IDEAS | KIDS AND BABIES | BABY ALBUMS

Baby Albums

As a busy mom with two young children, I rarely find the time to complete whole albums but rather focus on creating pages for the photos that inspire me most. But finishing first-year albums for both children was important to me, so I came up with a design that allowed me to get each album done in next to no time. By establishing a palette, designing a page template, and allowing for a few creative touches, I was able to produce albums that are appealing and informative.

Start by making a list of the pages you want to include, gather your photos, and spend a few hours completing your journaling (search through journals, other scrapbook pages, and saved notes). I divided my pages into firsts, but you could do a month-by-month album if you prefer that organization.

Click image to see full layout.

Materials
Photos: vertical 4" x 6" images
Card stock: three coordinating colors (light, medium, dark)
Paper: two coordinating patterns
Tools: computer/printer; craft knife, cutting mat, ruler, and pencil or paper trimmer; adhesive
Embellishments (optional): metal charms; metal letters;  ribbon; ink pad for inking paper edges

1. Cut patterned paper and card stock pieces. Cutting all your pieces at once saves time and makes assembly a breeze. In this example, I used the following pieces cut from patterned paper: From pattern one, one 4" x 2", one 1-1/2" x 6", and one 1-1/4" square. From pattern two, one 2-1/4" x 3-1/2" and one 1" x 4". I used the following pieces of card stock: From color one, two 2" x 3-1/2" and one 1-1/4" square. From color two, one 4-1/4" x 6-1/4", which was the photo mat. The third color was the background.

2. Computer-print or handwrite your journaling on
3-1/2" x 5" pieces of card stock. To keep things simple, my journaling blocks also included my page title. If you’re making the album as a gift for a friend, include the pre-cut blocks and let Mom and Dad fill them out themselves.

3. Start assembling. Layer your pieces as I did to create interest in the corners. Add your journaling block and matted photo. You can customize each page by adding charms,  ribbons, or other accents. When I had a lot to say, I created mini books filled with additional photos and journaling.

Sources: Card stock by Bazzill Basics Paper. Patterned paper by Daisy D’s Paper Company (plaid), The Paper Studio (light blue), KI Memories (on mini book), and PSX (pinks). Computer font is High Tide (journaling) and Fiddle Sticks (decorative) by Two Peas in a Bucket. Metal plaques, letters, and ribbon by Making Memories. Album by SEI.

Return to Page 1: Quick Kit Album

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