1. How do we get started?

The first step is to contact us via our Contact Form.  Tell us a little about the project you have in mind, a baby album for example.  Your email will be answered promptly and we will set up a time that is convenient to you for a consultation.  During the consultation we will discuss your ideas, colors, themes and preferences.  If we decide to go forward we will then email you an official quote for you to sign, photo inventory sheet, photo release form and contract.  If you live in the Minneapolis area, we can arrange to meet at a neutral location for an in-person consultation.  But this is certainly not a requirement.  We can communicate easily through phone conversations and email.  Of course, these consultations are always complimentary and require no commitment on your part. 

2. How do I send you my photos and memorabilia?

There are several methods that we can use to transfer your items to me.  If you  have only photo prints, you can simply mail them to us.  If you have digital prints, you can either email them or send them to us on a CD in several different file types.  If we are working on a larger project, a CD would be preferable so the digital photos can remain at a larger resolution and provide a more crisp photo.  We ALWAYS recommend that you keep either a copy of the photo print or memorabilia, the original negatives or the digital file associated with your photos.

3. How long does it take to complete my project?

A single-page layout generally takes 2-3 days. An entire scrapbook takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks to create, depending on the length.

After your consultation, we will estimate the number of pages for your project and the time it will take to complete.  Of course, we will try our best to accommodate you if you need your scrapbook finished as a rush order.

4. Can I see samples of my project before it is completed?

Absolutely! In fact, we insist on it! We want to be sure we’re on the right track. After completing a few layouts, we will provide a picture or scan of the layouts to you to be sure we are designing your project just as you wish. At that time, we can discuss any design changes or additions you may have.

5. What if I do not want my photos permanently mounted?

No problem! During the initial consultation, we discuss which pictures are to be permanently mounted. Most scrapbooking adhesives are intended to permanently mount your photos. However, there are many options for not permanently mounting, such as photo corners, corner punches, and repositionable adhesives.

It is recommended that most pictures be permanently mounted. That is the purpose of a scrapbook – to be a safe, permanent home for your photos. However, you may have a one-of-a-kind original that you do not want mounted. In such a case, you could either have a copy made to mount permanently in the album, or have the original mounted via a non-permanent method in the album.

6. How do I get journaling on my pages?

You may provide the journaling to us and we will computer generate it in the font of your choice (we have over 10,000 fonts to choose from!) and include it on your page.  We can also simply leave a blank journaling box for you to fill in later.  If this is your choice, we recommend you use an acid-free pen to write with.  You will need to estimate the size of the journaling box you will require.

7. What does "acid-free", "photo-safe" and "archival-quality" mean?

In order for your albums to last for generations, they need to be free of damaging agents such as acid, lignin and other items that cause damage to pictures. Do you remember those old magnetic photo albums with a plastic sheet that peels back to expose pre-glued pages? You may notice now that those little lines of glue are yellow and that your pictures are discolored or partially disintegrated. Acid is the culprit!

Acid is used to pull apart the wood fibers when manufacturing paper. If acid remains in the finished paper product, your pictures will begin to disintegrate. All materials used in a scrapbook should be “acid-free”, which means they have a pH factor of 7 to 8.5. Lignin is what holds wood fibers together in a tree. It is also found in some paper, mostly newspaper. Newspaper turns yellow due to the high lignin content.

Products labeled “acid-free”, “photo-safe” or “archival-quality” have been tested by their manufacturers to ensure that the products are safe for scrapbooks. Their products should not fade or discolor, nor should they alter or harm your pictures in any way. At Expressions with Flair, all materials used are specifically labeled “acid-free”, “photo-safe” or “archival-quality”. Every item we use to assemble your scrapbook, from the paper and stickers to the adhesive and pens, is safe for your photos.

8. If I want you to use some products I already purchased, can you do that?

Absolutely, just send them to us and we can fit them into the page.

9. Can I include memorabilia in my scrapbook such as newspaper clippings and documents?

Absolutely!  Memorabilia can be fun whether you have newspaper clippings, theater tickets, receipts or hand-written notes.  It’s a nice way to be reminded of a memorable event. Paper memorabilia will be treated with archival spray to protect the documents and surrounding photos.

10.How do I pay?

Expressions with Flair accepts cash, money orders, cashier's checks and PayPal.  We require a 50% down payment at the beginning of the project.  The remaining 50% and any other additional fees (photo scanning or reprinting, shipping and the cost of the scrapbook album itself) will be due at the completion of the project.

11.What if I do not like the end result?

We will be in constant contact with you during the project.  Unless you want to be completely surprised by the finished product, we will email layouts to you as we complete them to ensure we are on the right track.  Our primary goal is that you are completely happy with your project.  But please, keep in mind that these projects are made custom for you per your specifications.  If a layout does not meet your expectations, please let us know so that we may rework it as soon as possible.