Baby Reflections Journal/MiniBook

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One of the things I am hoping to do over the next few weeks after the new baby arrives is document some of those thoughts, feelings, emotions, and observations in a little journal/minibook. The concept is simple; putting it together is simple. In this case I wanted something that was smaller, that could go in a bag or sit on my bedside table, that was easy to grab and jot down my reflections. 

Am I going to have another more traditional baby book? Maybe. Most likely I will just start doing some scrapbook pages that document the stories of her life that will go into a 12x12 album. I imagine that some of those stories may come from what gets written down within the pages of this journal.

I envision adding a few photos to this little book (photos glued back to back and added in as pages) and other pieces of "stuff" maybe from the hospital, tags from clothes, etc.

The inside follows a simple formula of printed journal cards and patterned papers. I have been holding on to these patterned papers from Anna Griffin for years and was so excited to finally put them to good use. They are some of my favorites. 

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The "A" stamp is from the See and Stamp Jumbo Uppercase Alphabet Stamps
set. Ink is Color Box/Hero Arts (it's the perfect little selection of six pinks). 

The album I am using is a new three ring Memory Binder album from Heidi Swapp/Janet Hopkins that fits 5 inches x 7 inches pieces of paper and should be available in March. Here's a link to scrapbook.com where you can sign up for notification when it becomes available. It comes with a bunch of different pockets and pages and envelopes and such but I removed them for this particular project. I did leave two page protectors in the back as collection pockets.

The interior pages are a combination of patterned paper and "reflections" journal cards that are available for download through Designer Digitals. Simply open on your computer and print on white cardstock. What's cool about these cards is that they don't have to be used in a baby journal. The cards include the words: reflections, remember,
memories, moments, today, and together. Use them to document a new
life, one that has passed on, an adventure, your one little word, a
time of transition, daily thoughts, etc. So many possibilities.

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The scalloped edges on the patterned paper were created using the Fiskars Threading Water Border Punch and the new Scallop Sentiment Border Punch (scallops without the holes). For the pages like you see above, I took two small strips of the patterned paper, adhered them back to back, used the border punch and then adhered it between two journal cards. These pages are a bit wider than 5 inches with the scallop border added.

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Mmheartaccent
Making Memories dimensional hearts "sweets"
adhered with a glue dot. Perfectly simple.

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Making Memories Trim
+ Heidi Swapp Heart Ghost Shape + Tim Holtz Trinket Pin

I repeated the basic foundation pattern and flow for each spread: metal-rimmed circle accent, plastic
"sweets" heart from Making Memories, and finally a piece of trim with
a heart and dangling accents.

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"Exhibit A" stamp from Catslife Press.

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Loveaccent 

Making Memories Trim + Jenni Bowlin Felt Heart + Making Memories Love Charm

And repeat again. I didn't do the patterned papers in any particular order - just adhered them to the backs of some of the journal cards.

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I have no idea where that butterfly stamp is from anymore. Anyone?

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Here's a look at it standing up:

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I can't wait to begin filling it up. For now I am leaving the cover plain - maybe I will do something with it or I may just leave it as is. It is now tucked away in my hospital bag - ready and waiting for this next experience to begin.

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162 thoughts

  1. candace says…
    02/09/2009

    ALI - you have to be the most creative person ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Kim Hacking says…
    02/09/2009

    Very sweet Ali! Happy Baby Journey!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Tyra says…
    02/09/2009

    It's beautiful. I'm very happy for your family and praying for you.
    Follow your instincts and you'll do a great job. Just remember, you know what feels right your you and your family. You're already a terrific mom. You know what to do.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Deb Jones says…
    02/09/2009

    I really like your little journal. It's so sweet and just the thing. The baby will soon be here and then you will have so much fun filling that journal up with all the special things that go on.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Elisabeth says…
    02/09/2009

    Beautiful...lucky little "A" to have such a sweet Momma.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Amy says…
    02/09/2009

    Just beautiful Ali!! I am going to have to buy those journaling pages and use them for something! :) I love the Anna Griffin paper! And the Making memories love charm! Definitely going to go check that one out. Just perfect for a sweet tiny baby. :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. LizT says…
    02/09/2009

    VERY cute.. what a great thing to have with you at the hospital, to be able to start right from the very moment your eyes meet! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Anne L says…
    02/09/2009

    Beautiful! Suddenly, I wish I am having a baby also and create such beautiful journal. A wonderful day to you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Rebekah says…
    02/09/2009

    It's a treasure, Ali. What a sweet time in your life and what a blessed baby she will be.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. kim says…
    02/09/2009

    oh man that is so stinkin' cute I just want to eat it up! Simply lovely... you're good.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Janine Boyd says…
    02/09/2009

    Such a beautiful book, Ali. Enjoy the early days with your new babe:)

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Mary K says…
    02/09/2009

    Thank you so muck for sharing. I have a few friends who are having babies and I love to make them special presents and I think these are going to do the trick.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Anna-Marie Still says…
    02/09/2009

    so sweet & simple! Love everything about it!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Amy says…
    02/09/2009

    Very cute! Thank you for inspiring me every day!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. AmberCA says…
    02/09/2009

    'Simply' lovely! It is perfect, plenty of room to put that precious little one's photos. I am awaiting anxiously to see the first glimpses of your new miracle.
    Amber Osburn
    California

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Stephanie S. says…
    02/09/2009

    Just lovely! I bet you are ready to start filling it up!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Kim Loewen says…
    02/09/2009

    What a great way to remember those special moments!!! It's so beautiful :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Sara says…
    02/09/2009

    That is very sweet Ali. I love all the special touches. And the picture in the previous post makes me smile. You look great!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Jennifer says…
    02/09/2009

    any day now.....congratulations!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Sara says…
    02/09/2009

    That is very sweet Ali. I love all the special touches. And the picture in the previous post makes me smile. You look great!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. sue Treiber says…
    02/09/2009

    Beautiful! I can't wait to see it filled up.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Nancy says…
    02/09/2009

    Beautifully simple! I love how it's feminine and girly without being too LITTLE girly or babyish. Will be great to see how you fill it out.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. meredith says…
    02/09/2009

    We're having a little one in July, and you've just settled my debate on how to document all my musings. It's perfect!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. yasmin says…
    02/09/2009

    Wow! gorgeous, i only wish i would have done something like this for my kids, you are so talented! thanks for sharing!
    yasmin in ca

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Holly A. Moss says…
    02/09/2009

    It is sure to be your daughter's most treasured possession. It's magnificent.

    Reply 0 Replies

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