When you are looking for a quick and easy scrapbook gift to give a loved one, why not make it a mini. Don’t let their small size fool you; mini memory albums can be just as pretty or provocative as their full-sized counterparts, though they don’t take near as much time or money to create.
My first foray into mini scrapbooking came when I inherited a detailed kit from a fellow scrapper who was cleaning out her craft closet. You can purchase the pre-packaged kits from scrapbook supply shops or craft stores, such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels. My kit came with an album, embellishments and coordinating paper. However, you can easily make your own little albums from leftover scrapbooking materials. For example, frugal scrapbookers often use scraps from 12×12 paper in their mini album. In addition, mini albums are ideal for using up extra embellishments; however, you won’t be able to fit many decorations on a single page.
When selecting embellishments to add to your mini scrapbook layout, avoid bulky mementos or large accents as they will compromise the integrity of the book and make it hard to open and close properly. I tend to stick with mini brads, rub-ons, small clip art, little border stickers and stamps that don’t overpower the page. Also, keep in mind that mini albums don’t typically come with plastic page protectors, so it’s vital to use strong adhesive when you attach photos and embellishments to your layout.
Regardless of how small you go, it’s a good idea to choose a theme for your mini scrapbook. Obviously, because of its abbreviated size, you won’t be able to go in-depth with your mini album subject matter, but you can cover the basics. For instance, the first day of school, Christmas, or a family trip to the beach or amusement park would make ideal themes for a small scrapbook. These events are well-defined and could easily be covered in a mini memory book.