Custom Design FAQs

How does this process work / where do I begin?

The process is simple. Contact me to schedule a meeting either in person, over the phone, or online. It is important that we discuss your vision for the album design because your photos are so personal and meaningful. This initial consultation is free. We will talk about your pictures, how they are organized, and how many you have. We will discuss pricing and timelines for the completion of your project.

How long does it take for you to complete an album?

During our initial consultation, we will discuss the size and details for your project and determine a target completion date. A full 20-page album could take 6-8 weeks depending on my current workload. If there is a specific deadline for the project, I am happy to try to accommodate this.

How many pictures will fit on a page or layout?

The photos (and memorabilia) are the most important part of a scrapbook, so I all of my designs focus on the photos and your story. We will discuss ways that we can incorporate ALL of your photos, but a general guideline for best design would be…        

• One 12 x 12 page — 3-5 photos
• One 8.5 x 11 page — 2-3 photos
• One 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 page — 2-3 photos
• One 6×6 page — 1-2 photos

How do you determine pricing?

Pricing is determined by album size, number of pages, amount of detail, and style of album.  A quote will be provided before any work begins. Prices include the following: 

• Acid-free and lignin-free cardstock and specialty paper        
• Photo-safe, acid-free permanent adhesive (unless removable adhesive for photos is requested)
• Embellishments (such as diecuts, ribbon, metals, buttons, etc)
• Cardstock for matting photos
• Computer generated journaling (or space for personalization) and titles
• 30 min consultation meeting (phone or in person)
• Standard album

Can I see some of the pages before my project is complete?

Yes! These are your pictures and your album and I want you to be completely satisfied from start to finish. After I complete 3 layouts, I will photograph and send them to you via email. We will discuss what you like about them, and any changes you would like me to make. As I work on your album, feel free to message me with any updates, and I will gladly send you notes and photos of how the book is coming along. Periodically, you will receive an email or text from me with page layouts for approval. This is your keepsake, so I always make sure you love what you see before it is permanent.

What if I don’t live in the Fort Worth area?

No problem! Everything can be discussed over the phone, and sent via email and regular mail. I will communicate with you in whatever way is easiest for you!

What is a “client agreement”?

I want to provide the most professional services, and I believe a client agreement, or contract, helps to communicate our expectations. You will receive the client agreement after our initial consultation, and if you decide to hire me, we both sign and receive a copy.

Do you have to crop my photos and/or use permanent adhesive?

No. I will not crop any photo that you do not want “cut smaller”. I do not need to use permanent adhesives, although I do recommend it. We can discuss alternative ways of adding your photos to your album during our initial meeting. You will also have the opportunity to designate cropping or adhesive details on the client inventory sheet prior to the start of the project.

What about the stories behind my pictures (journaling)? Some may be private. 

I absolutely understand that some journaling details, memories, or personal events may be private.  This is why I offer several choices of how to record the information in your album. Your privacy is important to me, and I assure that the details of your photos will be kept in the strictest confidence. If you are comfortable with me adding the journaling to your albums, I will computer generate the information and add this to the pages. If you prefer to add the journaling in your own handwriting, I will add “journaling spots” to each page or layout.

What if I already own scrapbook supplies? Can you use those?

If you already own some scrapbook paper and/or embellishments, I will be happy to try and incorporate them.  

What about photo reprinting or enlargements?

Based on the design of each page, I will determine the size of all photos used. If a larger size photo is needed for the design,  I will contact you for approval first before adding any additional costs to the project. If approved, a final invoice will be paid prior to album delivery.

Do I save money by having you do an entire album (at least 20 pages), rather than one page at a time?

Yes! The price of your album is based on several things. Size, design time, and number of pages per order. By ordering at least 20 pages, I offer you a discount!