is it worth it to spend more on your books?

[Grumpy's Gal]

I have a CM book that I like but it was expensive. I'd like to use the 40% off coupon at Michael's to buy a book - please tell me what you think. Is it really worth it to buy the expensive books over what I could get at Michael's? Is there that much difference? Thanks!

 

[cobbler]

Heck yeah! Ok, now I am a CM consultant and I am a little bit biased but here is what my expirence was.

I never heard of CM until I came here, found a consultant in my area and had one of those scrapbooks from Michaels. Took it over there and she was fine with it. After looking at hers and looking at mine the quality of the CM album was far superior. I went back the next day and bought an album (after already spending 250 with her). Shortly after is when I signed up to be a consultant. But before I did, I vowed I would not use one of the cheaper albums from Michaels.

Besides the CM album has a lifetime guarantee, if something happened to your book from Michaels do you think they would replace it?? No way. I figure if I am going to spend all that time and energy preserving my photos, spending a little extra on a quality album is nothing in the long run.

Just my opinion

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

Besides the CM album has a lifetime guarantee, if something happened to your book from Michaels do you think they would replace it??

I have yet to have anything happen to any of my albums so that's not something I am concerned about.

But I do appreciate your opinion. Happy Scrapping!

 

[Madi100]

I like the variety of different ablums. I like the top loading pages. I've got both CM and other brands of scrapbooks. Everytime that I use another company's album I feel like it is not as good as CM. Why do I keep buying the other brands - see beginning of my post. I just finished the 7x7 Disney album from CM. I've decided I HATE 7x7, but I really like the CM look. When it is sitting there all finished and complete it sets nicely and the pages don't bow and they all look even. I'm definitely going to stick to CM from now on. I just wish they weren't so darn expensive.

 

[ainmama2001]

If I had unlimited funds, I'd buy nothing but CM...but, because I'm just a normal person, I buy the strap hinged albums from Michaels. They work just fine.

 

[LindaBabe]

I buy all kinds of albums from everywhere, preferably with a coupon, lol. But I have to agree - there's something about the 'feel' of an expensive album. Now that i'm no longer attempting to scrapbook *ALL* my pictures, I'm going though albums a lot more slowly, so I can afford to buy a nice one now and then. I like Mrs. Grossman's albums.

 

[ainmama2001]

I buy all kinds of albums from everywhere, preferably with a coupon, lol. But I have to agree - there's something about the 'feel' of an expensive album. Now that i'm no longer attempting to scrapbook *ALL* my pictures, I'm going though albums a lot more slowly, so I can afford to buy a nice one now and then. I like Mrs. Grossman's albums.

I LOVE Mrs. Grossman's stickers too.

 

[GC&S]

I really like the Making Memories top loading albums - they are true 12x12 and the leather ones are gorgeous. I also have the Colorbok Perfect album and they are good too. I don't like straphinge because I don't scrap in order and they are a pain to take apart and put together.

 

[KeepSwimming]

No offense to any CM reps here, but I want to warn you that CM albums can be tricky if you scrap on 12 by 12 sheets of paper AND then try to mount it to the pages in a CM album.

CM album are not TRUE 12 by 12 pages and that means you have to trim all of your pages to fit....huge pain in the glutious maximus!
I learned this the hard way....so just a little FYI if you like to scrap on patterned paper.

I personally like different kinds of albums...and will only buy top loading ones.

HTH!

 

[mom2grace]

Besides the CM album has a lifetime guarantee, if something happened to your book from Michaels do you think they would replace it?? No way. I figure if I am going to spend all that time and energy preserving my photos, spending a little extra on a quality album is nothing in the long run.

Just my opinion

I have about 7 CM albums, all stored on a bookshelf together. 3 of them (circa 1997) have mold on the covers. The pages are fine with the page protectors. I wiped off what I could, there isn't that much, and you wouldn't notice it unless you looked carefully.

The other albums are much more recent.

What should I do?

 

[nicurn]

I bought a K&Co album at michaels and I couldn't get the dang screws to turn, called the company and explained the problem and the sent me a new album. Making Memories also has fantastic customer service. So, it's not just cm that will replace things. And I have returned things to michael's when I've had problems with them, haven't had a problem. Buy what works for you. maggie

 

[pattyT]

I am assuming you intend to stay with strap hindge
I love CM -
but I have grabbed a few Mikes ones to try for theme albums!
They actually have held up just as well as the CM ones (to my surprise!)
(Unlike the Disney one from 2002 that is falling apart )
I have a HUGE stash of CM ones - then I might convert to the Mikes...
I am tired of spending the $$$$

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

As we all know choice of album is an incredibly personal thing. I do prefer the higher quality album just because the covers, especially the spine cover seems sturdier. As a top load preferred scrapper I stick almost exclusively with Dalee. I have purchased a few others - an Eagle Scout specific album and one my LSS had commissioned that has a cut out in the cover for a photo and a second cut out with a laser cut Senti-Metlz with our high school name for DS's senior album. Although I am not sure of the brands they are good quality.

Several years ago I purchased a less expensive album and DD left it on the coffee table for a few days with a piece of paper on top of it. When I finally put it away I found that the cover had faded leaving a square where the paper was!

Deb

 

[cobbler]

I have about 7 CM albums, all stored on a bookshelf together. 3 of them (circa 1997) have mold on the covers. The pages are fine with the page protectors. I wiped off what I could, there isn't that much, and you wouldn't notice it unless you looked carefully.

The other albums are much more recent.

What should I do?

Contact your CM consultant and let them know the situation. They would be more than happy to help you