11/13/07

 Your memories are precious.

We will do our best to make your scrapbook

a favorite book for you, your family & friends to read. 

For more information, questions, or to schedule a consultation

please contact Doreen:

714.891-4664

or email:  scrapbookmemories@socal.rr.com

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1.  What does acid-free, archival-safe mean?

     Photos may fade or discolor when placed on paper or near items that contain acid, lignin and other agents that may be damaging.  If you look at older photo albums that used to be used, and see the effects of fading and color changing - this is an indication that your albums may not be archival-safe.  Even newspaper clippings may be damaging to photos. Acid-free or archival safe are terms used with all the products we use.  These products have been tested by the manufacturer to ensure that they are safe to be used with photos. 

• 2.  What if I want to use newspaper articles in my scrapbook?

     You absolutely may use newspaper clippings in your albums.  During your consultation we will discuss the options you want to use to include them.  The option may be to treat the newspaper with a spray that removes acid and agents that make them dangerous, or to copy the newspaper onto acid free paper.

• 3. What is "cropping", and what if I don't want my photos cropped?

     The term "cropping" refers to trimming photos.  Sometimes photos are trimmed to center the subject of the photo, eliminate empty space or to remove distracting elements.  During our consultation we will discuss if you want photos cropped or not.  Often times the background items in photos are important to the time, and need to be included - especially recognized in heritage photos, which all photos eventually become!  This is your personal scrapbook, and we do exactly what you want!  If you do not want a photo cropped - we will not do so. 

• 4. What about resizing photos?

     Sometimes we may recommend to have a photo resized, or more specifically enlarged because that photo is the focus of the layout.  We will always consult with you prior to resizing photos.  Photos are resized at a minimal cost of $1.00 to $2.00 per photo.

• 5.  How many photos fit on a page?

     The amount of photos depend on the size of the album, the size of the photos, the amount of other memorabilia included on the page, and the amount of journaling.  Typically a 6" album will have one photo on each page.  An 8" album could include one or two photos on each page.  And, a 12" inch album may include three to five photos per page.   Often times a layout (two adjoining pages) have a theme, and this also determines the number of photos used.  Example:  there are 20 photos of "Aunt Ruth".  Five of those are from when she was a child, and the other 15 are current.  The 5 older photos might be included on one layout, depicting that time, while the others may be divided between two other layouts.  Of course, you will make the decision of the final result of pages - regardless of what we may recommend.

• 6. What things go into a scrapbook besides photos?

     There are a variety of things to keep in mind when deciding what you want in your scrapbook.  One of the most important things is called "journaling".  Journaling is the actual story behind the photos.  Sometimes you may have only one photo, but have a great story behind it.  We always encourage you to have some journaling in your book.  You may want to hand-write it, or e-mail your journaling, and we would print it out.  Or, you may decide to have no journaling at all.  That is totally up to you.

     You may want to include tickets, napkin, a card, invitation, map, brochure, metal charm, etc.  Any items you have collected will enhance your pages and help tell the story.

     Please think about titles for pages.  Our designers are excellent with ideas for titles for pages.  So, if you are struggling with a possible title, they will be helpful.  

• 7. What if I already have some supplies?

     You may have already collected some scrapbook supplies when thinking about making a scrapbook.  We always do our best to include any materials you want in your scrapbook.  Please mention this during your initial consultation.

• 8. How long will it take to complete my scrapbook?

     The amount of time it takes to complete a scrapbook varies, depending on the number of photos, the number of pages, the size of the book, etc.  At Scrapbook Memories for you, we recognize how important it is to have your project completed in a timely manner.  During your initial consultation, we will outline your needs and decide on a deadline.    For general purposes you can expect your 20 page album to take approximately four to six weeks.  Hand-painted albums take approximately two weeks, depending on the complexity of what is being painted.

• 9. How can I see the pages of the scrapbook before the book is complete?

     We want this book to be your heart's desire.  We will always send photos of layouts via e-mail through-out the production of your scrapbook.  We will be able to discuss and make any changes or additions in the design, or photos used in your scrapbook.

• 10.  Is there a contract?

     At Scrapbook Memories for you, we do not want any surprises - for you or for us!  So, all details discussed in our initial consultation will be outlined and included in our contract.  We will both know from the beginning what your expectations are and what our commitment is to you.  Immediately after the consultation a contract will be sent to you via e-mail, for you to review, sign and return.