To create your own Simple Stories album you will need the following components: Simple Stories Kit or Collection Pack, 12x12 3-ring Album, Divided Page Protectors, Photos, Journaling Pen, and Paper Trimmer. (Design Note: This tutorial gives you instructions to create an entire year-in-review album featuring the Life Documented collection; you can also create a similar school years album featuring photos and memories pre-school through graduation with the Elementary collection. Other simple albums can include a general travel themed album with the Destinations collection or a summers day album with the 100 Days of Summer collection!)
Click to view a completed Life Documented Year-in-Review album!
Step 1 - Organize Photos
Organize photos and choose 10-12 of your favorite photos from each month. Put your photos in piles. Set aside 1-2 special photo(s) for the cover page.
Simple Tip: The key to this system and album is SIMPLICITY! It's perfectly okay to not showcase every photo; instead feature only those photos that best represent your most important memories that tell your story.
Step 2 - Trim Element Pieces
Trim all element pieces included in your Simple Stories kit or collection pack to size and put into separate piles in their respective sizes; 4x6, 6x8, 4x4, 2x12, 4x12 and 6x12.
Step 3: Journal Elements
Journal and personalize element pieces and photos using patterned cardstock, transparency overlays, and Fundamental and Expression stickers as desired. This system is designed to be as versatile as possible, allowing you to create your album your way.
Simple Tip: The Simple Stories system is so simple...and versatile. You can add as much or as little creativity as you'd like. Journal, embellish and add your own personal touch with ink, stamps, paint, distressing, ribbon, buttons, brads, flowers, gems and so much more!
Step 4: Insert Elements
Once you've added your journaling and creative touches to your element pieces, simply insert into the divided page protector pockets.
Simple Tip: The transparencies are a great way to add whimsy and decoration to your special photos. Simply insert in the 4x6 photo pocket over your 4x6 photo to add a touch of creativity.
Step 5 - Create Cover Page
Create the 12x12 cover page for your album using a main focal photo or collage of photos to introduce the theme of your album using the Simple Stories designer cardstock paper, elements and stickers.
Simple Tip: Each Simple Stories collection includes a signature designer cardstock paper perfect for the introductory page of your album. Even better, the backside is a pre-designed journaling page designed for you to easily journal memories, special events, dates, activities and highlights pertaining to your albums theme.
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