[solarscarlet]

We have just sent in our application & homestudy to the agency we decided to use. I know that we have to make 6-7 books for the agency to show to pbparents; but I was wondering if there's someplace on the Web or books on how to make a Lifebook? Has anyone used computer/photo software to make their book? If so, what did you use? Have you printed the book on your printer or is it nicer to take it to Kinkos? Does the agency give you examples or how-tos?

I'd love to get started on it now so that we'll have the best one we can have when we need it! Any examples or ideas would be appreciated!!

Thanks for your help.
Lisa

[ks01]

We used a software called Scrapbook Factory Deluxe that we purchased at Staples for $29.99 (I think). It really made things much easier because it has all sorts of pre-formatted templates. There isn't a format specifically for lifebooks but there are a lot of easily adaptable templates.

It was really easy to use and all we had to do was pop our photos in and type our text.

Good Luck!

[rredhead]

Hello,

I'm an avid scrapbooker, so I used the computer and the "old-fashioned" paste-up method. I chose all of the photos, grouped them according to subject, then sketched out the book in a small notebook. I bought special paper and stickers to complement the pictures. I made one book, then copied it, and used the copy to make other copies.
I always go to Staples to copy, as I have never had good luck at Kinko's, but it's all about what you know.
Our agency rep said that ours was one of the best profile books she had ever seen. We know that our son's birthmom and her family loved it, and it was a big part of why they called us first.
Something to remember: Printers make you have at least a .25 inch margin on all sides. Either create it with a margin, or when you copy the original, decrease the size to 90%.
You can see our book at:
http://www.rmcsquared.net/adopt.htm

Hope this helps!
-Robyn