How to Create a Custom Photo Book with Your Child's Art and Family Photos

Your child's drawings and your family photos are two of the most precious records of this time in your life. But they often live in different places—artwork in a pile on the counter, photos on your phone. A custom photo book that blends both lets you tell a richer story, one that captures not just what your family looked like but what your child was creating and thinking about.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of making a custom photo book with kids' art and family photos, from sorting and scanning to designing and ordering. Whether you're making a gift for grandparents or a keepsake for your own shelf, these steps will help you create a book that feels cohesive and meaningful.

Step 1: Gather and Sort Your Materials

Start by collecting your child's artwork and your favorite family photos from the same time period. You don't need to include every piece—choose pieces that show variety in style, color, and subject. Aim for a balance: if you have ten drawings and fifty photos, select the best ten drawings and about twenty photos that tell a story.

Sort everything into categories that will become sections of your book. For example, you might group by season, by activity, or by age. This will make the design phase easier and give your book a natural flow. A good rule is to include one drawing for every two or three photos, so the artwork stands out without overwhelming the photo memories.

• Use a flat surface to lay out all materials and group them by theme or date.
• If you have too many photos, create a shortlist of 20–30 that best capture the period.

Step 2: Digitize Your Child's Artwork

To include your child's art in a custom photo book, you'll need high-quality digital copies. The best method is to scan each piece at 300 DPI or higher. If you don't have a scanner, photograph the art in natural light, making sure the entire piece is in frame and free of shadows.

When photographing, place the artwork on a flat surface and shoot directly overhead. Use a photo editing app to crop and adjust the brightness if needed. The goal is to preserve the true colors and details, so avoid using flash and check that the image is sharp before moving on.

• Scan at 300 DPI for crisp prints; higher is fine for large art.
• Name files by date or theme to keep your digital library organized.

Step 3: Choose Your Book Format and Layout

Once your images are ready, decide on the format that best suits your project. A layflat book is ideal for displaying full-bleed art and photos across the spine. For a smaller, more casual keepsake, a card book offers a simpler, card-style layout that's easy to flip through.

When designing, alternate full-page photos with full-page art, and use two-page spreads for related images. For example, place a photo of your child at the beach next to their drawing of a seashell. This creates a visual conversation between the two types of images.

• Consider a layflat book for large artwork and a card book for a compact, giftable option.
• Add short captions to explain the context of each piece—these become part of the memory.

Step 4: Arrange and Design with a Story in Mind

Think of your custom photo book as a narrative. Start with a title page that includes your child's name and age. Then move through the sections you created in step one, keeping a consistent rhythm—photo, art, photo, art—or grouping art together at the beginning of each section.

Use the design tools provided by Plum Print to adjust margins, add backgrounds, and place images exactly where you want them. Don't be afraid to crop photos to match the proportions of your page, but always keep the main subject centered. For artwork, include the full piece whenever possible to honor the original composition.

• Keep the same background color throughout for a cohesive look.
• Use white space to let each image breathe—don't overcrowd pages.

Step 5: Review, Print, and Preserve

Before ordering, review your entire book on screen. Check for any images that are blurry, too dark, or pixelated. Zoom in on scanned artwork to ensure the details are sharp. It's also helpful to have a friend or family member look at the book with fresh eyes—they might spot a typo or a layout issue you missed.

When you're satisfied, place your order. Plum Print offers a range of custom books, including the Layflat Wedding Card Book and the Baby Card Book, which can be adapted for any occasion. Once your book arrives, store it flat and away from direct sunlight to keep the colors vibrant for years to come.

• Order a proof copy if you're unsure about color accuracy.
• Store your finished book on a shelf, not in a pile, to avoid bending the spine.

Creating a custom photo book with your child's art and family photos is a meaningful project that turns scattered memories into a cohesive story. By following these steps—gathering, digitizing, choosing a format, designing, and reviewing—you'll produce a keepsake that your family will treasure for generations. Start today, and don't be afraid to let your child's creativity guide the design.