a first birthday scrapbook

August 7, 2012

Like I mentioned in Meredith’s first birthday post, the thing that was most important to me about the event was doing something to remember it by, including a sort of guest book. After all, she won’t remember the party, and I knew it would be a blur for me, too. (It was.)

At first I tried to think of something unusual, but in the end what I kept coming back to was a simple scrapbook, because that’s what I love. My idea was that I’d buy an Instax Mini camera, have everyone take a picture with Meredith at the party, then decorate a page and write her a note. (This idea may or may not have been influenced by the fact that I’ve wanted an excuse to buy an Instax for awhile now.)

So that’s what we did!

I set up a station with instructions and supplies, thusly:

There was also a box with color coordinating papers. Then I just went around telling people what to do. My husband was great and took the camera around and made people take pictures. He knew how important this scrapbook was to me and he made it happen! (That M was a chipboard letter that I covered with washi tape.)

The result was amazing! Everyone made a page except for one family (my aunt, uncle, & cousin) who were late.

The nice thing is that by the end of the party it was done! It gave people something fun to do while they were there and now Meredith will have a special book to look back on.

Posted in: crafty, documenting, motherhood, crafty, paper


Comments on a first birthday scrapbook

  1. 1

    From Holly:

    What a great idea :) My MIL made a scrapbook of Topher’s first year and he loves looking through it – it’s a great keepsake :)

  2. 2

    From Ashley // Our Little Apartment:

    Aw, I love it!

    My friends did that for me in high school when I was moving. I still treasure that scrap book. :)

  3. 3

    From kapachino:

    My mom got all my friends together to make one for my 16th birthday! It was a surprise and I had so much fun, plus it’s hilarious to look at now. :)

  4. 4

    From Tabaitha:

    What a beautiful idea that she will treasure forever!

  5. 5

    From Nora:

    No, I did not cry while reading this post. (Ok, maybe I did.) Seriously, so sweet! I love it. M will love this when she’s older. Could be a fun tradition to do at each party she has over the next 18 years? What a neat collection that would be.

    I also want to look into this camera; I have heard about it but don’t have one (nor have I seen one!). I think need one, right?

  6. 6

    From kapachino:

    It’s a really fun camera to have, especially if you do any kind of scrapbooking or memory keeping! And it’s not THAT expensive on Amazon. :)

  7. 7

    From alisa beth:

    Hi there. I just wanted to let you know that I just ordered my instax camera and I’m copying your idea for my best friend’s baby shower that I’m hosting next month. I’m super excited about it! I was dreading doing a onesie decorating station but couldn’t come up with another sentimental craft…until I remembered this post of yours! I think it’s much better than onesie decotating abd will be such a treasure for my friend and her baby girl. So, thanks for the great inspiration.

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