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.
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.
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.
Making Memories dimensional hearts "sweets" adhered with a glue dot. Perfectly simple.
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.
"Exhibit A" stamp from Catslife Press.
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.
I have no idea where that butterfly stamp is from anymore. Anyone?
Here's a look at it standing up:
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 comments
Ali,
I love everything that you do. It all has such love in it. Congrats on little A. She is a blessing. Enjoy every minute.
Melanie
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IT's simple and beautiful! Just lovely.
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Absolutely beautiful...TFS...I wish you lots of luck and best wishes as you welcome your new little one. What a wonderful adventure!
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That's beautiful. I love it so much.... the simplicity of it is perfect.
That butterfly stamp looks like one I have from Fontwerks. Maybe that's where it's from?
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Wow, simply beautiful! It's so sweet and perfect for a little baby girl. Thank you for sharing.
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what a wonderful little book! May you be blessed as you welcome this new life into our world! Kim
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I just love this journal! I did something very similar for when my daughter was born (in December) - my plan was to include my own thoughts, photos of her, and also pages for her visitors to write something if they wanted (with a photo of them holding her). She came early though and had to stay in the NICU, so we didn't get to do the visitor part of the album. It's now turned into an album of her first month, and I'm continuing to add to it.
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Oh Ali, this keepsake jounal album for the baby is perfect. It's so precious it invites you to write everything you and the baby experience together. How did you get your handwriting on the pages? It's time, everything is in it's place. I guess she loves where she is! God Bless to you both!
Prayers are with you
Marilyn
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I made a book similar to this when my son was born last year - just to fill in as I please and glue photos in - not a typical scrapbook but a book to give to him in the future of all the REAL moments...xx
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this is so sweet and beautiful..... I like that there is so much room for journaling. My fav
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beautiful! almost maks me wish I was pregnant again :)
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I saw the journal cards on designer digital yesterday and added them to my wish list - what a lovely idea. My girls are grown now, but I'm sure they wish I'd had half my current passion for documentation when they were smaller - your family is so blessed! ...one thought as I look at the pages you've prepared - are you thinking you'll use a page each day, or are you planning to separate your "thoughts" based on the journaling prompt? sorry if that seems so anal, but I'm thinking of using the journal cards for a travel journal, and curious.... thanks! and best wishes!!
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What a lovely book for sweet little "A" and you.
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Ali, Beautiful journal. I will be even more beautiful once you start filling it with snippets of your experiences with your new daughter. Happy thoughts are going out to you and your family.
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As I was looking at this, I thought, "this looks very sweet & Valentine-y.... which is perfect for this little girl who will be born right around the holiday. The epitome of all the love!
Love it!
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simply beautiful. you are right, gorgeous paper. enjoy every minute filling up the pages with memories and moments with your new daughter.
I have a 3 year old son and a daughter turning one in 2 weeks. It's pure joy to have one of each.
God Bless your family!
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simply wonderful :)
be well ...
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Simply beautiful. It almost feels a little too intimate to share, but I'm so glad you did. I hope you enjoy many quiet moments to reflect in your beautiful journal.
And, as always, peace.
Susan
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Gorgeous project!!! Hope you don't have to wait much longer to use it.
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Simply BRILLIANT.
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