"I have 85 photos to include in a scrapbook, how many pages will I need?"

I recently received this excellent question by e-mail from a perspective client. On my website, I quote a 'per page' price for several page sizes. However, if you don't know how many pages you need, how are you supposed to determine the total cost of your custom scrapbook? So let me explain how I estimate the number of pages needed and the price quote of a custom scrapbook.

First, let's decide the size of the pages. There is no right or wrong size to choose but size will determine how many pages will be needed. Larger pages will hold more photos. Next let's determine the number of pages per layout. Usually, clients like the opposing pages to match and prefer two page layouts for each category of photos. Now, let's group the photos. Most of the time, photos are categorized by an event such as a birthday, a day at the park, first foods, etc or specific occurrences in a single event such as opening the presents, cutting the cake, trimming the tree, first day of our trip, etc. Once the photos are separated by event or specific occurrence, we can see how many photos are in each category. Can any of the photos be cropped? Finally, let's decide how many pages will be needed. A 12 X 12 page will usually accommodate about 5 cropped photos or 3 uncropped photos. An 8-1/2 X 11 page will usually accommodate about 3 or 4 cropped photos and 2 uncropped photos. An 8 X 8 page will usually accommodate about 2 cropped photos or 1 uncropped photo. Anything smaller will usually hold about 1 photo per page. Now that we have the facts, let's determine the price of the project:

My client has decided she would like a 12 X 12 scrapbook with double page layouts and that she has 12 events to be included in the scrapbook. There are 5-7 photos in each of 11 events and 14 photos in the last event. She has also decided some cropping was fine but specifically identified which photos she didn't want to be cropped. Based on this information, the client needs 28 pages for her 85 photos of 12 events and I've quoted a price of $504 plus tax. Let's look at a breakdown of the price quote:

1 Introduction page (12X12) $20
22 pages for 11 events $440
4 pages for the last event $80
1 Ending page $20
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Total for 28 pages $560

Total price less 10% ($56) quantity discount $504 plus tax

As you can see, many variables are involved in determining the cost of a custom scrapbook. Rest assured, you don't have to figure it out all by yourself. Just call or e-mail our designer and answer a few simple questions. Within 24 hours, you will receive a detailed price quote for your custom scrapbook. It's that simple. No math. No risk. No cost. No obligation.

DIY--Is It Less Expensive?

Sometimes, after I quote a price for a potential client, they ask me this question: Wouldn't it be less expensive if I made my own scrapbook? I honestly tell them it depends on what supplies they own and how much they value their time. First, let's talk supplies: How much will it cost to buy the tools and supplies necessary to make an album?
Here's a "Recommended Beginner Supply List" and a price range for each item:

• Paper Trimmer $15-$30
• Scissors $5-$20
• Adhesive & Refills $3-$20
• Cardstock & Pattern Paper $.50-$.89 each
• Journaling Pens $3-$5 each
• Adhesive Remover $4-$10
• Decorating Chalks $13-$20
• Cutting Mat $10-$35
• Font CD $10-$30
• Idea Books $10-$30
• Scrapbook Magazines $5-$25
• Album & Page Protectors $3-$50

These are the basics but most do-it-yourselfers do not just buy basic supplies. They look at the idea books and scrapbooking magazine and want to add 'a little something' to their pages. How much does 'a little something' cost?

• Stickers & Diecuts $1-$5
• Punches $3-$20
• Stamps and Ink $3-$20
• Embellishments (metal, ribbon, etc.) $1-$20
• Special Tools & Upgrades $5-$50
  
• Lettering and Shape Templates $3-$20
• Die Cut Machines $20-$1000
• Metal Dies $3-$20
• Organizational Products $5-$1000's
• Scrapbook Classes $10-$35 each

Lets take a look at this list again. How many of the above products are consumable? How many products would you probably buy more than one? How many products will you use only once? How many products won't get used at all? How many products will you upgrade when the latest, hottest "must have" tool hits the market? Will you be someone who purchases everything on the "Beginner Supply List" and then decides scrapbooking just isn't for you? Will you be someone who loves the shopping and collecting but doesn't really like the cutting and creating? Will preserving your memories fit into your already jam packed schedule? Unfortunately, you won't find out these answers until you purchase the products and begin creating your scrapbook.

So what's the alternative? Hire Creative Pages & Cards to create your scrapbook! We have the paper, the embellishments, the tools, the experience, the knowledge, and the time to create a one-of-a-kind scrapbook for you. You could spend $500 on scrapbook supplies and gamble that you'll love doing it yourself and have time to finish your album or you could invest the same $500 (12X12 album, 28 pages) and get a beautiful, finished scrapbook that you'll cherish for years to come. DIY isn't always cheaper, sometimes it's a gamble. When you want a finished album, Creative Pages & Cards is a safe bet!