A gift of love - How to make a Scrapbook Cover

We're back from a refreshing holiday, we survived Christmas, we danced through New Year's and now we have Thaipusam and Chinese New Year to look forward to (living in Penang is such fun!) ;-)

Then comes the next big international event that seems to have grown from humble beginnings to monstrous proportions. I am, of course, speaking of Valentine's Day....the day when roses, chocolates and all other lovey-dovey gifts are sold at exorbitant prices. Usually, I ignore Valentine's Day, but this year I thought 'Why not show the man who has been a big part in my life what he means to me...'

'Flowers? Boring.

Chocolates? Well...at least they're edible.

However, I wanted something meaningful...something with more substance and significance. Then an idea popped into my head...

I cut out two pieces of hard, thick cardboard.

Tried out different captions with some pink and blue paper clay alphabets, and a rhinestone studded heart.

Punctured some carefully measured holes on both pieces...

....and tried on some binder rings.

Glued on ribbons to the edges of the board.

Folded the ribbon over the edge and kept it in place with the help of paper clips, while the glue dried.

Completed the beribboned edges by folding the ends of the ribbon in towards the inner corners.

Beautified the corners with some resin embellishments.

Last of all, I stuck on the paper clay alphabets...spelling out my chosen title..., and the cardboards were ready to become the covers of...

...my very first homemade scrapbook.

The best thing about making a scrapbook with binder rings is the freedom to choose the size you want the book to be, and the ability to add or alter the sequence of the pages as you see fit. As the scrapbook grows, the binder rings can be replaced with bigger sized rings to accommodate the thickness.

Instead of giving that special someone the usual bouquet of flowers, soft toys or chocolates, why not give a touching and expressive memento? It doesn't matter if you've been together for years, months, weeks, days, or are just starting to get to know each other. Present your sweetheart a scrapbook of your own and if he or she is the one, imagine the fun of filling up the book with memories as you grow old together.

Now, all I need to do is fill up the scrapbook with pictures and the story of how my husband and I met, became the best of friends and fell in love.

Happy Valentine's day to lovers young, old and in-between! :-)

(Note: This post is taken from our Facebook page notes written in January 2011)