How to Use a Custom Card Book to Preserve Graduation Announcements and Cards

Quick Answer

To preserve graduation announcements and cards, gather all cards and announcements, organize them by sender or date, and send them to Plum Print to create a custom card book. This keepsake is professionally digitized and bound, so you can enjoy the memories without worrying about fading or clutter.

Graduation announcements and cards are more than just paper—they carry congratulations, memories, and pride from friends and family. But after the celebration, these keepsakes often end up in a drawer or box, vulnerable to damage and forgetfulness. A custom card book transforms them into a beautiful, lasting keepsake you can display and flip through for years.

Plum Print specializes in turning children's art, photos, and cards into professionally designed books. With a custom card book, you can preserve every heartfelt message and announcement in a single, organized volume. Here's a step-by-step guide to making it happen.

Why Choose a Custom Card Book for Graduation Cards

Graduation cards come in all shapes and sizes, making them tricky to store neatly. A custom card book solves this by digitizing each card and arranging them into a cohesive, professionally designed book. This not only saves space but also protects the cards from fading, tearing, and getting lost.

Unlike a simple photo album, a custom card book is designed by experts who ensure each card is captured clearly and the layout flows naturally. The result is a polished keepsake that feels like a published book, not a scrapbook. Plus, you can include multiple cards and announcements, so no message gets left out.

• Digitizing preserves the original cards, so they can be stored away safely after the book is made.
• A custom design means your book will look cohesive, even if the original cards vary in style and size.

Gather and Organize Your Graduation Cards and Announcements

Start by collecting every graduation card, announcement, and even small flat keepsakes like ticket stubs or photos. Spread them out on a table so you can see what you have. This helps you decide what to include and spot any duplicates or items you might want to exclude.

Organize the cards by sender, date, or type—such as announcements first, then cards from family, then friends. This order will make the book feel intentional and easier to browse. You can also note any special messages you want to highlight, like a particularly heartfelt note from a grandparent.

• Checkpoint: Ensure every card you want to include is in good condition and legible—if a card is damaged, consider including a photo of it instead.

Choose the Right Card Book Option

Plum Print offers a Graduation Card Book specifically designed for this purpose. Each book is priced per card, so you only pay for what you include. This makes it easy to scale the book to your needs, whether you have 10 cards or 50.

If you're gifting the book to the graduate, consider the gift option, which sends a collection box to any recipient for $199, covering the first 20 cards. This is perfect for relatives who want to contribute their cards without needing to mail them separately.

• Checkpoint: Before ordering, estimate how many cards you have to calculate the cost accurately—you can always add more later.

Send Your Cards to Plum Print

Once you've organized your cards, send them to Plum Print using their provided instructions. The team will professionally digitize each card, ensuring the colors and details are captured accurately. You'll then receive a digital proof of your book for approval before it goes to print.

During the review, check that every card is included and that the layout looks clean. This is your chance to request changes, so take your time. Once you approve, Plum Print will produce your custom card book and ship it to you.

• Common mistake: Forgetting to include the back of cards with handwritten notes—Plum Print can capture both sides, so specify if you want them included.

Display and Enjoy Your Graduation Memory Book

When your custom card book arrives, it's ready to be enjoyed. Display it on a coffee table or bookshelf where it can spark conversations and memories. Because it's professionally bound, it will withstand repeated flipping without wear and tear.

You can also order additional copies as gifts for grandparents or other family members who contributed cards. This is a thoughtful way to share the keepsake and ensure everyone has a copy of the memories.

• Checkpoint: Store the original cards in a acid-free box after digitizing to keep them safe for future generations.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Graduation Card Book

1. Collect all cards and announcements: Gather every graduation card, announcement, and flat keepsake you want to preserve. Spread them out to see what you have and check for duplicates. Checkpoint: Make sure you have all the cards you want—missing one means a second order later.
2. Organize by sender or date: Sort the cards in a logical order, such as by family, friends, or chronological. This will make the book feel intentional and easy to browse. Checkpoint: Label groups if needed to keep track of your intended order.
3. Choose your card book option: Select the Graduation Card Book and estimate your card count to calculate the cost. Consider the gift option if sending to a recipient. Checkpoint: Double-check the per-card pricing to avoid surprises.
4. Send cards to Plum Print: Package your cards securely and send them to Plum Print. They will digitize and design your book, then send a proof for your approval. Checkpoint: Review the proof carefully for any missing cards or layout issues.
5. Approve and receive your book: Once you approve the proof, Plum Print will print and ship your custom card book. Display it proudly or gift it to the graduate. Checkpoint: Store original cards safely after digitizing to preserve them for the future.

Product Facts

• Graduation Card Book: Commemorate your graduate's achievements with a high-quality keepsake that's bound to last a lifetime. Each book is priced per card. This means you can customize the book to your exact collection, and the cost scales with the number of cards you include, making it a flexible option for any graduation card stash.
• Graduation Announcement Cards: These high-quality folded cards come with white envelopes included, and the inside is left blank so you can personalize your message with ease. If you're creating your own graduation announcements, these cards are a great starting point—they can later be preserved in a custom card book alongside received cards.

A custom card book is a beautiful and practical way to preserve graduation announcements and cards. By following these steps, you can create a keepsake that captures the joy of the milestone and lasts for years. Start gathering your cards today and let Plum Print help you turn them into a cherished memory book.