Saturday, November 7, 2009

Off to Afghanistan....

The tiniest scrapbook that I have ever made is on it's way to to my brother who is currently deployed in Afghanistan. He can't really carry much with him for personal effects so this had to be very tiny and durable. I used a little tiny round tin that I once purchased at Staples. It used to have some really cute round paper clips in it but now those paper clips find their home in a ziploc baggie. I normally would have embellished this tin on the outside but I chose to leave it plain considering the possible abuse it could suffer being drug around by a soldier. I purposely made the pages absolutely flat which is a huge challenge for me. I also avoided binding the little coaster pages in any way so that if he had a favourite page or two, it could moved into his wallet or pocket.

(click on the photos to enlarge)





I just love this saying: Home is where your story begins. I will have to mentally file that one away and use it on a future layout :)



I have pictures of Richard's girlfriend, siblings, parents, the nieces and nephews, our old childhood home, family dogs and even a hilarious Halloween photo where Richard and my sister are dressed up as 'trailer trash'








I want to thank everyone who has shown their support for my brother by offering prayers, cards and even sending little packages of food and other little items to make him more comfortable. I anxiously await his safe return to Canada.

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This project was made so much easier by one my favourite scrappy tools!! These Marvy Uchida circle punches are worth every penny. I would love to get my hands on a set of scallop ones in the near future. Something else to be added to my never ending wish list!

Photobucket

12 comments:

Cindy S. said...

This is FABULOUS, Girlie. He will love it!

Marielle said...

THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL AMANDA, I'M SURE HE WILL LOVE IT !! HOPE HE STAYS SAFE!

Gisèle said...

soooooooooooooooooooo beautiful and heart warming, I am sure he will looooooooooove it and treasure it:-)))

Kris said...

I Love This!!!! Your brother will love it and make him feel closer to home :) Stay Safe...

Mige said...

Wow, what a great idea!!

Rebecca said...

Awesome idea and you did an amazing job with it!

Michelle said...

so beautiful! I can't believe how small it is, great job!!!!

Brenda L said...

I'm sure that little round tin will 'bring him home' at least in his mind. What a great way to keep in touch.

Bee said...

Amanda, you did such a beautiful job on this scrapbook for your brother. I was near in tears just looking at it. I am sure he will love it, and he will be reminded of how much his family loves him and misses him each time he looks at the pages from that book. You just might make the other soldiers a little jealous though :)

Tracey Taylor said...

This turned out beautifully!! What a wonderful keepsake and gift...a real treasure.

I'm with you on the MU punches. I'm working away at completing my collection as well. Just wish they weren't so bulky!!

JoanneK said...

Wow, this is the most beautiful and thoughful gift I've seen in a while!!! Perfect size for him to carry! Love it!

Jill Sarginson said...

WOW Amanda, that mini album is unbelievable - what an AMAZING gift! And he can carry it around, so thoughtful, wow.