I live in a neighborhood of runners. And bikers. And triathlon-ers. It’s like there’s something in the water out here that makes you want to get off the couch and sign up for the next marathon. I even caught the bug and trained long and hard for a half marathon last year only to be thwarted from my goal by a pesky bout of life-threatening pancreatitis two weeks before the big race. So I know what it takes to accomplish a goal like that and I am constantly impressed by those who do it.
That’s how this project came to be. As my friend Kristy was headed to the Boston Marathon this fall I couldn’t help but be inspired by her achievement. So I whipped up this little gift made from a 4”x6” photo album I had stashed on my shelf. My goal was to give her a place to store the photos that she took at each of her races along with a little journaling room to jot down the location, date and other memories that made each event interesting. However, knowing she wasn’t a scrapbooker, it had to be easy as well as meaningful.
Not a runner? No problem!
This particular album was designed for a runner. However, I have provided the artwork for two different title pages for your album. One is just like mine (but without the initials). The other is more generic and will work for anyone who is or has achieved something worth celebrating. A child’s sporting event or the school play or the rise of a debate champion. It can celebrate a friend’s achievements at work or in their personal life. It can even be used to encourage yourself as you work you way toward individual goals and dreams. Lots of possibilities – for marathoners running down all roads of life.
Supplies Needed:
- 4’x6’ photo album with 30 pages (can be more or less if you choose).
- 6 sheets white cardstock for printing.
- stickers or chipboard or stamp letters to create title page initials and cover title.
- paper trimmer.
- journaling pen.
- downloadable title and quote card templates available at the bottom of this post
1. Download and print the title page I have designed for you. Choose the title card that works for you and trim it 1/4” from the border. Use stickers or chipboard or stamps to add the recipient’s initials to the circle graphic. It should end up about 4”x6” in size and slide right into the first slot of your photo album.
2. If you have a window in the front of your album like I did, you can use the medallion to title your album’s cover. 26.2 miles is the distance of a marathon so that’s what I used for Kristy’s album.
3. All of the quote pages in this album can be found in the downloads (See bottom of post). Simply click on the downloads, print them on white cardstock, trim 1/4” around each border and slip them into the sheet protectors of your album.
4. Place them in random spots throughout the album, with spaces for photos intermixed. I had enough quote cards to pair one with each blank photo spot.
5. Your recipient can journal on the quote cards or just leave them as-is and the album will look fabulous either way.
6. Finish off your album by choosing a quote card for the end page. As with all my gifts, I like to keep it personal. One way I did this was in using Kristy’s initials at the beginning. The other way was to write her a note at the end of the album, telling her why I think she is amazing. If nothing else gets written in her album, I know that she will always be able to look back at my hand-written note and know that someone is cheering her on.
You can probably whip up this album in about 45 minutes or less. Talk about a meaningful gift in no time at all!
I’m big on meaningful gifts and that’s why I’m big on Giving Well 2011 – my “back by popular demand” workshop with all-new projects. The focus this year is on home décor as well as projects like this one I’ve shown you today. Simple, meaningful gifts that pack a punch without breaking the bank.
Consider this “Make Life Happen” album a bonus gift idea – with more to come if you join me in Giving Well 2011! Click here [http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/givingwell2011.php] to register. Class starts in just a few weeks so that you will be ready for the holiday season with all kinds of gift ideas for anyone on your list.
Who’s ready to get started on that holiday gift-crafting? See you in Giving Well! And in the meantime, put this fabulous project at the top of your things to give!
www.kolettehall.com
Giveaway: Win a spot in Kolettes workshop on our Facebook page today only by commenting on our wall.
TO DOWNLOAD CLICK ON THE LINKS
(these are stored on a different site so by clicking the links you will be leaving the BPC blog)
Title Cards
Quote Card 1
Quote Card 2
Quote Card 3
Quote Card 4
Quote Card 5
