Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire you to design a custom album even if I do not live locally to you?
Yes, I offer my services to anyone. The consultations and planning will be conducted through e-mail, instant messenger or phone. You send me your photos either by mail or through e-mail and I design your album as if we were in person.
Do I need to organize my photos?
Before the initial consultation, you should group similar photos together. Please have them in labeled envelopes or divided into groups by theme, page ideas or date. If you need help with this process let me know. You can let me know during our consultation if there are any photos that should not be permanently adhered or cropped. We will go over each group of photos and I will make notes of the important information about each photo or group. I can make a copy of any photograph if you do not want to use the original.
Can I use digital photos in my scrapbook album?
Yes, if all of your photos are digital and saved onto your computer please have them printed and mailed to me. I can also print your photos for you if you mail a disc with all of your photos on it. There is an additional charge for this service.
What is journaling?
Journaling is the description that your pictures tell. It is a very important part of your album. It explains the who, what, where, when, why and how of each page or layout. I can leave a journaling space for you to do your own journaling or I can computer generate your journaling with a description that you tell me for each layout. If you do your own journaling, I will provide a permanent scrapbook safe archival pen. Your family will appreciate the story written in your own handwriting for generations to come.
Can I see some of the pages of my scrapbook before it is done?
After I begin your album, I will e-mail or use a photo sharing website to send pictures of all of your completed layouts. This will ensure that I am going in the direction that you envisioned. If you do need to change any of the designs or layouts, we can discuss it at that time.
Can I include memorabilia in my scrapbook?
Yes, you can include your memorabilia or newspaper articles that are not photo-safe in your album. We will photocopy the article onto acid-free paper and you get to keep the original. I can also spray the items with archival spray designed to make paper products and newspaper articles acid-free and extend the life of the item.
What is acid and lignin-free?
Lignin and acid can both be removed during the manufacturing process. Lignin is the chemical agent that holds fibers together in a tree. Newspaper has a high lignin content and it becomes yellow and brittle after a few days. Acid is a chemical agent used during the manufacturing of paper that causes photos and paper to deteriorate.
Why can't I keep my photos in my magnetic album?
Magnetic albums are known as the peel and stick albums. You lift the plastic cover and place your photo onto the lines of glue. This adhesive contains acid and is known to discolor and destroy your precious photographs over time. Over the years acid causes glue to yellow and the photos to become discolored or deteriorated. Older version albums may not be made of photo-safe material and might contain both lignin and acid.
How long will it take to complete my scrapbook?
This depends on how many photographs you want to use and the details of the album. All albums vary on style and pages. A 12" x 12" album with 20 pages can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. We will discuss all of this during our initial consultation.
What is your business policy?
Once we have discussed your project needs, I will e-mail or call you with an estimated price quote. A deposit for one half the project will be noted in the quote and will be required before work will commence on your album. A customer agreement will be signed at the time of deposit payment. Upon completion of the scrapbook, you will be billed the remaining cost of the album. Payment plans can be scheduled for remaining balance. Balance is to be paid in full upon my completion of album. Once I receive payment, your album will be available for pick-up, delivery or shipping. If your album has to be shipped, the buyer is responsible for shipping charges and they are due upon receipt of your completed album. I will e-mail you another bill for the cost of shipping.
How do I pay for my scrapbook album?
I accept cash, personal checks, money orders, cashier's checks and PayPal. I also accept major credit cards through PayPal for the payment of your album. There will be a $25 fee on all returned personal checks.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to e-mail.
