What is a scrapbook album?
A scrapbook album is a stunning, colorful and unique way to showcase your photos and tell the story of the event behind them.

Why is it important to have one?
Your family moments are precious and deserve to be cherished for many years. Unfortunately, the stories get lost. We forget the details. But, with a beautiful scrapbook album the stories can remain vivid for generations. Children can learn about themselves, their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and more. Parents/grandparents can have a special lasting album of their children.

What's wrong with the shoeboxes, junk drawers or magnetic albums my pictures are currently sitting in?
Briefly, acids from the processing or current photo storage you are using are deteriorating your photos, turning them yellow, fading and brittle, as we speak!! Lignin, the gluey substance that binds wood fibers, is doing the same thing. And generally, older albums are full of with both lignin and acids!

Can you make an album as a showcase for my business?
Yes! Highlight your work in a custom made scrapbook album. If you are a florist, photographer, dentist, interior decorator, hair stylist, baker, caterer, deck builder,etc., why not show clients a custom made album that shows off your work?

What is journaling and who provides it?
Journaling is one of the most important parts of a scrapbook. Journaling is the written word on a page that tells a story, describes a picture or shares how the subject felt that day. Journaling can be done in a couple ways. Your pages will be carefully created with additional journaling space provided, allowing you to add journaling at your leisure. Your own handwriting in an album is an excellent way to personalize the album. If you would like me to journal for you there is a small additional fee. All my journaling is computer generated.

How long does it take you?
During your free consultation, we'll determine a timeframe together. The length of time before completion depends on the size of the project. A 20-page, 12x12 album will usually take 3-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design style. An 8 ½ x11 or smaller album would take less time. I will make every effort to accommodate rush orders.

I'd like to give a scrapbook album to someone, but don't have access to their photos. I want this to be a surprise. What should I do?
You can have a premade album created. I will create beautiful premade pages for you. All the recipient has to do is add the pictures! This is an awesome gift idea for mothers-to-be, brides to-be, newlyweds, special teachers, birthdays or anniversaries.

Do you have a contract?
Yes. My goal is to create for you an album you absolutely love! In order to do this, I need to be sure we are on the same page regarding design style, timing, delivery, and price. Therefore, I have a client-consultant agreement that is completed and signed at the initial consultation.

What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, checks, money orders and paypal. A 50% deposit is required at the time of the contract signing. Balance due upon completion.

How do I get started?
Call or email me to set up a free one-hour consultation. During our visit, we'll review your photos and memorabilia that you would like in a scrapbook album. We'll select an album and talk about journaling specifics. We'll discuss design, color options and preferences and I'll estimate the number of pages needed to hold all of your photos. Based on that information, I can give you a price quote. You can get started now by gathering all of your photos and make notes about dates, events, and quotes you would like included.

I don’t know where to start! I must have a million pictures...
Many people feel overwhelmed at the task of sorting all their pictures. I have tip sheets that I can mail you to help you get organized while you sort through all your years of memories! Some people find it easier to sort by years first and others may find it easier to sort by event or theme. Don't worry - it goes fast once you just get started! The longer you put it off, the worse the piles will get!

What if I don't live near Onalaska, WI?
For clients who live farther away, I will schedule a time to talk with you on the phone. I can also send information through the mail or by e-mail, whichever you prefer. When I receive your photos, signed contract and deposit, I'll start working on your project. And, I will keep in contact by sending e-mails with updates of how your scrapbook is coming. When finished, I will let you know. I will send you an invoice for the remainding amount, and mail your album to you after I receive full payment.

I have all my pictures on my computer or saved on CD's. What do I need a scrapbook for?
If you’ve been burning your family photos to CD so they’ll last forever, experts are now warning that they don’t last a lifetime!

According to the January 10, 2006 issue of PC World magazine, material degradation is the problem. There’s a layer of dye on CD-Rs and CD-RWs. The degradation process can lead to data “shifting” on the surface, making the CD unreadable! Burned CDs only last about two to five years. CD’s are not the final method of archiving those photos we hold so dear!

Are you at risk for losing your precious family photos? Have you ever…

• Said, “I’ll print that picture another day,” then never printed it?
• Deleted pictures when your memory card was full so you could take a different picture?
• Planned to keep your photo CD’s for more than 5-10 years?
• Accidentally deleted a photo from your camera?
• Had your computer’s hard drive fail?
• Had your camera stolen?
• Lost a memory card?
• Overwritten a CD?
• Lost a CD?

If you answered yes to any of these items, you’re at risk for losing your digital pictures!

I’ve talked with children who wonder why there are baby pictures of their brother and sister around the house [printed when parents used 35mm cameras] but none of them. Parents have been exchanging photos via e-mail and storing them on disks or computers, but they’re missing out on the opportunity to inspire a strong sense of family pride in their children by showcasing the photos where the children can see them every day.

So, what are you supposed to do with all those photos on your hard drive now? Print! Print! Print!

Printing out your pictures is easier than ever. You can purchase a photo printer for home use. Or, take advantage of online processing programs that let you upload your images and order prints online. Some sites even offer services that let you upload and order your images online, then pick them up at a local photo developer near your home. And don’t forget the traditional lab services. Most of the labs you visited to drop off your 35mm film offer services for printing digital photos as well.

Just get those digital photos printed onto quality paper and then safely into a photo-safe scrapbook album. A scrapbook album tells the story behind the photos and can be shared and enjoyed for generations to come!