✏️ TAKE THE POLL—What size do you scrap and why?

✏️ TAKE THE POLL—Do you print at home or order out?

Overall Impression

There is no single “right” way to handle printed scrapbook pages. Members are using a mix of home printing, professional printing services, printed books, and digital-only solutions. Many long-time scrapbookers have shifted their approach over time as technology, costs, storage needs, and family interests have changed.

Home Printing Is Still Popular

Several members print their pages at home and are generally enthusiastic about the results. Common themes include:

• Preference for Canon and Epson photo printers.
• Appreciation for being able to print whenever inspiration strikes.
• Ability to print 8×8, 8.5×11, or 12×12 layouts on demand.
• Concerns about ink costs, especially with larger prints.
• Strong emphasis on using quality photo paper for the best results.
• Interest in newer tank-style printers that eliminate expensive cartridges.

Professional Printing Services Are Widely Used

When members order prints, a few services are mentioned repeatedly. Reasons for ordering out include:

• Better quality for large-format prints.
• Lower overall cost compared to maintaining a high-end home printer.
• Convenience.
• Ability to print only favorite layouts rather than maintaining a large home-printing setup.

One print service in particular received multiple positive endorsements for 12×12 prints and sale-priced print bundles.

Printed Books Appeal to Many Storytellers

Several members have embraced photo-book printing rather than printing individual pages.

Reasons include:

• Easier organization for non-chronological scrapbookers.
• More enjoyable viewing experience for family members.
• Great gifts for children, grandchildren, friends, and relatives.
• Long-term preservation of stories and memories.

A few members have created extensive collections of books documenting family histories and childhood memories.

Some People Have Stopped Printing Altogether

A notable theme was that several members no longer print their scrapbook pages.

Their reasons varied:

• Shelves and albums became overcrowded.
• Family members rarely looked through the printed albums.
• Storage became burdensome.
• Digital archives felt easier to manage.
• Digital flipbooks and online storage provided a satisfying alternative.

Interesting Insights

A few comments revealed how scrapbookers adapt layouts specifically for print, such as:

• Simplifying designs.
• Adding more journaling.
• Increasing white space.
• Creating layouts that work better in printed albums than they do on screen.

Others noted that aging eyesight is influencing page-size decisions, with some considering larger formats.

Key Takeaway

The strongest theme was practicality. Members choose the method that best fits their lifestyle, budget, storage space, and goals. Some love the immediacy of home printing, others prefer the quality and convenience of professional printers, many have moved to photo books, and a few are perfectly happy keeping their scrapbook pages entirely digital.

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Author: Jen White | Contact Us
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