Sunday, December 19, 2010

BLURBING!

I have become a 'blurbarian' as I have now 'blurbed'. I learned how to 'slurp' my blog, and have had contact with the 'blurberati'! Yes, I am now addicted to Blurb.com, which has a very easy, free software to download called Booksmart that allows you to create books. I was surprised at how inexpensive it was to have your book printed for gifts and for your own use. This is what I have been up to on Blurb. I found it hard to photograph the books for this post; the pictures in the books really are sharp and clear.


Last Christmas, I scrapbooked (the old-fashioned way with papers & adornments) pictures of my Mother-in-law's ancestors. This year, we wanted to gather together some of the pictures since her marriage in 1931. She is now 96 years old, and we thought she might enjoy a look back. Here is a sample of the Blurb book we created. Below are family pictures from her 90th birthday and 95th birthday. There are about 60 pictures total in this little book - the cost was under $20, as Blurb gave me a promotional code for free shipping.
Since my granddaughter was about 8 years old, we have scrapbooked (again the old fashioned way) a photo book for her to give her parents of the pictures that I have taken of the kids during the previous year. Since Caitlin is definitely of the computer generation, she was excited to give Blurb a try. She had so much fun choosing different backgrounds, colors, fonts, etc. for each page. Once again, the cost was under $20. I know I have spent way more than that in previous years for a binder, papers, and stickers.


The following book was the reason I checked out Blurb in the first place. This blog was started as a journal to record and photograph a variety of things for my descendants (if they are interested). So, I thought it would be a good idea to have a hard copy of my posts. This book ended up being 372 pages long with a little over two years of posts. I had it bound as a hardcover book, so it was more expensive at about $60.

Some examples of the pages:



It was very easy to 'slurp' my blog posts and all the pictures into Booksmart. It took some editing to transform it from a blog format to more of a book format, but I enjoyed the process. In the middle of the editing, we had to buy a new computer which caused a few problems during transfer of data. But, the blurbarati (the technical staff) were quick to respond to my email with lots of suggestions and ideas.

I can think of all kinds of books I now want to do. For instance, I'm thinking of a book of all the Christmas pictures from the last 52 years; or maybe a book with pictures of the houses we have lived in during our married life. Yes, I do have a lot of pictures.

By the way, Blurb.com did not compensate me for this post. I just enjoyed my experiences and wanted to share!

6 comments:

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Sally! What a great idea! That would make a wonderful gift, too! Thanks for telling us about it! Wishing a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!...hugs...Debbie

Silver Thistle said...

So cool! I've bookmarked that so I can take closer look later. THanks for sharing you fab find!

SmilingSally said...

What a super idea!

I'm just popping in to wish you a Blessed Christmas, my good blogging friend!

Anonymous said...

I am definitely going to check out slurping and blurbing, Sally!

Merry Christmas to you and your family and all the best in 2011!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Christmas Blessings to you and your family, From my mountain to yours Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Susie Q said...

Isn't Blurb wonderful!! And your books are truly treasures..for you and for your family.
I have given several as gifts and they are always met with a great response! Personal and so meaningful.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas sweet friend. I think about you so often...even when I am being a bad blogger!
Sending you many hugs and wishes for a blessed 2011!
Love,
Sue