Advice for scanning layered paper works for printing using online photo book sellers

I am meeting with my 2 “girl cousins” next month for a few days at a VRBO in the desert. I usually make a scrapbook for myself when I take a special trip and this time I thought it might be cool to have it printed to share with the cousins. I usually use a combination of ephemera, printed photos, die cuts, stamps, and handwriting on mine.

I am wondering about the best way to scan the finished pages to I can order a book from one the online services. I am hoping to capture the textures and layered effects of the original in the printed versions.

Also, if anyone has suggestions for who to print the book, I would like to hear why you would choose them. I have used Shutterfly in the past and been pleased, but the smallest they have is 8"x8". I found a 6"x6" on Mixbook, has anyone used them? Mixbook’s prices are a closer to the budget I would like, too.

Do you have access to a flat bed photo scanner? Are the pages glossy at all? If they’re matte, a scanner will be your best bet. If they’re glossy, you’ll want to use a camera to take good photos of them with creative lighting to not get glare.

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Thank you! I have an all-in-one Epson for my scanner. The pages aren’t made, so I can ensure they are matte so long as I print out photos on matte paper. I just want to make sure that the layers and textures are clear and obvious when printed by whichever company I choose. So it retains the handmade, papercraft look even though it’s just printed.

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