I don't have 16 or 20 years of photos to so, but my first album was for my first daughter's first two years (because that's when I started.) I couldn't decide how to organize them, either, so I did a variation on the ABC album. I picked pictures I wanted to put in the scrapbook and sorted them into 26 envelopes each having a different letter of the alphabet, writing on the front of each an idea or "theme" for each of the pictures that started with that letter. Clear as mud? :) i.e. for the "A" enveolpe I had pictures of aunts and uncles, alligators (for our trip to an alligator farm), "B" had birthdays, blowing bubbles, bathtime, "C" had Christmas, cousins, and so on. I made sure I included the letter on the page and all the captions or theme for the page centered on that letter. I didn't stick with just one page for each letter like the traditional ABC albums, rather had as many pages for each letter as I wanted with as many pictures as I wanted. That way I had the best of both worlds. I was able to organize them into a theme for the whole album and I could also organize them into chronological order within the certain letter. I also put die cuts, stickers, etc. in the envelope if there were particular ones I wanted to use. Some pages had several different pics if I had a single picture of a few things and didn't want to do a whole page for each. For example there was a mixed "S" page because I had several small single pictures that I could title with an "S" word but didn't want to do separate pages. There's "S" is for sandbox, stories with Daddy, "Soooooooo big!" and sliding and swinging in Savannah, GA. all on one page. It's a simple page, but it looks very pretty. All in shades of blue. I was able to experiment with different techniques and styles with this type of album, too. It was a great way to do it. As always, of course, some pages turned out better than others, but I love how it turned out on the whole. It is kind of hard to picture, I know, but if I wasn't clear enough on something feel free to email me and have me clarify. Good luck and happy scrappin'! -Sarah

I have been really disappointed with my last three issues of Memory Makers. I used to pore thru that mag for hours now it seems like a couple flips and I'm done. They used to be my favorite because they featured more 12 x 12 layouts than the others but now I am leaning toward Creating Keepsakes. I like their new simpler style. I am tempted to cancel my subscription but I know I would end up buying it off the stand anyway. I am so addicted to this hobby that I snatch up everything I can get ahold of about it. My favorite one is the Aug/Sept 97 issue with the punch art and ABC albums. Another thing that irritates me about them is they advertise their punch books to be released in April and you can't find them until July. Both books were that way. Irritating!

Very good SueZQue! I would love to do one of those someday for someone. Jewels

I totally agree, Carrie! Mini gift albums are SO FUN to make! I kept hearing about them and seeing them at Michael's but didn't give them too much thought. But Christmas came around and the idea became just too cool as personal and unique gift. I'm so glad I finally decided to try and make one. I found that the little pages aren't limiting at all -- you're right, Carrie, you can do so much with them! I made a gift album for my df (link below) using all my "leftover" pictures -- I was at a loss with what to do with them. It was sooooo QUICK and easy to make. I believe it's Sue who has a link to a mini album on this forum as well. Hers is really cool! EVERYONE, DO TRY THESE AT HOME! :o) Here is a link that might be useful: Leah's mini gift album