portable album for my DH -- need ideas!

[veramats]

Hi everyone! My DH is going to Iraq and I'm looking for ideas for a portable album for pics of the kids for him to carry.

I don't want to do a 6x6 or a cardstock mini album, because it needs to be small, yet durable.

Any ideas? It doesn't need to be too embellished. He doesn't care about that, but I want something with a handcrafted touch, ya know?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Vera

[indyemmert]

What about making an accordian book and laminating it? They are super easy to make even if you don't have the kit. Since you are a demo, they had the instructions in one of last year's Stampin' Success magazines. I think it was the one we got in April or May because I made one at the end of May last year.

[doxiegal]

How about an Altoid tin mini album?

[clognmom]

This is mine I made from Name Badge Holders. I got the idea from Stephstamps after she had seen them in one of the scrapbooking magazines. I have another pic in my gallery. Very easy to make and definately portable. They just use the plastic name badge holders. There are 2 holes on the side (for a lanyard) that I have tied ribbon through or you could use large brads. Then I decorated the cardstock and put in side each page. I got them at Office Depot for $6 for twelve tags. I just used 4 of them for the one I made.

[veramats]

These are all great ideas!

I think I'll definitely make an altoid tin album. He is addicted to mints and I'll sneak one in a care package and he'll be surprised when he reaches for a mint! Oh, I hope he doesn't give the mints away to another soldier-- better label it!

I'll also try the badge album. That would be a great stamp club project too!

Thanks everyone!
Vera

[pjw3362004]

How about laminated tags on a key ring? That way you can easily update pictures later.

[jailbirdstamper]

I saw an adorable accordian file and it closed up like a brief case. On every divider it was scrapbooked using the letter of the alphabet (A, B, C,) etc. Ive' seen them at office max - I think around $8 - but it might be bigger than you wanted. they are made to hold 8 1/2 x 11 paper.

[AmandaCalloway]

Making Memories has little books that you buy the cover and pages for. I made 2 for my DH while he was delpoyed and he carried them everywhere and said he looked at them all the time. I also found at Michaels $1 spiral books. I made 2 little albums of my favorite memories and then another one of IOUS! Pictures were not going to fit in the spiral books because of the size.

Please thank your husband for what he does for our country!

Amanda