Hi! This is Anabelle and today, I Have a fun project to share with you. For me, scrapbooking and paper crafting is all about keeping stories. I decided that I wanted to create something that would keep the story of my son's first year of life. I have things written down in his baby book and did scrapbook this precious time, but I wanted something that would keep all of the memories in one place. I decided to do a Memory File using Little Boy Blue. I create twelve envelopes, one for each month, and on the front, I placed a photo of him at that age. Then, inside, I tucked in a card highlighting all of the things that happened that month. I love how he will have all of this information handy in one cute place! Above is the result!
To create my Memory File, I found an envelope that I wanted to use. I cut it with my Silhouette. You can use any envelope, though. Just carefully unfold it. Then, I used it to make a template which I traced onto a variety of the patterned papers and cut out. I assembled them so that I had twelve envelopes - one for each month.
Next, I cut twelve cards from cardstock. These are the cards on which I printed my information.
Now came the fun part; embellishing the envelopes. I tried to keep a simple pattern to my design. First, I cut a coordinating 3.5" x 5" piece of patterned paper and adhered it to the cover of the envelope.
I added a doily and then, adhered either a journaling card, or tag.
I punched two circles - one scallop, one plain. I brought the two circles together to create a base for adhering a Thickers number that represented the given month.
Also, I added sticker borders, some chipboard and wood veneers as accent pieces to the completed envelopes. Above is an example of one!
Next, I found a wooden box at the craft store to use for holding the twelve envelopes. To decorate the box, I trimmed an assortment of 3.25" x 3.25" squares of patterned paper and stitched them together. I adhered them to the outside of the box and then positioned the title on the front.
There are infinite possibilities for a project like this. You could create a memory file for each month of the school year, hense recording the signifigant changes throughout the year via monthly progress reports and photos. Other ideas that might be fun are to create a "Week in the Life" box, or a "Vacation" box! It's a great alternative to a mini album, or scrapbook page.
Thank-you for stopping by today. I hope you consider creating your very own Memory File at some point. Like I said before, there's so much you can do with it!
What a fabulous idea and BEAUTIFUL too!! I just loveeeeeeeeeeeee this!!! Pinning this!!!
Posted by: Julie Tucker-Wolek | June 13, 2012 at 04:42 AM
Anabelle, this is so gorgeous. You do an amazing job with all of the layering and little details.
Posted by: Becky Williams | June 13, 2012 at 04:55 AM
i love this, brilliant idea and your design is amazing!
Posted by: danni reid | June 13, 2012 at 05:53 AM
super cute. Great way to track the growth progess.
Posted by: Mandy Szeto | June 13, 2012 at 06:07 AM
So pretty!
Posted by: Teka Cochonneau | June 13, 2012 at 06:59 AM
This is beautiful, Anabelle, and a great idea too!
Posted by: Diane Payne | June 13, 2012 at 07:45 AM
I love your fun creative project! I can't wait to try it!!
Posted by: Betsy G. | June 13, 2012 at 09:56 AM
Wow! Super cute! Great alternative to a typical scrapbook.
Posted by: Kelly B. | June 13, 2012 at 10:44 AM
I love the idea, the projet the colors...everything
Posted by: Paula Flávia | June 13, 2012 at 10:56 AM
So adorable Anabelle! Great super excessible idea!:)
Posted by: Cassandra | June 13, 2012 at 09:11 PM
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Posted by: air max chaussures | June 13, 2012 at 11:25 PM
WOW this is so cute! Wonderful idea, Anabelle.
Posted by: Danielle | June 14, 2012 at 03:30 AM
love this idea so so much! you are just full of amazing ideas, Anabelle!!
Posted by: Pam | June 14, 2012 at 07:09 AM
So cute!!
Posted by: Michelle Price | June 14, 2012 at 08:18 PM
I create twelve envelopes, one for each month, and on the front, I placed a photo of him at that age. Then, inside, I tucked in a card highlighting all of the things that happened that month. I love how he will have all of this information handy in one cute place! Above is the result!
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Posted by: salekey | June 19, 2012 at 07:09 PM
This is so adorable and such a great idea!
Posted by: Patricia | June 20, 2012 at 09:40 AM
A great idea!! I'll make one for my son. Thanks for your inspiration.
Posted by: Joanne | June 30, 2012 at 02:12 AM