Tuesday, January 25, 2011

daddy's album

For PTI's January blog hop (use an unused or dusty stamp set), I knew I wanted to pull out ALL the stamps, dies, and papers I hadn't used (starred in the supplies below).  I also wanted to make something special for my husband - our SAHD and the rock that holds the family together.  
This wonderful guy does ALL the laundry, cleaning, cat & dog care, morning daughter prep, shuttling to & from school, home maintenance, doctor's appointments, and over half of the cooking, shopping & dishes.   I'm not lazy :) but a working mom, 7 months pregnant with twin boys, who teaches science to 260 middle schoolers.  Seriously, 260.
This envelope book celebrates our 1st home together (we've sized-up to our 2nd).  While digging through the recycling for cardboard I found an awesome beer box and just went with it.  Layered mats and a placecard form the focal point, with a brown embossed sentiment put together from Boards & Beams, and Simple & Fresh Alphabets.
The tabs tell our story, each opening to journaling, photos, memorabilia, and a stash of realia in the envelope pocket. It's fun to pull out and unfold little bits of our history.
 
Here the sun begins to fade on my only two 'finished' pages.  I'll re-post a sequel with more loving pictures and details, so stay tuned!  

The top page has our dreams and plans for the house - a 'scaled' map used with tiny scaled furniture squares to fit everything in, and swatches of the paint colors used in our bedrooms and bath.  Below are clippings from a gathering of seven feisty old ladies at our soon-to-be home that made the local paper

Below are the unfinished pages (with more unused stamps to come).  My friend, Java, took our first picture as we first walked up to the free Adams Avenue Roots Festival.
And I have something fun planned for the page below, which highlight the work my electrician husband put into the home.  There's a sketch with plans for our xeriscape (low water), CA native plants habit from when we converted the front lawn.  Good times.
His birthday and Valentine's are three days apart so I'm going to roll them into one big extravaganza this year.  Can't wait for the fun!

xoxo,
Christy

SUPPLIES:
stamps - PTI Boards & Beams*, Places Please*, Holiday Treats (house image), Fresh Alphabet, Simple Alphabet, Mini-Scrapbook Series: Tabs*, Library Card*, Tea for Two Additions*, Fancy Flourishes

paper - PTI fine linen, Library Ledger*, Green Tea Leaves, Bitty Dots 2009, kraft envelopes; cream vellum, recycled Ranger beer box

ink - PTI simply chartreuse, dark chocolate, orangerie, pure poppy, true black; Versamark

accents - PTI simply chartreuse grosgrain ribbon, dark chocolate twill ribbon; antique copper mini brads, chocolate brown embossing powder

tools- PTI dies (Tea Cup*, Place Card*, Mini Tab*, Library Pocket*), impression plates (Woodgrain, Linen)


43 comments:

Hollie Shepard said...

Really beautiful album! I love the colors, and what a great idea!

Tigriswillreign said...

This is an AMAZING project! Thanks so much for sharing!

Kay D said...

What a beautiful, meaningful project! The love you are pouring into this just oozes out- such a wonderful way to use all your underused stamps!

Sue Ann said...

I KNOW YOUR HUBBY is going to LOVE this keepsake book!! You are one rocking wife!!! Love the colors and love the idea ........ FANTASTIC!!!

Ayana Posadas said...

Super cute! What a fabulous project!

Amber said...

I love this idea! My favorite page is the one with the paint swatches. Such a cute keepsake.

Traci Nachtrab said...

Oooh!! I love it. Very pretty colors and so creative.

Angy said...

Absolutely amazing! Your hubby is going to love it.

Jen Carter said...

Wow! What a special gift to treasure!!

Cristina said...

How cool! I'm in awe of all the work you put into this. A beautiful keepsake.

Karen C. said...

What a wonderful gift for your DH. This album just rocks!! I love everything about it - but mostly it is just a beautiful "work of heart".

Diane Jaquay said...

What a beautiful album, and fantastic keepsake gift!

Anonymous said...

Ahh this made me smile! I love seeing projects like this b/c its you sharing a bit of your life with us...and who doesn't love to see a great project and a happy family!!!

Debra said...

Wow! DH is gonna LOVE this. What an effort of love. Goodness, pregnant with twins AND teaching Middle schoolers??? I bow down to you.....

Melissa said...

This is amazing! I love all the different elements you put together! And your DH sounds so great!

Tracey McNeely said...

Lovely album and so many creative elements

Carol's Ink Spot said...

This is FABULOUS! How wonderful of your man to stay home. He will love what you have collected in this memory book. And good luck to you both with the twins on the way!

Pat said...

What a really special momento for your DH and entire family. Love all the elements you've incorporated.

ChristineCreations said...

What a treasure piece! A work of love!

Kelly S. said...

Oh this is SUCH a cool project! I love how you incorporated the different images and sentiments with the photos. The cover is just beautiful, and your house looks ADORABLE!

@JoyceCasaldi said...

What a great project, and love how you have the hand sketch save from your home.

beckynoelle said...

gorgeous album!

Stephanie said...

Christy.....What an amazing project! I can't wait to hear what your DH thinks of this. I'm sure he's going to absolutely love it.

Unknown said...

what a thoughtful, beautiful, well thought out gift! Love how you recycled, and it worked into your project SO well! Best wishes to you for an uncomplicated delivery, and a big *high five* to hubby for being so wonderful :).

Kara said...

this is an awesome project!! what a wonderful gift!

Linda Suarez said...

Wow! What a lovely gift! You did a great job!

Christina said...

This is absolutely wonderful! What a special gift to your husband AND yourself to record these memories. Love the way you've assembled this little album.

StephH said...

What a jewel of a DH you have - and what a Beautiful gift for him! You've out a lot of work into this "forever" keepsake. Great use of PTI stamps!

Purrfect Paper Creations said...

Your album is just beautiful--what a great project that you'll always treasure! (And my hat is off to you--260 middle schoolers, wow!)

Chris L.

yyam said...

What an awesome project! This keepsake album will certainly bring back fond memories years down the road! :)

Renee said...

What a wonderful, amazing project!
To be pregnant (with twins...been there!), teach middle school and still have time to complete this...
I'm in awe!
Beautiful!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful, sweet project!

Krista said...

love the book design. love the recycled items used for it. love all of the journaling & pictures included. awesome job!

Chris said...

What fabulous memory treasure book! It's just fantastic!

Laurie said...

WOWZERS! This is an awesome book! It looks like you put alot of work in here! I love all the details and the cover is amazing!

Becky Carafa said...

What a fabulous book!

Kristii said...

Absolutely amazing!!! Love, love, love!!!

Ohhh Snap said...

Wow! That is a stunning book! Craftsmen homes are my absolute favorite, they just feel so homey to me. TFS!

Taheerah said...

What a perfect project! Love all the finishing touches and details in this!

Theresa Tyree said...

Wow! You've been a busy little bee! You made a whole entire album! i'm in awe!

Lori said...

What a fabulous project! I'm sure it will be treasured for years to come.

Amy Kolling said...

This is ONE AMAZING project!!! I love the colors and all the tiny details you put into this!

Katie said...

So, I am super late seeing this project, but I just have to say, "WOW!" What a treasure this is! I'm sure your husband and family will be so happy to have these memories gathered together in one place!