Pages from the Heart: Simple Stories Mix & Match Album

The Reveal

For my last project with Pages from the Heart this month, I used Simple Stories' 6 x 8" Mini-Album to document my recent trip to Korea. I found it to be a cross between Smash Books and Project Life, where I could just tape on my collectibles like postcards and pamphlets while still being able to display numerous photos and journaling cards. 

Simple Stories Mini-Album

The Interior

I ended up making over 20 double page spreads, but I'll only share some of them here. 

For the title page, I used a blank calendar document page and filled it in with the travel itinerary. I decorated it with a metal bookmark and some stickers. For my final page, I made a pocket to hold some pamphlets I acquired during the trip. I decorated the pocket with some patterned papers and part of a Korean card I cut out. 

Title and Final Page

The two main components of the album are the page protectors and document pages. The page protectors come in various designs so you can use 3 x 4", 4 x 4" and 4 x 6" photos. The document pages are 6 x 8" and you can journal on it directly or adhere memorabilia and embellishments. 

I made my own tabs and stapled them onto the document pages to make it easier to find a specific section.

Journal Card and Collage

I printed out a larger photo which I cut to place in two pockets. I also completely cover the document page on the left with a menu I picked up.

I had some receipts I kept so those when on a document page. I downloaded some free Simple Stories journaling cards (right) which matched my color scheme.

I found that one of the best things I did in preparation for the album was to bring a few journaling cards with me on the trip. I filled out one a day which documented what I did and the names of the places I visited. I'm glad I didn't have to try to recall details and spelling of foreign names weeks or months later, in which I would have forgotten most of it.

I find that the things I collect from a trip which I intend to scrap, like the train ticket below (left) and metal bookmark (right), never get scrapped. They make a layout look too busy and ruin the aesthetic, so I end up not using any of the things I brought back, and only use the pictures.

This system reminds me of old school scrapbooking, like when I was a kid. You can just stick anything onto the document pages and not have to worry about layout design, negative space, balance and proportion. 

The purpose is more about documenting your life and less about design principals. I ended up using 100% of all my souvenirs and travel memorabilia, which has never happened before. Also I could document the entire trip unlike the one 12 x 12" summary page I usually do for my regular albums. 

The Supplies

6 x 8” Album: Simple Stories Mix & Match

Album Pages: Simple Stories This & That

Cardstock: Bazzill

Patterned Paper: Echo Park, Simple Stories

Journaling Cards: Simple Stories Free Downloads

Stickers: Echo Park, Sanrio

Alphabet Stickers: Echo Park, Making Memories

Washi Tape: K & Co., assorted

Souvenirs from Korea: bookmarks, gift wrap, cards, stickers, thimble


You can find some Simple Stories free downloads here and here. I also have a Pinterest board of free downloads if you are interested. 


Thanks so much for stoppin' by,