Anyone turn their passport/autograph book into a photobook?

[Avonshire]

I am looking into making a passport on one of the sites that makes photobooks. Last time I made it myself which was fine but this time I was thinking it would be nicer and easier if I just made it on one of the photo sites. My question is though will the paper work with the stamps/writing? You can't really write on pictures--it is too slippery or something and the ink will smear or come right off. So would matte work? Any suggestions? Any experiences with this?
Thanks!

 

[MusicMouse]

I am looking into making a passport on one of the sites that makes photobooks. Last time I made it myself which was fine but this time I was thinking it would be nicer and easier if I just made it on one of the photo sites. My question is though will the paper work with the stamps/writing? You can't really write on pictures--it is too slippery or something and the ink will smear or come right off. So would matte work? Any suggestions? Any experiences with this?
Thanks!

A Sharpie will work just fine, even on the glossy pages/photos. You need to let it dry about 10 seconds before you close the book. I would recommend the retractable Sharpies because that way you don't need to worry about dealing with the caps.

 

[Avonshire]

OK that is a good idea but what about the stamps that Disney does with their own ink for the passports? Maybe if I let it dry as you suggest I should be ok?!

 

[bubsmoljo]

I was actually wondering the same thing. I've heard the stamps smear on the photo paper even matte. I was thinking I'd have to cut out cardstock squares and glue them to the square for the stamp. Anyone know if the stamp works on photo paper or not?

 

[Avonshire]

I have been reading on several different sites that they don't recommend writing on their paper. They say if you do though that you should use fine tipped permanent marker that is acid free. Trying to find a site that mkes them so you CAN write on them!!!

 

[bubsmoljo]

hmmm ok so that tells me I'd better go ahead with my initial plan of adding a paper square I sure as heck don't want to bother caring something additional-I've got enough sheesh!

 

[Avonshire]

OK I did find this site http://blurb.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/396/kw/Can I write in the book? and they say you can write in their books as long as you use the right paper for it. I thought if I looked hard enough!! Although your idea is not a bad one either--I am just not sure how that will look. How will you get the colors to match and so on.

 

[Avonshire]

But--of course there is always a but!--I don't like their book options!

 

[bubsmoljo]

I guess I figured the most important thing is to have the stamp in tact. I'm just going to use white cardstock, as most of my passport pages have a predominately white background.

 

[Avonshire]

Well Shutterfly also says you can use the ink stamps in their books without any problem, that it won't smear BUT I am not sure whether it is true or if they just wanted me to buy their book or if they did not understand what exactly I was asking!! GL to you on your white cardstock. My pictures are full of color and the stamp locations are the same colors as the page. Maybe I should just order one and try it out!!

 

[danetter]

Last year I made our DD's epcot passport and autograph books with matte photo paper. We had no problem at epcot with smearing when they stamped their passports. We would just fan the book a little a few seconds afterwards before closing them up and had no problems with smearing.

 

[Avonshire]

Thank you for your experience! I tried to stamp one of my old high school yearbooks and the stamp definitely smeared. Most of the web pages say their pages are like yearbook pages. As you can see---I am really struggling with this! Maybe I should just print my own!! I like the idea of having a bound book though.

 

[Sharli]

If you print your own on cardstock, you can then take it to Kinko's to get it spiral-bound for fairly reasonable price. They will bind up to 1.25 inches (maybe 1.5 but I am not 100% on that).

 

[DVC_Princess]

I made one from artscow and had it filled out in April. Most of the stamps did not smear but a couple did. It had way more to do with the CMs IMO than the paper. Some are careful and stamp very clearly; some do not. I would try not to stress over it and do whatever is easiest for you. It's a fun souvenir regardless Hope that helps!