Why should I have a scrapbook?

How often do you take out those boring albums containing the photos of your summer vacation, your child’s first birthday, that memorable ball game?  Most of us will answer that with, “not very often.”  Why?  Those albums are not exciting to look at.  A scrapbook is a personal way to exhibit your photos and tell the story.

How do we get started?

You will use the contact page on our website to start the process.  We will then set up a free consultation with you, either in person, by phone, or e-mail.  Together we will decide exactly what you are looking for.

What do photo-safe, acid free and archival quality mean?

Conventional paper products will slowly degrade, due to the high level of acid which normally exists in paper. Archival paper is made slightly alkaline or with a neutral pH so that it will not yellow and turn brittle with age.
Lignin will turn yellow as it is exposed to heat, causing yellowing paper. Acid makes the paper more fragile, thin, and brittle. Newspapers provide perhaps the best example of the antithesis of archival paper, since they are made as cheaply as possible.  Newspapers quickly turn yellow and brittle, an undesired trait in important documents.
Archival paper addresses the need for longer lasting documents. The discoveries of acid and lignin led to the development of archival paper.
The process for making archival paper is more complex, resulting in a more expensive end product. The paper is thoroughly treated to remove lignin, and then is made pH neutral, or preferably alkaline. Alkaline paper will be better able to resist the acidic environment than neutral paper. The resulting product holds ink and colors well, and will last far longer than conventional paper.
Products labeled “acid-free, “photo-safe” or “archival-quality” are safe for scrapbooks.  They should not fade, discolor, alter or harm your photos in any way.
How long will it take to complete my project?

We will cover this in your initial free consultation. The length of time needed to complete your scrapbook depends on the size of the project, how many photos will be used, and the level of detail.  A 20 page, 12 x 12 album will typically take between 3-4 weeks to complete.  A single page layout usually takes 2-3 days. We know that there are times when you may need an album done quickly.  If you have a specific deadline, we will do our best to accommodate you. 

How many photos fit on a page?

This will depend on the size of your photos, the style of your page and whether you choose to have your photos cropped.  A typical 12 x 12 layout will hold between 2-4 photos.  Sometimes it is best to display one special photo on its own page, then use the facing page to tell more of the story with the rest of the photos.  This will only be done after discussing it  with you during the consultation. 

Do you alter my original photos?

No.  We will use a high-resolution scanner to scan your photos and memorabilia.  The originals will be returned to you.  If you submit copies to us, we will use them in the best possible way for your page.

Can I preview some pages of my scrapbook before completion?

We insist on it.  After we have completed 2 or 3 pages, we will send you a picture to make sure we are on the same page with you.  If you want changes to the design, we can discuss it at that time.

What is journaling?

Journaling is the written word that tells the story of your pictures.  It is one of the most important aspects of your album.  It can be a poem, narrative, bits and pieces of the story, or just words to capture the moment.  Journaling can be computer generated or hand written.
You will decide how much space is needed for journaling.  We can either add it for you or leave a blank journaling block and you can hand write your account with an archival pen that we provide for you.  If you choose to have Baby Bed Bug add the journaling, you will need to provide what you want written.
What if some of my items are not acid free?

The acid and lignin in many items, such as newspaper articles, make it dangerous for the life of your photos.  However, they do make a great addition to your scrapbook.  There are several ways to make your items safe for your scrapbook, including making a photocopy onto acid-free paper,  laminating the item, or it can be sprayed with an anti-acid spray.

What if I already have some supplies?

Many of us plan on making a scrapbook and have purchased items to do so.  However, time gets away from us and we never get around to it.  If this has happened to you, we will gladly discuss what supplies you have and determine if they will work with the scrapbook that you choose.

Do you have a contract?

Yes.  We need to make absolutely certain that we are on the same page in regard to design style, delivery, and price.  We have a designer-client contract that is completed and signed at the free consultation.

How do I provide you with my photos?

First, let me say that I always insist that you keep a copy or the original photo, memorabilia, or CD that contains your photos.  You can then submit them electronically, or they can be mailed directly to Baby Bed Bug.  If you have everything on a CD you can e-mail that or send it in the mail.

How do I pay?

Baby Bed Bug accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, cashier’s checks and paypal.  A deposit of 50% will be required before starting the project with the remainder due at completion.