Album Size

[grover]

What size of album do you like to use and why? I am pondering my next choice and am just wondering what others find to be the pro's and con's of both the 8.5 x 11 and the 12 x 12.
Grover in Winnipeg

 

[Tiger Fan]

I use a 12 x 12 and find that I need that much room to do a layout. I also pretty much do 2 page spreads (I take a lot of pictures and like to use them all). I will do a special occasion album and use a 5 x 7, but just find that the 8.5 x 11 for my regular size is too small for me.

Lisa

 

[chessie]

My first album was an 8 1/2 by 11. At the time I felt that the 12 by 12's were just too much blank space for me to deal with. Once I figured out what I was doing I feel I need the space that the 12 by 12 gives me.

One of the cons of the 12 by 12 is finding an area to store it. Since the proper way of storing an album is upright it is hard to find a shelf they will fit on. Once I started using eyelets and other 3D items, storing them upright became more crucial. I ended up storing mine on the top shelf of the hall closet.

 

[lisaschu]

I agree. The 8.5x11 is too limiting as far as space is concerned. It's a great size for the books my kids are making and a great size to give as a gift. I only use 12x12 for my family's albums. I like to do double page spreads for one event and squeeze all my pictures in that one spread. Plus, I really like to journal and tell the stories and feelings behind the pictures so white space is never a problem for me. In fact, I never seem to have enough!!

 

[ScrappinBear]

My first album was 8 1/2 x 11 and byt the time I was 3/4 through I couldn't wait to do a 12 x 12. There is so much more room to work with and not all the pictures have to be cut down to fit more than 2 on a page !! So obviously 12 x 12 is my favorite !!

 

[BusyMomof3]

I use 12x12 for my kids chronological albums and for our Disney trips. There is much more room and you can fit so much more on each page. I also do a lot of 2-page spreads.

I did use an 8-1/2 x 11 album for a cruise trip DH and I took. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but it turned out great.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Everyone talks about how much room you get on a 12x12. But if you wish to see examples of an 8.5x11 with ALOT on each page, then take a look at my book (link in signature). I've received more than one compliment on how much I fit on a page with it still looking good.

This is my first book, but I like the 8.5x11 because it's a standard size. JMHO.

 

[DiznEeyore]

I've used all sizes: 5x7, 8x10, 8-1/2x11, 12x12. I'm currently doing a 12x15 for our WDW trip last December. I love having all the space, but have to admit that my favorite books are my 5x7s. I think it's because they're mostly "about the photos". And I can cram a *lot* of photos onto the pages--I routinely use 5-6 photos per 5x7 layout.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I prefer the 12 x 12, since I feel I can get more pictures in the layout after the border or decoration + a title on the page. I've done smaller albums for my kids, but they just seem more cramped to me.

 

[dwfanatic]

I am getting ready for the crossover myself- I use 8X11 now and want to go to 12X12-- the problem is I have soooo much 8X11 paper... I'll just have to cut it into boarders, triangles, etc.

 

[Kermit]

I'm still on my first and using 8.5 x 11, but I'm ready to switch. I like the variety of papers available for the smaller size, but a lady at work just did a 12x12 for her honeymoon at AKL, and it looks great. She used mainly solid paper but then cut out pieces of the smaller papers to mount her pictures, and it looks so good! And she also didn't have to hack all of her pictures up to get more than 2 on a page. I'm going to go to 12x12 when I start a new one.

 

[Buckleybunch]

I like the 12x12. I have used one 12 x15 and it was too big..
and I have one 8 x10 ( for my Disney ABC album).
I take a lot of pictures, and I have this nasty habit. I think I have to use every single one.