Scrapbooking

Custom Scrapbooking

How does this process work?

I will work with you in creating a scrapbook album that is customized to your personal taste. Here's an overview of the design process:

•  Email me here. Through email, we can discuss your wishes and ideas.  You can ask any questions you may have. We can decide if you would like a themed album (heritage, baby, friends, holiday, etc.) or a chronological album.

  • You will begin to organize your printed photos and memorabilia into some categories, such as general time period when the photos were taken.  You will identify important people, places, and dates and place photos into different envelopes (legal size envelopes or zip log bags work great!)

  • Decide your style and price point for the album. Pages are $10, $12, or $15 per page, ranging from simple and elegant to highly embellished. Snail mail your photos and memorabilia to me.

  • After determining the intricacy of your project and the approximate number of pages it will entail, I will determine a price quote and set a target completion date.  Please allow us about 6-8 weeks to complete a 20 page album.

  • I will then begin construction of your project based on the themes, memorabilia, embellishments, and ideas that we discussed during your initial consult. While working on your project, you can expect that I will work in a timely and professional manner. I will also care for your photos as if they were my own.

  • After completing 6 pages, I will photograph them and send them to you by email.  We will discuss what you like about them, and any changes you would like made. 

  • Finally, we'll talk again to give you an opportunity to view your finished project. (Your satisfaction is my HIGHEST priority!)

What will you need from me?

All of my customers have different expectations for their projects. Some want to be very involved in the planning and design process, while others rely more on my experience and insight. These are your memories and your personal pictures, and I'd like you to be as involved (or uninvolved) as YOU would like.

• First, you may want to begin organizing your photos. If you're having difficulty organizing them, you can send them all to me and I will organize them for you, for $40 per hour.

• Is there anything specific you want to include in your project such as: special memorabilia, exact dates, names of people and places, titles/headings, colors, themes, stickers, embellishments, stories, journaling, quotes, sayings, etc. The more specific you are, the more your project will reflect you and meet your expectations. Together we will come up with ideas that will compliment your pictures and help you get the most out of your project.

What if I don’t really know what I want?

Rest assured.  I have been scrapbooking for many years and have a whole arsenal of ideas to help you through.  You can just give me basic information and I can create the scrapbook according to my design experience.  I can use general sayings/titles in your album that fit the appropriate theme of each page.

What are archival quality, photo safe, acid free, and lignin free materials?

"Archival quality" and "photo safe" are terms used to describe products that are free from damaging agents that cause yellowing, fading, and damage to your pictures.

 One of those damaging agents is acid. I'm sure you've seen those "magnetic" photo albums that allow you to pull a clear page protector back and place your pictures directly on a self-adhesive page. The adhesive used in some of those albums is NOT acid free and will cause irreversible damage/discoloration to your pictures in as little as 5-10 years. All products used to create your scrapbook and/or store your photos should be "acid free," meaning they have a pH of 7 to 8.5.

Another damaging agent is lignin. Lignin is an organic substance that holds the wood fibers together in trees. It's found in some paper and paper products and can damage and turn your pictures yellow over time. If you've ever saved a newspaper article and it turned yellow in just a few years, you've seen the damaging effects of lignin first hand.

ALL products used to construct your scrapbooking project will be photo safe, acid free, and lignin free. This includes everything from paper, pens, and adhesives to embellishments, stickers, and page protectors. By using products that meet these standards, I'll help ensure that your photos will be preserved for generations to come.

How long does it take to complete an album?

During our email conversations, we will determine the magnitude and complexity of your project and set a target completion date. A framed layout or card can generally be completed within 1-3 days. However, a 20 page album may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. If you have a situation that requires that a project be completed quickly, to meet a certain date, I will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

How many pictures can I fit on an album page?

This all depends on the size of your photos.  Generally, we can fit about four to five 4”x6” photos on a single page; if they are heavily cropped (cut down by eliminating distracting backgrounds) then we may be able to fit up to 15 photos on a page. If a photo is very large (8” x 10”) then only one photo will fit on a page. I know several different layout techniques to make sure that ALL of your favorite pictures are included in your album.

What are embellishments?

Embellishments are little “doo-dads” (for lack of better term!) that I will add to your scrapbook pages to complement the photos.  Embellishments include: stickers, titles, ribbons, buttons, journaling boxes, 3-D elements, die-cuts, flat jewels, etc.  For example, in making a page about a child taking a bath, I may add the embellishments of a small, flat, vinyl rubber duck, a small bathtub, and bubble stickers.

What is journaling?

Journaling is used in scrapbooking to "tell the story" of your pictures. When you're determining what you would like to journal on your album pages, think about the details that you might forget 10-20 years from now. Journaling may include but isn't limited to: a summary or story about the events taking place in your pictures, the names of people, pets, places, specific dates, a poem, a special saying or a suitable quote. A space can be left for you to hand write your journaling in your albums, or they can be typed using a variety of fonts. If you have poor penmanship, you may choose to have them typed. However, hand writing your journaling adds a very sentimental touch to your album. Reading a handwritten letter from someone you care about is more personal and intimate than reading a typed one. Journaling is very important to some people and others may choose not to include any journaling on their pages. It is personal preference and ultimately your decision whether or not you wish to include journaling in your project.  

What if I don't live in the Dallas/Ft Worth, TX area?

No problem! We can communicate by e-mail throughout the whole process. I highly recommend using a mail/delivery service that allows you to insure and track your packages. This helps safeguard your photos during shipment. I can mail your album to anywhere in the US.