Glossary: 'A'

Acid Migration

The transfer of acid from an acidic material to a non-acidic material. This can happen even when the two materials are not quite touching.

Acid Paper

Paper with ph factor above 7.0. Papers and adhesives that contain acid can damage photos and will actually self-destruct in time.

Acid-Free

Free of chemicals that harm photos in scrapbook projects. Generally, materials whose ph is over 7.0 are considered acid-free. ALL materials used in scrapbook pages should be acid-free.

Acrylic paint

Water soluble paint made from pigments and a plastic binder; sometimes used with stamps instead of ink; sometimes applied directly to paper and other embellishments.

Acrylic Rulers

Clear acrylic with 2-color grid for precision measuring and detail cutting. Great for quilters.

Adhesive

Anything that sticks one material to another. Several common types of adhesive are photo stickers, glue dots or glue sticks, and unwanted relatives.

Adhesive Glue Pen

Stick of glue for easy application (acid free).

Adhesive Photo Tape

Double sided tape with a paper backing specifically designed for mounting photos.

Adhesive Tape Runner

Tiny strips of double sided tape in a dispenser.

Adjustable Pivot Scr

Lets you adjust scissors blade tension to your own comfort level.

Alkaline

A term used when something contains alkali or has a ph level of more than 7.0. It is the opposite of acidic. In paper products, an alkaline substance is added to the pulp during the manufacturing process, which gives permanence and durability.

Anvil

cutting system using 1 blade, parallel to the basis, cut sheets in once (see also “By-pass”)

Applique

Applying shaped pieces of fabric to a foundation fabric to form a design or pattern that's to die for.

Archival Ink

Long-lasting dye ink that will not fade or smear. Even when you apply water colors after stamping, it will not bleed.

Archival Safe

Archival materials are meant to last about 100 years. Archival-safe materials can be safely used for preservation purposes.