Photo Books and more

Many people ask me where I get my photo books done.  I have been doing them for several years now and with the arrival of Amelia have been branching out even more.

I think my favorite site is Shutterfly, not so much for the quality, but they have the best overall deals.  Don’t get me wrong, if the quality wasn’t there, I wouldn’t use them, it is just a bit less. Mixbook is another site that I feel is of bit better quality, but more expensive and with less "sales" (free book, discounts, etc.).  I stumbled on them through a Groupon and have been using them once a year for Amelia’s year in review book with a 12x12 book size.  

  I did one book from Apple and even though the quality was superior and it was super easy through iPhoto, the price wasn't that great ($30 I believe) and at that time they didn't have the templates that others had.  I haven't done one from Apple in a bit, so that could have changed. 

Blurb is another company that is relatively expensive, but I am waiting for a discount to come thru my email to go and do a book.  They have gotten great reviews.

Here are a few of my creations with companies, prices (when I can remember) and quality. 

This is the Mixbook creation I do yearly.  Easy formats and templates, but a bit expensive ($50 for one book).  I waited and waited for a by one get one free offer, which brought it down to $25.  Shipping was more expensive too, due to the 12x12 format.  Worth it for once a year.

I did these photo plaques from Shutterfly for Christmas gifts a couple holidays ago and was very happy with how they turned out.  I paid about $12 for each, which isn't that cheap, but I thought they were unique.

Paper Coterie has many unique items, one being a memory box that I really wanted for Amelia's baby items.  I saw a free deal on a blog I read, so I bought one and LOVED it, so waited for another deal and another and now have 4.  I just paid shipping to my sister's as Alaska shipping was $25 and hers in NY was $12.  I bring them home after my visits. I do make my own calendars every year.   I made one for my whole family one year and now do the refills.  The calendar on the left I had done at Shutterfly for Rob and I make him a new one each year for his office calendar.

York Photo is yet another site that produces books and the like.  They had a fleece printed blanket that was 50% off.  I made one for Rob for about $25, however, I wasn't very happy with the quality of the blanket as it was more like a thin fabric than a fleece.  

I had his valentine's mug done at inkgarden for $5.  Not the best quality and just plastic inside, but cute!  He perfers his glass starbucks mug for his morning trek to work, but likes to see his Amelia while sipping coffee.  If I ever find a full glass one, I will get it!  They don't make many all glass/ceramic travel mugs it seems.

York also had a great deal on these not too long ago.  $1 plus shipping, otherwise $7.  I use them all the time. 

York again, and I just couldn't resist a plate (haha).  $8.

Just got this the other day and Amelia is currently using it as her pillowcase.  $10 at Inkgarden.  Again, I couldn't resist. :)

 

Let's see...I do many cards on Shutterfly and they turn out great.  I have used Cardstore.com, however, the quality wasn't what I was hoping for, but very reasonable.  

Will post on any product I find super exciting in the future too.

Happy creating...