This is the book I just finished for my grandson’s 6th birthday. It was so fun to make! I used the Slender Mini Album to start with. I doubled the spine width and doubled the pages. I also used only the smaller sized photos and didn’t use any of the 8x10 spots, I then added an expanding pocket to the back inside cover. I couldn’t find a monster truck paper collection, so me and my old friend, Etsy, made a run for it, lol. My grandson apparently has a strong feeling about mint chocolate chip ice cream, as shown in photo #6 😂. Such a goofball, lol.

Finally, my Abstract Folio is as complete as I can make it. Why do I make things so difficult on myself, lol? I chose to use the paper pack Charcoal Collection, and the Charcoal Acetate Assortment, by 49 and Market. There isn’t any ephemera or cut aparts with this collection so I used the Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Botanical ephemera pack, and I also “stole” some bits and pieces from some other 49 and Market collections I have. To finish it off, I used some stamps with black ink to add a few sentiments. I created the butterfly page by choosing a fairly easy image from Cricut Design Studio. Again, making things more difficult for myself than I needed too, lol, but I love the effect. I kept everything really basic and neutral and then just added pops of color here and there. The back is very plain, and very neutral. I’ll post a photo of it in the comments. I added a few photo booklets so I have the option for more photos. All in all, while this was extremely challenging for me, I enjoyed the challenge and I’m glad I participated. All of these angles just about made me lose my religion, lol, but I made it and I’m extremely happy with the results!!

\\\Update\\\ A baby was finally born 🥰. Foster James Geers arrived at 3:46am this morning. Both Mama and Foster are doing great, if not a little tired 😊 He was 8lbs, 1 oz and 21.5” long.

Soooo, here I am, waiting for my grandson to be born. He’s taking his own sweet time, lol. Mama was induced at 5a this morning and so far, not much is happening. However, I finished the baby book for his mama and daddy yesterday and can’t wait to give it to them 🥰!! Maybe I can update that he’s been born later this evening, or tomorrow morning, but for now, here are photos of his book 🩷🥰 - This is the Beginner’s Mini Album

I finally finished the baby album I was working on. I used Frances’ Beginner’s Mini Album. I’ve used this one for most of the baby albums I make to give as gifts. It has the perfect amount of space for a 12 month memory book for the baby first year.

I’m working on a baby shower gift using Frances’ Beginner’s Mini Album tutorial. This is the album I always make for a quick baby gift. It’s super easy to follow directions make it my go-to every time for this kind of gift…however, the mom is decorating her baby boy’s nursery in baby safari animals. I didn’t have a paper collection that fit that, soooo, I had to wing it. I used Mintay’s Playtime paper collection to use the patterns out of, and then ran to Joann’s for some solids, along with some Stampin’Up solids I had in my stash. I’m hoping it will come together once I add the animals, which I downloaded and will now need to print and cut on my Cricut. Playtime has a circus theme, so I really didn’t have a lot to work with. There’s a lot of repetition, but it will just have to work. I’ll post additional photos when it’s completed.