A couple of days before Christmas, I decided to make up photo albums as gifts. My husband came down with a horrid bug and I didn't feel like leaving the house to go over to the studio, so I worked with what I had with me in the dining room from my trip out shopping that day.
I had a stack of pictures, and a bit of sparkly glitter paper, along with a few colored pens, some Stickels glitter, and a fresh bottle of glue. So, I went through the recycling and found boxes to tear up to use as pages, and put together the base of the book from those.
I had to make a quick run to the studio to grab a stack of ephemera from my desk, but didn't take the time to go through any piles or make any plans. I gave myself a "Make it Work" challenge and went with what I had handy.
Since the albums were for my kids, I knew they'd love the idea that the books were made from trash and old things. All are big on recycling and appreciate a green project.
The main part of the books was made with what I grabbed, but the next day when my husband started to feel better, I went out to the studio to embellish some of the pages and make the cover for the book.
The dyed velvet for the cover was an old skirt that got torn up to make a purse. I saved all the scraps and used them for many different projects this season.
Like this little stuffed bird.
The bird was glued to a page with the new baby on it, since the fabric was from one of her mom's favorite skirts.
The butterfly is hand drawn in metallic inks on the white envelope the photos came in from Walgreens. I made it into a pocket to hold extra pictures.
I've added blue trim from my Great Aunt Caroline's estate to that page too. I like to mix sentimental things in with the trash as much as I can.
Not all of the pages are the same size, I think that adds a bit of interest to the book.
I like to use trim or ruffles or lace that hang down from the edge of the page, and got lucky on this one when I realized how pretty it looked on this side as well as on the other. After that, I paid more attention and did this with the ruffles on other pages on purpose. I'm glad I didn't have the boys' photos on the back of the ruffley page, it wouldn't have worked out so well when it peeked out and showed on this side!
The pictures I used were some of my favorite family photos from 2010.
While I adore digital photos to pieces, I don't like only having them stored on the computer. Its nice to have a pretty book to flip through, so that everyone can enjoy the pictures, not just me.
This album was a gift to my son, Mr. Zen and his Beloved. Its filled with all 7 kids, and photos of the two of them together too.
Plus myself, my husband and RyGuy.
I made this album and one for our little Hippy Chick as gifts this year, and I think they all liked the presents. But in a way, it was a gift to myself too. I loved taking time from all the hustle and bustle of the holidays and just look at pictures of the people I loved.
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How absolutely beautiful! Heirlooms for sure.
What a wonderful momento.It’s beautiful! Warm Blessings!~Amy
What great albums, Karla! I love that you used what you had on hand and recycled, too. Love the pretty embellishments and ruffles you used. I had a free book coupon to Shutterfly and I had a problem just deciding on what pictures to put in it for my first photo book of my new granddaughter. 3 hours later I hit “submit”! ; )
Hey Doll
“Happy New Year!”
Have a Fab 2011!
oxoxo,
Jessi
Those are the best presents one could ever hope to receive.Have a wonderful New Year,looking forward to visiting your cottage in 2011.
Beautiful! What a great idea to make a photo album gift that they could explore (and your creations are definitely an explorer’s trip more than a casual read) and you could use to reflect on the best parts of your year.
i like to read your posts. thanks for this one.
Oh,my the photo album is priceless! I’m sure your kids loved them.
~elaine~
Karla, The albums are great and again so creative.Would you like to adopt me as a family member? Well you all have a very Happy New Year and may this year be full of good health, happiness and love.
Jean in Virginia
Karla,
Okay, those are awesome. I’m going to confess to something terrible. I have never made one single scrapbook since my kids were born. No baby books, nothing. I have a box of sticky notes with things like ‘2/29 owen takes first step’. My intention was to catch up this year when they started school. Still thinking about it. Maybe I should take baby steps & just make mini albums.
I hope your christmas was excellent, I heard from Beth it was. I’ve been checking in, but too busy to comment. Looking forward to visitng chez Nathan in May.
Happy New Year!
Lisa
Happy New Year Dear girlfriend~ Cheers to a Very Happy 2011 Hugs, Diane
I can’t think of a better gift than a special scrapbook/photo album! I’m sure the recipients of all of your gifts were absolutely thrilled.
I’m looking forward to seeing your projects for 2011. It’s always a delight to visit your site!
There is much to be said about “Make It Work” projects — the satisfaction of the creativity being a big part of it! Very nice indeed.
It’s good to be back after a few weeks away. I missed the Cottage!
Just beautiful and you can feel the love in the pages. You are a remarkably resourceful woman and always inspiring!