Steph is Bringing Meaningful Back

Today on the Prima blog Steph Devlin has brought us an amazingly meaningful project to share. A pure piece of inspiration.

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Hi Prima fans, Steph here with a very special project to share with you.

Years and years ago, there was an annual competition held called "Make it Meaningful". The idea behind the competition was to inspire scrapbookers to create their most meaningful albums ever. I will never forget the year Vanessa Reynes won. Although her album was really gorgeous, it wasn't her design, or choice of product that captured me, it was the theme of her entry.

Vanessa decided to dedicate her book to her little girl, so that if she or her husband ever weren't around, (I mean you honestly don't know what is around the corner), her daughter would have a book to go to, for advice during the main events of her life. Vanessa's book had hand written letters from her and her husband, for her daughter's 18th, 21st, Wedding and 1st Baby. I remember thinking, if I ever have children, I want to create one of these books for them. Well, I have already made one book for my eldest daughter Emma, so I needed to create one for my baby girl Madison.

So here is my 2nd, and last Letter's to my Children book. I have used the stunning Pixie Glen Collection, and a lot of beautiful Prima embellishments.

So where do you start in creating a book like this? A talented crafter, Jane Tregenza, encouraged me to make a book using old Reader’s Digests which she had used for projects many times. What a brilliant idea !!! Once the pages have been gently removed from the book, the cover is a wonderful start to making a precious heirloom that your children or grandchildren will have with them for the rest of their lives. You can use any old book that takes your fancy, giving you choice of size and width in which to work with.

I have created 4 double pages are made out of bazzill and punched with Decorative Punches. The decorative edges make the book look so beautiful and individual. I have added a transparency sheet for added interest, because I love the idea that you can see through pages in the book and peak at what is underneath. The other inclusion within the book, is the addition of plastic envelopes. Its nice to mix the envelopes up a bit, you can purchase them from any News agency. Keep your eyes open for little home made envelopes and pockets that you can use or alter during the creation of your project.

The other envelopes in the book have been made either with a die cutting machine or just gently tearing open the flaps on an envelope and tracing around it to obtain the shape.

The key to remember, is the more pages your add, you need to adjust the spine width of those pages. That way I know that it will fit beautifully when the pages are nested on top of each other.

Binding the book together is really easy. Open you book to the middle page. You are going to mark where the holes need to be punched to bind out book. Here is the inside of my book. Depending on what size your book spine is, will determine the measurements and space between your holes.

Once you have measured and marked the spine with dots as markers as to where to punch, proceed lining the dots up with the Crop-o-dile and punching the holes. You will find with a book the size of mine (8 double pages) the Crop-O-dile works beautifully, penetrating both the pages and the cover with ease.

Once all the holes have been punched you can then use ribbon or thread to bind your book together. I have tied bows on the outside of my book, to emphasise the binding aspect of this project.

I have then gone ahead and wrapped tulle around it and added some beautiful Prima metal trinkets.

Now your book is bound, you can go ahead and embellish your book. Use pattern papers, embellishments, rub-ons, chipboard, anything your heart desires. I couldn't wait to dive into my Prima stash, so much variety and gorgeous products to work with.

One other thing, when creating your book remember to add pockets, flaps or hidden journaling, and personalising it for the intended recipient.

Here are some of the milestones letters that you might want to include in your book.

Teen
Last Day of School
18^th
21^st
Wedding Day
Children
1^st Baby
Advice on Love
Birthday Wishes
Affirmations

Even if I am blessed enough to be present at my children’s life milestones, just the thought of knowing that these letters are there to read, on each special occasions is so precious to me. I know they have been thought about and carry my heart and soul in them.

843168 - Window View
843175 - Garden Gate
843182 - Pyske Cuts
843199 - Chip-a-Twitter
843205 - Rose Arbor
843212 - Devon
843229 - Cornwall
843236 - Dartmoor
551177 - Reflections
551100 - Reflections
552077 - Meredith
552930 - Melody
552404 - Miss Kate
544553 - SIIC
921200 - Flocked Iron Ons
930042 - Vintage Trinkets
890707 - Bird Houses
551179 - Tiny Treasures
548865 - Corrine
540678 - SIIC Bling Bird
532062 - Vintage Heirloom Rose

I believe that every mum (mom!) or grandmum, should make one of these, especially us crafters, who sole reason for creating is usually our children or grandchildren. Not only will it enrich our lives with retrospection and legacy - but our children will be blessed knowing just how much they are/or have been loved.

~ Steph ~