Baby Reflections Journal/MiniBook

Albumspine

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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Plasticheartcloseup
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:

Albumstanding

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. Teresa says…
    02/10/2009

    OH my...this is gorgeous! Love those papers and all the little details. I have the perfect album to do something like this in...it's been waiting for the right task. :) Your little "A" is going to treasure this!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Sarah says…
    02/10/2009

    You are so inspiring. Love your work.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Artful Yogi says…
    02/10/2009

    What a perfect size to keep little tidbits. I can envision little tags and mementoes and maybe even her fist photobooth pic in there!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Jodi Addy says…
    02/10/2009

    I love this! It's perfect!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Carolyn E says…
    02/10/2009

    Love this, so simply beautiful!
    It's such a great concept, like your December Daily, for many different possibilities!
    I now know what I'm going to make for next deployment journal! I've have kept my thoughts in various journals/composition books over the years, but this would be much nicer to write in!
    Thank you so much for sharing your amazing creativity with us!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Tara says…
    02/10/2009

    I love it, I love it, I just so love it. I have all my bits and pieces from my son in a box and I might just put something like this together for him. With my new little man on the way in 10 weeks I'm going to whip one up for him now.
    Thank you for the inspiration always...

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Jessi says…
    02/10/2009

    What a beatiful momento of this time...something to pass on to her!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Shauna says…
    02/10/2009

    The papers are lovely and so is the book...I love the inspiration you provide.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Anne says…
    02/10/2009

    What a beautiful book! Your baby girl will love it! She is one lucky little darling!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Leslie says…
    02/10/2009

    Just adorable!!! I bet you all are soooo excited!!! Big hugs to your family...I hope all goes well. I had 2 C-Sections, too. For me that was just best. Have a happy day!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Sonja says…
    02/10/2009

    Just read on your sisters blog that it's time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I hope all goes smooth.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Johanna says…
    02/10/2009

    It has been said before, but I just needed to say it again: Beautiful! I especially like the way you worked with the little charms and hearts, so much more "tangible" than just staying in two dimensions. Your work is incredibly inspiring to me and I'm about to complete my first mini album these days … little steps, but I hope I'll continue my journey on this scrapbooking road!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Joelle says…
    02/10/2009

    Oh, what a special talent you have! The book is so simple and so, so beautiful. Best wishes to you and your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Erin says…
    02/10/2009

    I love how this would be perfect either with or without photos. Enjoy your journey into motherhood (again!)

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. o~girl says…
    02/10/2009

    The journal is beautiful. I love that you put your "new" (?) skills of repurposing a hard back book for the journal. Blessings to you & your little family as you bring your little girl into the world. Hope everything goes well & that you have a speedy recovery!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. o~girl says…
    02/10/2009

    oh goodness, I'm sorry!!!!! egads, if I had read better instead of being entranced by all the pretty pictures of your bee-u-ti-ful album...I see that it's an actual album. DUH! The outside looks like a hardbound book. Sorry :) hee hee It's still beautiful. Love Heidi Swapp stuff ;)

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Penny B. says…
    02/10/2009

    What a gorgeous journal! I love how you repeat the elements throughout the book. Good luck to you as baby A makes her way into your arms!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. TLHarwick says…
    02/10/2009

    It is perfect! I love the simple, clean design and those papers are so sweet! I wish I had done something like this for even 1 of my 4! TFS!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Ann says…
    02/10/2009

    It beautiful Ali! Today is my birthday - would be honored to share it with little "A" :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Erica Hettwer says…
    02/10/2009

    Good luck today!!! Can't wait to meet little A! Enjoy your first few days with your little girl and we'll see you when you get back! Congrats!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. ShellyJ says…
    02/10/2009

    It is so beautiful. What a great idea to do. Wish I would have thought of that 5 months ago :) best wishes and praying for a safe healthy delivery!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Susan Wilson says…
    02/10/2009

    My adult children are very interested in their babybooks, and as much as I thought I wouldn't forget anything, I certainly have. I'm glad to have the written record.
    If you're having a C-section, have they set a date for you?

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. cindy barriga says…
    02/10/2009

    Love your journal. It is simple gorgeous. :D

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Janine guest says…
    02/10/2009

    This is beautiful! Love that you are so proactive in every way. This is going to a long way to ensure that you can enjoy every moment and have a record of those beautiful and special moments. I check everyday to see if the little special "A" has arrived. Enjoy:)

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Annika says…
    02/10/2009

    WOW. It's time huh?
    I am very excited for you. I admire you a lot for documenting your life so darn awesome!
    Hope everything goes well.
    We are trying to conceive for a while now. I am so very excited already. It will be our first.
    We'll see.
    I hope you and the baby are up and well.

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