Things You'll Need:
- Paper
- Binder, photo album or scrapbook
- Scissors, regular and textured
- Fabric and ribbon scraps
- Glue or other adhesive of your choice
- Photos
- Baby mementos
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Step 1
Collect baby photos and other mementos such as baby's hospital bracelet and gown, a lock of hair from baby's first haircut, tiny socks or ultrasound prints. Designate one place for storage of these items for convenience.
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Step 2
Organize the collection of photos and other items. You may want your memory book to follow a chronological order, so you'll want to organize your items accordingly. The same is true for thematic or event-based memory books.
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Step 3
Gather the materials you'll need for the pages of the memory book. Depending on your budget, you can use anything from most basic printer or construction paper to more expensive specialty varieties. Be sure that the paper size will fit into the book you choose and that all pages are the same size.
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Step 4
Select what will hold the pages of the memory book. Three-ring binders allow you to add and remove the exact number of completed pages and come in varying sizes. Photo albums and ready-made scrapbooks also work well.
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Step 5
Work on one page at a time and complete that page before moving on to another one. Choose a focal point, theme or event for that page and plan around it.
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Step 6
Develop the background of the pages. Embellish pages with scraps of ribbon or fabric and use special textured scissors to create more visual interest. Leave room to include handwritten explanations of pictures or other special messages. Make each page personal and unique with the decorations you use.
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Step 7
Prepare the pictures for placement. For some, the idea of cutting up a picture seems destructive, but trimming photos can create stronger visual emphasis on the subject. Use different shapes like hearts and stars and use patterned scissors. Matting is another good way to emphasize a photo and add dimension and texture to the memory book.
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Step 8
Arrange everything how you like it on the page then affix the items onto the paper. Use a strong enough glue to hold down the heavier items you include. Leave room along the sides for holes if using a binder to hold the pages. Add any finishing touches.
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Step 9
Create a cover for the baby memory book. You can cover the front of the binder with baby's first flannel blanket, create a collage of family pictures or simply write, "Baby's Memory Book," on the cover. Make it as ornate or simple as your own creativity inspires you.
