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. Sandi Ragusa says…
    02/10/2009

    You make the most amazing things! I just love reading your blog every day and seeing what you come up with.

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

    Truly lovely!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. susanne says…
    02/10/2009

    love this- wish you had posted this 6 months ago when i had my little girl ( after 2 boys) i would have love to do this- what precious memories she will have! Congrats on your new little one- i wish you a safe and speedy delivery & recovery!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. alexandra says…
    02/10/2009

    I just read Jessica's blog - thrilled to read that the babe has arrived and that you are all 'doing great'!!
    Congratulations! Can't wait to see your lovely 'little A'!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Sandy says…
    02/10/2009

    Dear Sweet Ali,
    I just returned home from caring for my daughters new twin baby boys and had to check your blog to see if your big event had happened yet. Please Ali if your mom is there to help you, let her. Sleep as much as you can. You and your mom will be much happier if you take care of yourself. Your baby can wait a few hours for you from time to time. You really will enjoy everything about this precious time if you will simply rest and sleep. You are sent lot's of love and sweet and beautiful wishes from all of us to whom you give of yourself to.
    Your journal is just beautiful and perfect. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful experience!!!
    Love,

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

    Ali, you're such an awesome inspiration for me... Many blessings to you and your family during this wonderful time in your lives!!

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

    beautiful memory book/journal. Many times I give a mini brag book all decorated and waiting for pictures of the new baby as a shower gift, but I've never thought of making a journal like that. Thanks for the inspiration! I'm praying for you and the beautiful girl as she makes her entry into the world!

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

    Congrats to baby Anne Caroline. Enjoy the first time with your baby.

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

    Welcome Baby Anna! Congrats to the Edwards family :-)

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

    Wow, you are really creative! I love your little book! I started a journal for my son when he was born, but seeing thiss, I wish I'd been this creative with mine! Very cute!

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

    thanks for the share. The journal is perfectly perfect! Have fun filling it up with your thoughts and memories!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. ara133photography says…
    02/10/2009

    Congratulations!!! The baby is Adorable! And, what a wonderful scrapbook! :)

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

    This is wonderful, Already brainstorming what i can use to make my own! Thanks for all the inspiration!

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

    Truely gorgeous album Ali :-) Enjoy filling it.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Heather says…
    02/11/2009

    What a beautiful book! Congratulations.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Jeni says…
    02/11/2009

    Love the journal Ali. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. NICOLE MARTEL says…
    02/11/2009

    very nice!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Ale Belerique says…
    02/11/2009

    Amazing!
    It's so beautiful!
    It's so sweet...
    :)thanks for sharing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Margaret says…
    02/11/2009

    Love your book! If anyone needs some of that Anna Griffin paper, I know that Scrapbook Connection in Warrenton, Oregon or in Grants Pass, Oregon may have some left on their shelves from a DOUBLE order.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Jamie says…
    02/12/2009

    Ali! Thank you so much for sharing your little journal for Anna. I'm so excited about it as I'm due to be induced with my little boy next week! I have the whole weekend set aside and have already downloaded the templates to put one together. Thank you so very much for the inspiration... you're the best!
    Congratulations on your beautiful daughter!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Eve says…
    02/12/2009

    So delicate.. Love it ;)
    Eve

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Eve says…
    02/12/2009

    So delicate.. Love it ;)
    Eve

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. PamSpradlin says…
    02/12/2009

    It will be perfect for your baby girl.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Jacqueline M. Schimmel says…
    02/12/2009

    absolutely gorgeous!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Beth Johnson says…
    02/13/2009

    So happy for you and for your family. Enjoy these days, they pass so quickly by.
    Congratulations Simon, on becoming a big brother!

    Reply 0 Replies

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