Kid Created Disney Autograph Books

          My son is especially interested in getting autographs from Disney characters, even playing at home that he is different characters and giving us his autograph. He even tries to talk in the different character's voices. He's hilarious. Getting autographs in a book was fun for both of my kids, but I wanted them to be able to make it their own, with the picture I took of them and the characters alongside it when it was all said and done. On our last visit to Disney World, I brought journaling blocks for the kids and some photo safe markers. An added bonus was that choosing the right color paper and pen for the character they were waiting in line to see made the time go a little faster. I had put stickers on some of the papers ahead of time, knowing that we would see certain "people".

         Once we were home from our trip and ready to reminisce, I got the pictures printed and bought them each their own photo safe tape runner. I had scrapbooks on hand that I got them years ago, not knowing what for. Next, I got out the Disney stickers. I have quite a collection of photo safe stickers, but I didn't let them go through my stuff, instead I gave them a few options to choose from, so they could still get what they wanted. My 11 year old daughter finished both her entire tape runner and  her photo album in one sitting. She didn't want to mat any of her pictures, or add anything. She felt that the autograph and the photo were enough. She may have added a few stickers, but not on every page. My 5 year old son however took 3-4 days to finish his album. He was very careful with his tape runner, and really like adding embellishments. He came up with some clever ideas, like adding an eye to an "M" for the Monsters Inc. monsters. The pages shown here are his  pages.

 I remember scrapbooking with my daughter at the same age, and I think she liked it a lot more then. Perhaps if I made it a regular activity, she would spend more time on it.

Another great thing about these albums was that it gave them someplace to put the extras they had gathered. There was a baseball type card from Wreck it Ralph & Vanellipe, and a bookmarker from Belle. These books truly are a scrapbook, because the pages aren't covered. (which isn't ideal, but as this isn't for posterity, it will suffice.) My little man enjoys looking through his album. It's something they put their own personal touch on that they can keep to remind them of their trip.

 

Products used: 

 

photos ordered online from York Photo

 

small scrapbooks from Ikea,

 

 stickers from various places, most bought at Downtown Disney World stores over the years

 

Creative Memories journal blocks and pens

(characters need thick pens so that they can grip them. However I did run into a few character handlers that wanted me to use their pen which wouldn't write on the costume. I just pushed for using my own photo safe pen & they let us.)

 

 

 

 

I'm Baaaaaaaaack!

I helped a friend of mine make her own digital album today and it made me all the more anxious to do some work on my own album. I actually did finish an album recently, with the pictures from our beach vacation last year. I have been ordering strictly through York Photo Labs, because they have great specials and I can often get my albums printed for 60% off the normal price. They are the least expensive maker of digital albums and yet I am very happy with their quality. I also have found that if you have an issue with a book, they are very good about giving a replacement. This may all be boring for you, and I'm sorry! I just really rely on reviews personally, and I wanted you to know why I am sold on York.
My daughter, who was used to my making her a really thick and HEAVY album twice in a year, has been very disappointed by my negligence in scrapbooking. But although I feel guilty when I think about it, I still know deep in my heart that it is more important to be living life than to be scrapbooking it. I mean, since I have to choose!

So here are a few of my favorite pages from my latest digital album. Our Beach Vacation

 I often make custom cover books, but I made a window book this time and liked how it turned out.

 It's so easy to make one of your pictures into a background for your page, like I did above. I actually take pictures specifically to be used as background now.

 I really liked this page. I like that I can add clip art for free. That beats stickers!

Another example of the picture being the background. This reads, " Your sibling is the only other person who knows exactly what growing up in your family was really like."

One of my favorite pictures of us at the beach.

 

I find I can get a page done here and there, and I like not having to get everything out like stickers and paper and photos. I have to be saving money not buying all those things, too.

But don't give up on me, die hard scrapbookers! I still have a box of pictures printed out and several books still in their wrappers waiting for me to finish someday.

When I write next, I'd like to write about scrapbooking traditionally WITH my kids, as I was able to share this hobby with them last month. I also hope to share some Disney photography tips in the upcoming blogs.

If you have any questions, please ask!