Baby's First Year Mini Album

When Crate Paper's Little You collection was first released, I was nearly half way through my pregnancy.  As soon as I found out I was expecting a girl, I jumped at the chance of snatching up all the paper, stickers, chipboard and embellishments from Paper Issues.  Then I waited.  I waited and waited for the birth of my daughter.  I was so beyond excited to use this adorable collection for her first year album, that shortly after her birth I quickly got started decorating the front cover of a 6x8 album.

Decorating the front of a mini album is by far my favorite part of a project.  I find it sets the tone for the entire album and allows you to use those bigger, chunkier embellishments that you might have difficulty using inside.  I started by covering the album with a beautiful floral 12x12 patterned paper from the Little You collection.  From there I matted my photo on white cardstock and chose some coordinating paper from the 6x6 paper pad to layer in behind.  Using my new favorite alpha - the gorgeous wood veneer dipped ones from Fancy Pant's "Life Is Beautiful" collection - I added my daughter's name, Adaline.  I love the graphic impact those alphas make.  

Then I started embellishing.  Crate Paper always has such an amazing assortment of embellishments in their collections and thankfully Paper Issues carries them all!  I used the wooden buttons, a piece of floral ephemera and a "so sweet" chipboard piece.  I think that's that perfect way to describe this collection - sweet.  After adding some baker's twine, my album cover is complete.  I absolutely love the way it turned out.  

As I move inside the album, I'm currently focusing on my daughter's birth story and some of her newborn photos. Then I'll move ahead to document monthly milestones and events.  A 6x8 mini album is the perfect place to house those special photos.  When complete the album can be put on display for family and friends to view.

I hope having this tiny look at my mini album documenting Adaline's first year has shown you just how beautiful and perfect this collection is.  I am just beginning to work away on it, even though baby is nearly three months old.  However, knowing that I have all that I need in terms of paper and embellishments is sure to keep me motivated.  If you'd like to see more of my process in completing this project, please visit my YouTube channel where I share mini albums and Project Life layouts.  If you'd like to purchase any of the Little You collection - either the boy or the girl - be sure to visit the store and use the code KRISTIE to save 20%.