What do you do when you are 3?

I always make special cards for my grandnephews and grandnieces - and this weekend we are celebrating Mila's 3rd birthday (her b'day is in August but her mum is having her party a little early as they hired a "Music Man" to come and entertain the kids and this is when he was available!)

I decided to make a little photo book for Mila.  I've been wanting to use my Sizzix die -  Album, Mini designed by Eileen Hull and this was the perfect opportunity! I cut it out of Little Sizzles Mat board so it's nice and sturdy.  It measures 5 1/2" wide by 5" tall when folded.

 I cut 3 pieces of Vintage Cream card stock 10 1/4" x 4 3/4" and folded each piece in half - giving me 6 pages to put photos on.  I stenciled the Wendy Vecchi Stencil - Check Mate on the covers (inside and out) using Archival Inks Tiger Lily, Violet and Pink Peony.

After printing the photos I wanted to use I picked out coordinating DP for each page - cutting the paper 4 1/2" x 4 5/8".  

I die cut each photo with Stitched Edge Rectangle dies from Waltzingmouse.  I printed the sentiments on my computer and cut them into banners.

Here is the center of the book - and you can see how I punched holes in the center of the pages, matching them to the holes already die cut on the cover binding and looped a piece of wrinkled seam tape through to tie on the outside (see photo below).

My niece, Katie, puts all her photos of Mila and Landon on Snap Fish - so I had tons of recent photos to choose from.

I just love these sweet pics of Landon and Mila walking together..brother and sister.  Landon will be 5 in Sept.

This photo of Mila eating a cupcake from cousin James' recent birthday was perfect for the last page in her birthday book.

I couldn't resist adding one more photo - the only spot left was on the back cover. When I babysit for them I usually bring a craft to do.  They both enjoy them!  (that's the remnants of a wash off tattoo on her hand and a piece of paper towel protecting her outfit!)

Here's a side view showing the binding. 

The black plastic numbers are Alpha Parts.  The sparkly green letters are Thickers (remember those!!?? I have a drawer full!) The little chipboard Mini Doll is Julie Nutting/Prima colored with Copics and the 'is' are Idea-ology Label Letters.

I think this will be a nice keepsake for Mila to remember when she was a sweet beautiful 3 year old!
I'm linking my photo album to the July Art with Heart Challenge - Make it 3D