I'd like to share my latest creation with you. It's a book I created using a software program called Blurb/BookSmart, which was provided by an online book-publishing company called Blurb.com. You can visit the Blurb web site to find out how to create your own book by clicking on the link above.
My book is a 40-page photo journal of some of my favorite photographs I've taken during the past two years. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire creation process, but have to admit that I was a little anxious about the finished product until I could actually hold my book in my hands.
It arrived yesterday and I am absolutely delighted with it, and would like to share a few pages with you (you can click on the photos to enlarge them, if you'd like). This is the cover:
Price is determined by size, hard or soft cover, number of pages, and choice of paper and dust jacket. Before I invested a lot of time and money, I wanted to see my finished book first, so I chose the 8" x 10" portrait size in hardcover, and opted for premium paper and a dust jacket. Total cost: $44.95, which included two-day shipping (I couldn't wait a week to see it).
The best part of using Blurb is that you can order just one copy if you'd like to see a "preview" first, as I did. Then, if you're pleased with the results, you can order additional copies. You can also make it as plain or as fancy as you'd like, and the software program is very easy to use, with lots of design options available.
I'm very excited about creating more books ... especially family photo albums, a cookbook of favorite family recipes to pass along to my children and grandchildren, and possibly some of my blog posts.
The books would make wonderful keepsakes for your children, or to give as gifts, too. I know this probably sounds like an advertisement for Blurb, but I am so pleased with my book that I just want to share it with you, in case you might have an interest in creating your own book and have not heard of Blurb. I'm sure there are other self-publishing sites that can be found on the Internet, so be sure and check them out, too.
I think I'm going to create my recipe book next, and can't wait to get started!
14 comments:
Great job, Janie! It looks great! I have created several photo books using iPhoto on my Mac. They do a great job, also. There is also lulu.com for any of your readers who want to see alternative sites. I know what some people on your Christmas list are getting for Christmas!
Janie, what a beautiful keepsake! I can think of a million ways to use that option. Couldn't you just make the best gifts?
Well, this is indeed a start to making that coffee table book I think you should publish. Your photos are so beautiful, I think you would sell lots of them. I'm so glad you gave this a try. Next step, find a publisher!!! ;)
Suzanne
OH, this is just Beautiful!!!
I'm so proud of you!! Holding that heavy ACTUAL of it in your hands is a lovely feeling, isn't it? And didn't it feel weightier than you'd thought it would?
Thank you for sharing your wonderful news.
Oh how wonderful! I always thought your beautiful photographs needed to be in a book! It looks lovely! Congrats.
Janie, this is an absolutely wonderful idea! Love it! And that is one beautiful book with your fabulous photographs!
I'll have to check into this. Loved seeing it!
XO,
Sheila :-)
What a great project! Thanks for giving us the website. I really like your choice of black pages to highlight your wonderful pictures. Sally
Janie, I too love this idea! The price is so reasonable.
Your photos are among the best I have seen in blog land. I am glad you are preserving them for your posterity.
The full page one of Avery is darling!
~♥ Beth
Your talents are endless Janie.
Thank you for showing us this !!!
Kathy :)
What a great idea!What type camera do you use? And your editing program?
Thanks!
Kathy
Kathy: Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment about my book.
To answer your question about my camera: Most of the pictures were taken with a Canon EOS 50D. I also use a Canon Rebel XSi/450D, and my photo editing program is Photoshop Elements 7.
I did a book with Blurb using my stories from the Farm House. I really like the finished product. I have made 6 books. I for me and each of my 3 boys plus 1 each for my Sis and Brother.
You book is beautiful, but your pictures are also always beautiful.
Molly
I just love your book. Your photos are so good - I need to arrange lessons. I have created birthday books similar to this Beginning August 5, I will be hosting Crock Pot Wednesdays on diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com. I hope you will join in the fun. THERE WILL BE PRIZES:)!!!! my grandchildren, and they were such fun. My family is in the process of creating one now for all of the children and remaining sisters of my mom's family.
I love your book! You should be very proud. Your pictures that you publish on your blog are certainly 'book worthy'.
So nice to know about this service.
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