I am making my sister an album for her birthday at the end of March. Her husband passed away in August and I'm doing the album with photos of them together. Although they were only married 10 months, they were together for 13 years. I'm stressing, to put it mildly. Obviously this is going to be emotional for her (something with so many memories) and I'm put a lot of pressure on myself to make it perfect. If you have done this kind of album (or if you were), how would you approach it? I want to make the pages photo-centric obviously, one photo per page. I'm not going to journal, just use a date. Trying to decide if I want to try to find some love/memory type quotes to add to the pages or not. Would you use one kit for the whole album? I don't know if I can stick to one but I don't want the album to look weird either. Pressure!
I did a "love" mini-album for my boyfriend back when I was doing all paper- I stuck with similar colors (kraft, red, gold, beige, etc.) but used different elements and fonts (keys, flowers, handwriting, quote stickers). It came out really good and cohesive looking- so I think as long as you stick to a restricted color palette, you should be fine if you mix kits! I don't know whether you are having this bound or put into page protectors, but have you thought about leaving enough "white space" and perhaps having spots for her to journal on if she wants to? Seems like something that could make it even more special and therapeutic for her. Just an idea! Good luck!!
I can only imagine the pressure of wanting to get it just right.. but how nice of you to put together this album for her! Since it's such a special album, rather than making more artistic/design-centric pages as I do for my own pages, I would focus on the photos like you were thinking, keep them big. I'm thinking a minimalistic, Paislee Press style would work best to let the photos speak, and just add one or two embellishments per page. I would probably not stick to one kit for the whole album, but maybe use packs that coordinate in color (like the BYOC), but stick with neutral colors mostly. I think I would skip the quotes and let your sister add what she wants (quote or journaling) later on, if she feels like it.
Tali, that's such a beautiful, meaningful project. I am sure it will turn out great and be something your sister will treasure. I did an album for my grandparents 60th anniversary that had a similar concept. I used the Feb. 2010 BYOC and some of Karah's Open Book collection for labels. I think a BYOC would be the way to go for your project too - lots of coordinating papers and pieces make it much easier. What's your sister's style? We could probably help you figure out which one might suit.
I like these ideas. Thank you so much ladies! I plan on binding the album - it will be more cost-effective, I think, than printing each page and buying an album. I'm thinking I could get her a nice Sharpie pen and she could journal if she chooses to do so. My sister's style is hard to define. She is definitely minimal, no loud colors. Unfortunately I can't buy a bunch of supplies right now on top of the album cost so I'm doing my best to use what I have. I'm struggling at the moment with the extremely minimal page style I'm going for. I want to add papers! I may have to just do that. Anyone have some layouts they could link me to with minimal design that have papers and a few elements?
Such a thoughtful gift. Maybe adding a love/memory quote every few pages? Like just the quote on an otherwise blank page, or would that be too wasteful in terms of printing? If you want to go very simple, what about a single doodle type element on each page (a heart, wings, a single scripty word etc.)? If I see any layouts that might be similar to what you're looking for, I'll link them here.
check out the free templates from Paislee Press in the store... she's got some great ones there... they would be a great jumping off point and then its just a matter of finding some goodies in your stash and going for it... I agree keep it to a limited colour palette and it will be so much easier to create... I made one for a friend, (made a copy for her Mum and brother) also who had just lost her Dad... she loved it even through the tears... her brother was staggered and only looked properly at it recently. Got lots of old photos and kept it really simple with not a lot of journalling... dates and places if they could be remembered but other than that it was just a few elements keeping the focus on the photos.
Thanks for the advice, ladies! I have 5 pages done so far. I found that Peppermint's templates are exactly what I'm looking for in terms of simple but with a little something extra. They are saving me on this project! I'm anxious about it and giving myself a huge amount of anxiety in the meantime. I know she'll love it, but it's hard.
Well now that you've already started... haha I would have said pick a BYOC, too, and then have it all bound into an 8x8 book from Snapfish or Shutterfly or whatever. I think a 20ish page 8x8 book would cost less than printing pages, album, page protectors - yet look more polished/finished.
that is such a generous, thoughtful and special gift for your sister and I think she would appreciate every bit of it! no matter the look or kind of book! Glad to hear you've found a great way to work this album!! No advices though, just a little encouragement!
Thanks for the help, Angie. But seriously, yes, that's a great idea. I might do an 8x8. I was going to do 12x12 b/c that's how I print my albums, but maybe 8x8 is better? I'm going to print it in a book. Was considering Adoramix or whatever it's called, or Blurb. I don't know. I usually use Winkflash but their templates give me a freaking headache. Maybe I'll just do Shutterfly. Got a coupon for me??
Shutterfly's coupons expire pretty quick - I have one now for 20% off but it expires Wednesday. Holler when you're ready to print, I'm sure they'll have something out then. If I see a 50% off, i'll let you know! Love what you're doing, btw
That would be awesome, Julie. Thanks! I'm not sure how many pages I'll have - I took their engagement pics and I have a bazillion from their wedding that I want to scrap as well. It may end up being a big album and a coupon would help me out big time. You guys think I should do 8x8 versus 12x12? I've only used Shutterfly once, years ago. Do they do a decent job on books?
Both years I did P365, I ordered the 8x8 books from Shutterfly and I'm thrilled with both of them. I scrap 12x12 and upload them 12x12 by the way, so you don't have to decide right now.
I love Shutterfly's books - I've done 2, and with my last one I just used their custom path template. I love how it turned out, and once I had all the photos uploaded, I had it done in a day. Since you're wanting to focus on the photos and not necessarily embellishments, that might be something to consider. Shutterfly is being a PITA right now, but if I can get the stupid thing to link up, I'll post my book so you can see it. It was 8x8, 64 pages, and I had a 50% off coupon, so it was less than $50 with tax and shipping.
It's still being a bit wonky, but here's the link: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2QYtWbNm0Yu4A
