My First Paper Bag Album

I get very crafty this time of year. My sister-in-law Donna's only grandson is coming for Thanksgiving from Wisconsin. I wanted to make her a little album that she could journal and put pictures in to remember Jack during the holiday. I have been putting off making a paper bag album because it has a real learning curve, but I thought this occasion would be a good time to just do it!

I see all the mistakes I made but now I can begin making them with various themes. They are so fun to make. 

I started with 3 lunch bags (large ones) measuring about 12 3/8" tall and 6 1/8 wide. You fold each bag in half and iron each one well. Place together, alternating the bottom of each bag - so the thickness is evenly distributed. Place 2 holes in the center and run a ribbon - I used jute- tie on the outside. (Make a bow if you like)

 The back of the album is just simple and the first page I did. Notice that the front and back covers have washi tape. (Boys albums are more difficult because you can't use flowers, lace, etc.)

 This page contains a journaling spot and the opposite page is a photo mat. I stamped the typewriter on the journal page.

 This page has 2 tags ( stamped with dragonflies and leaves)  and the opposite page has a framed photo mat on the back of the arrows mat. (J card is for Jack)

 This page says Snapshot and has a photo mat. The opposite page is decorative and says - play.

 This is a page with a train, a coupon and a note card.

 When you remove the note card, I stamped lines for journaling.

 This page shows Jack and Jill and has a tag - the front of the tag is a playing card (the Jack).

 Just another decorative page - Jack jumps over the candlestick. I hope Donna enjoys completing this little album. It is a great keepsake and takes up very little room. I am now hooked on making these little albums - nonspecific albums but easily personalized. I learned a lot and the next albums should be a better version, but I will always remember Jack was the first little album. Have any of you tried this craft? What crafts are you working on? Please share.

FYI - the first page opens and can be used to put memorabilia or extra pictures.