your scrapbook. Kids construction paper, this again is a definite no-no. However the birthday cards and ribbon should be tested with an acid free testing pen. (Price about $2.00) While I have found most ribbon to be acid free, I do not know enough about some types to give this a definite go ahead, the birthday cards are a mixed bag, I have found some really cheap cards that I thought for sure would test positive for acid and they did not, and on the other hand found some really expensive cards that you would have thought would be acid free and they tested positive, so the safest way is to go ahead and test them. If you really would like to add an item that tests positive for acid, then add it to a page that just has journaling on it (in both sides of your page protector), that way you can keep it away from your photos. As for the gel pens, I love them, for a better description of ink go back to an earlier forum question: Am I missing something, I believe that is where you will find the ink discussed, and a link that better explains ink use in scrapbooks. Hope this helps. Penny

I believe all of Offrays ribbons are acid free (I read that or heard it on a craft show). They (offray) also have "scrapbooking" ribbon which has the adhesive already attached but its much more expensive and the selection isn't very extensive. You are better off buying their regular ribbon and using acid-free double sided tape.
Hilary

wow, that Penny, what a smart cookie she is. She basically said exactly what I was going to say! So now I don't have to say it--but I will add that using ribbon (or pieces of lace or cloth, especially older stuff) is iffy IF: it has been stained with something, or has a funny smell (I read this in a mag that was referring specifically to older heritage garments, like grandma's wedding gown etc).

The gel pens work great! Especially if you're using really dark paper, it adds a nice touch! The silver and combo color gel pens are my favorite.

Here is a link that might be useful: insert photo here-scrapbooks by hilary

Apology for posting my URL, I didn't realize it would be used in the message...some sites just maintain that info and don't post it on the board/forum.

Why thank you Kelly for the nice remark! :) But believe me I have made a TON of mistakes in just about every craft I have ever tried to do, sooner or latter I just get lucky. LOL Penny