Next project: printing options, need help

[momtolilianna]

Hello All,

I'm finishing my first album and I'm so happy to have found digital scrapbooking as a hobby! What an awesome way to create books. I'm about to finish my first book and I'm looking forward to my next.

My first book was done in 8 x 10. I used a photo lab and put them in drop in pages in an album. I'm completely happy with the end product. However, I'm seeing that different page sizes may give me more layout options. At this time, a home printer isn't an option. So, I'm wondering about a few other possibility and would appreciate some feedback.

First, has anyone used some of the book printing options such as Mypublisher, Shutterfly or here? I notice that "full bleed" pages are available. I do worry about the durability of the pages. If anyone could share their experience, it would be greatly appreciated.

Second, I've seen where Costco has 12 x 18 pages available for 2.99. That's the same price I pay for 8 x 10. I'm thinking it would be fun to do 12 x12 pages and add a few 4 x 6's for mini albums. We do not currently have a Costco (though I believe one may be built here in few months). I notice they have free shipping. Can anyone share their experience?

Thank you so much for any information. This has been such a fun hobby to learn and I've learned so much from other experienced scrappers here.

Take care,
Melissa

[Waterqueen]

I use costco. i love costco. For how rarely i print (only if its a gift to someone. My personal albums are all online.) it is worth the effort. You have to save your image on a canvas that is 12x 18 or 8x10 if you are doing a smaller album. The nice thing is if you mess up, they'll refund you your money imediately. also if you want to make a smaller version of the smae album (like a brag book for grandma and a larger one for you at home) you have to manually resize all teh images before you send them in. My goal was to spend less on digital scrapbooking then I would or traditional srcaping so I am happy with the quality i get for the price I pay. I have heard with other companies (like here) you get a better quality and of course you get the hardbound book too.
-becca