DIY: Random Memories Book

So if you're like me, you probably have a ton of photos sitting on your camera's memory card, stored on your computer, or sitting in photo boxes.

This project is a great way to use some of those photos to create a "Random Memories" album or journal to give to someone for Christmas. A simple project, but super thoughtful, and of course, handmade. This is a great idea if you're having trouble coming up with a gift for someone special in your life - friends, family, etc :)

All you need is a 4"x6" photo album (which you can get pretty much anywhere for super inexpensive - I picked this one up at Wal-Mart a long time ago), your photos, some paper and a pen. You can go as fancy or as simple as you want - including stitching, labels, or you can just draw lines and embellishments!
I made this particular book up as an example of different approaches you can take - it's definitely not a cohesive book or anything. :)

Idea #1: Random-ness: Everyday happenings. All those random pictures sitting around that don't really have a particular category (special trips, holidays, family, etc).

I stitched around this photo and journal spot, but then hand drew lines to write on. Lines could be drawn in place of the stitching if you do not have a sewing machine (be sure to use a photo pen on photos!). I also stuck on a sticker with the date.Idea #2: Holidays spent together. This is perfect for family - especially if you have kids and there are therefore, grandparents. We all know there are always tons of pictures taken of the kids ;)
Idea #3: Trips taken, activities or events. I know I take tons of pictures on trips or special activities. Pull out a few photos from the trip, activity or event and write little blurbs about each one. They don't have to be long and in-depth, just random bits and pieces of memories you recall. It's amazing how one person can remember something that someone else had forgotten.
Idea #4: Different things you like/love about that person. This idea is great if you don't have a whole lot of photos of the person, but you want to tell them different things you like about them. You can use pictures if you have them, or do a combination of the pictures, magazine cutouts, journaling, etc. A good place to start with this type is to write down a list of 10 or so things you like/love about the person, and then make a spread or page for each.
Idea #5: Blank Book Decorated. Make a book with all the pages ready for journaling. Wrap it up, have the person unwrap it at your family's holiday gathering, and then have everyone there write a memory or encouragement about that person.

Idea #6: Scripture/Encouragement Book: Create a book full of Bible Scripture or encouraging words.

Any other ideas of themes for the Random Memories Book? :) Have fun!