- Simple layout page with minimal embellishments
A scrapbook can be an overwhelming undertaking for anyone, especially for a parent with a young child. A good scrapbook, however, can be a wonderful way to catalog your child's life and usually is very entertaining for those who look through it. A good way to start this project is to pick a simple scrapbook from a local craft store. Try to pick an 8-inch by 8-inch sized book, so there is not so much space to fill per page. Another helpful idea to keep the project manageable is to stay with simple layouts, like use only one picture a page with a large title and embellish with minimal accessories. For example, take a favorite picture from your baby's first holiday, let's say it's the 4th of July. Use red, white and blue paper as background, and put the picture in the bottom corner. Then you can put a heading from corner to corner saying "My First 4th of July." Just add a couple of gold stars in the top corner, and you have one page done.
Also, try to keep up with the "firsts" by completing a page not long after the actual event. This will keep the project from becoming completely overwhelming; just one page at a time, one event at a time. Before you know it, you'll have the whole book completed. - Using two photos on one page will help fill space.
Memory books are similar to scrapbooks, but they do not have to have so many pictures. The focus is more on the whole memory. There are many blank memory books that are available in specialty stores like Hallmark. There usually are prompts in them, such as baby's first day at home, with many blank lines. You just fill in the blank lines.
Go ahead and look through these books, but if you can't find the one you want, buy a nice journal with blank pages, so you can create your own memory book. Dedicate a page to things you want to remember, such as first bottle, first time rolling over, first time sleeping through the night and so on. You can decorate the cover with your child's initial, a monogram so to speak. When a memory includes a picture, use it; when it does not, don't worry. It's completely up to you. - Use black and white photos to add a different look.
A nice way to make a book to help your child learn her ABCs is to make your own book. Again, go for a blank journal, and decorate the cover however you want. Then, dedicate a page for each letter. Try to use as many personal photos as possible for each letter. Be creative. Once the book is complete, you can read it with your baby.
