
Stonehenge paper, 250gsm (I buy mine from Talas Online because the sheet sizes are perfect).Before compiling the list, I asked a few of my book maker friends to share their favorites as well. I’ve tested a lot of papers, so I feel pretty confident in sharing these recommendations with you. The goal is to get a sheet large enough (with the right grain direction) to fold in half with some added room for error. Premium paper brands like Mohawk and Stonehenge have very different sheet sizes. These are the minimum sizes required, not necessarily the sizes offered. Here are a few popular photo album sizes and the minimum sheet size required to make them. This is easier said than done once grain direction comes into play. The paper needs to be large enough to fold in half for each signature or fold at one end to create a tab. When it comes to photo album bookbinding paper, size matters. shades of browns, oranges and blues for pets, travel, historical albums and other adventures.black for elegance, tradition, luxury or memorials.variations of white are great for any album (off-white, natural or creams).Here are a few of my personal recommendations: When you’re picking a color for your album pages, keep color meaning in mind. Children’s albums are usually made of one or more pastel colors to open the door for creativity and imagination. Graduation albums are black for power, mystery and wealth and set the stage for a graduate’s positive future. Wedding albums are usually white for purity and beginnings. Selecting color for a book is no different, especially when it comes to photo albums. Color can also influence our decision making, like blue for trust or yellow to invoke creativity. The paint on our walls can excite (red) or calm us (grays and taupes). Paper ColorĬolor is such an important quality is almost everything we do. I personally recommend wove or laid paper if you’re just getting started. These finishes are great for photo albums:Įach of these has a different look and feel, so be sure to grab a sample book before buying. It doesn’t have a grid pattern, but heavier versions feel lush to the touch. Wove paper, on the other hand, is considered untextured. Laid cover paper has a slightly textured surface with visible grid lines that run both horizontally and vertically, copying the look of fine handcrafted paper. This is referred to as a paper’s “finish.” It’s an important quality for book makers to consider because it sets the mood and experience for whoever touches it. Some papers are textured on the surface while others are smooth. This brings me to my second important bookbinding photo album paper quality: finish. The names vary based on pulp fiber and finish. Paper of this weight may be referred to cover (cover stock) or card (card stock). So, what is the best paper weight for photo albums? Through my own research and open discussion with fellow bookbinders, I can confidently recommend 250-300 gs/m (around 160 lbs text weight or 90 lbs cover weight). If the paper is too heavy, pages won’t turn or lay open correctly. This may cause photos to lift and separate or create creases that weaken paper over time. If the paper is too light, it will bend and curve as the pages are turned. When it comes to photo albums, paper weight is the most important property. In this post, I’ll walk you through the most important paper qualities for photo albums – and why – so you can make the right choice for your next album.

Want to make the book yourself? Check out our guide to the best scrapbooking supplies you can buy today.The perfect bookbinding photo album paper needs to be versatile enough to support pictures of various shapes and sizes, while creating a fun sensory experience for the viewer. Prices start at around $29.98, depending on the size of the book. You can provide up to 800 images, as well as special instructions, and in a few days, you’ll be able to review and personalize your album! Your finished design is printed on high-quality paper, and you can choose from different covers, including leather.
#Photo album pages free
Then, there’s the “Custom Path,” where you design the book by hand, choosing which photographs you want on each page and adding your own text and embellishments.įinally, there’s the free “Make My Book® Service” where Shutterfly’s designers will curate your photos and design a book for you. You can choose from 95 different layouts, and add custom captions under your pictures. First, there’s the “Simple Path,” where your photographs are automatically populated into preset backgrounds. You have three choices when designing a photo album with Shutterfly.

One of the most popular photo album websites out there is Shutterfly-and for good reason! This website offers a variety of options that let you create high-quality photo books, and you can also use it to make other photo-based memorabilia, such as cards, calendars, wall art, blankets, and much more. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
