Friday, February 19, 2010

Mini Albums

So, in spite of the germies my kiddos had last week, I finally got their mini-albums done for them. A few years ago, when my son was going to kindergarten, I decided to do these mini-albums for my kids. I kept them super duper simple. One or two pictures a page, with some journaling from me to them, and that was it. At the time I came up with the idea, I hadn't been doing any real scrapbooking for a long time. Pretty much since my son was born. And it was overwhelming to think about catching up on 6 years worth of pictures. So that's when I decided on the format for these books. The best part is that the kids absolutely love them. I find them reading their little books all the time.


Well, fast forward to now, and the original mini-albums are the only ones I did for them. Once again I felt overwhelmed, because I missed a few years. I decided to start the process again. This time instead of doing them as a calendar year (January to December), I'm doing the school year (August to July). Now that I am current, I may try to go back and catch up, but we'll see how that goes. I just thought I'd show you the format in case anyone is interested.



I am doing them digitally (I'm sure that is not a surprise!). It is so great, because I got the format all set up and saved. Then when I pick out a picture, I just slide the picture in, change the date and my journaling, and I'm done. I'm so excited to be current for this year. The kids love their little books, and I love knowing that when their time at my house is done, they can just grab these little books to take with them, and hopefully have some great memories.

ETA: The page sizes are 6" x 6". Most places that print digital prints will print in this size, or you could of course print them at home. I had mine sent out to a printer.

16 comments:

Banu said...

WOW, these have turned out so well and what a great idea to have memory books for me that are so precious. Very neat.

Jeanette said...

What a super great idea. Maybe this is the way I should go. Thank you for the idea and showing them.

Kerri said...

Awesome idea, Rebecca! I definitely need to do something like this!

Angela said...

Great format! This looks "doable" being the non-scrapper that I am....

Sharon H. said...

These are great! What size are they?!

Rebecca said...

I can't believe I left the size out. Thanks for asking Craftie Gal. They are 6" x 6".

Michelle said...

These are fantastic - an awesome idea and so cool that the kids love looking at the now. And it'll be even better later when they are older and don't look like that any more and to be reminded of such wonderful times - just really a cool idea for sure.

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

What a great idea Rebecca!! I love the 6 x x size. I am sure the kids love it!! If not now, they certainly will later!
hugs,
Chris

Susan said...

I love these!! I can't tell you how many times I have been meaning to do something like this. You've inspired me to just do it already. :)

Susan Raihala said...

What a great idea! I've not scrapped much at all since 2007 (my last complete SB). Need to get caught up, and this gives me all sorts of ideas!

Unknown said...

What a great idea, and congrats on being caught up - maybe I can send you some of my stuff . . . :)

Chris said...

these turned out fabulous!! great books for your kids to enjoy for years to come...

Alyssa S said...

These are amazing! I've been toying with the idea of doing one of these through Snapfish or Shutterfly but haven't yet made the time to do one. Maybe this post will push me in that direction! Thanks for sharing :o)

Leigh Ann Baird said...

I feel so guilty about my lack of scrapbooking when I come to your blog! LOL I have 7 12x12 scrapbooks with about 60 pages each in them that I did prior to discovering stamping and my girls love looking through those.

I'm happy that you are taking the time to do these books!

laurie said...

What awesome books! Your kids are so lucky!

Susan (peebsmama) said...

I think it's terrific that you decided to keep your layouts so simple - even with the digital stuff so easy for you. That way you can complete more pages and let the photos and journaling be the focal point... as they should be.