There are about a million different ways you can make an autograph book. I'm still debating how I want to do mine, as well.
You can print the pages up as photos (matte finish) and put them in a a photo album and take them out as needed for characters to sign. Many Disigners have some great customized autograph pages in their shared folders.
You can print them off your own printer and tie them with ribbon.
You can have them printed up at Staples or your local copy center and have them spiral bound.
You can have characters sign cardstock tags that are smaller in size, that you carry in a ziplock bag. Then decorate a clipboard to carry around with you... When you see a character you take out a card and clipboard. This way you can incorporate the autographs into scrapbook pages when you get home if you'd like.
Some people like to have only autographs and have a checklist in the front of their book with all the character's names listed and where to find them. Then they have a separate customized page for each character. Other books have generic pages and leave room for a photo next to the signature.
Card stock is thicker and will tolerate sharpie markers without bleeding through to the other side. However, I 've read that sharpie markers can leave marks on your clothing if the character goes to hug you with the cap still off.
I am still debating which route to go... I've been deliberating and comparing different ways for a few days now. The quote I got at Staples for color printing and binding was astronomical. Even having them printed up as photos got costly. Printing them off the computer takes a LOT of ink...
I'm thinking possibly getting a sketchbook with cardstock pages, customizing the cover, and every other page with Disney stickers. That way, the character knows where to sign... Then the opposite side I'll put a photo of the child with the character. I found an autograph book at the dollar store, but the pages are regular weight paper. The covers are cardboard and sturdy, so I'm playing around with that and seeing if I can doctor it up for cheap.
Of course, I've also been eying a few custom made ones on ebay which can be personalized. Very cute, and may be worth the investment when all is said and done! It may be cheaper in the end!
I hope that was helpful.. I'm certainly no expert, but I have been searching the board about this topic for some time. LOL
Good luck whatever you decide!
