How to Make a Unique 4 in 1 Wedding Keepsake

This is a really unique idea that I came up with. I like things that have multiple uses. I created a card that acts as a place card for your guests with their name on the front of it. The card also has a hole cut out of the front of the card that will act as a photo frame later. You will ask your guests to write a message to the new couple on the inside of the card and have someone take a photo of them with the disposable cameras that are on the tables. The cards will be collected with the cameras at the end of the reception.

Later when you get your photos developed, you can put a photo from the reception of each of their guests with the corresponding card that has that guests name and message on it. Then you can stack the cards together and bind them together with metal loose-leaf rings or ribbon to make them into memory books of your wedding. You can make a nice cover by decorating a piece of cardstock or chipboard.

Here is the supply list to make 50 cards:

-1 pkg (25 sheets) of 12 x 12 Bazzill Bling Glass Slipper (white) Cardstock #T18-1001

-Sizzix Frame #2 Die and Sizzix Machine (You can use any die cut machine and frame die that you like. If you do not have a die cut machine, you can hand cut the rectangle. Your local scrapbook store will usually have die cut machines and dies that they will let you use for free.)

-Acid Free Marker (or you can use your printer to print the names on the place cards)

-Paper Cutter

-Hole Punch

Cut all 25 sheets of cardstock in half. You will end up with 50 sheets of 6x12 cardstock.

Fold each sheet in half with the shiny side on the outside. This will make them into cards.

Unfold one of the cards. Line up the die on the card to where the top of the die sits right along the fold. Run through the die cut machine. You should now have a window cut out of one side of the cardstock. (Save your card scraps for another project.)

Close the card and punch two holes along the side with the seam. This will be for the binding later. (It's good to punch the holes before hand to help prevent guest from writing along the binding.)

On the front cover, below the window, write the name of your guest. (You could use stencils for this.)Additional supplies:

-You will need disposable cameras for each table.

-You may want to display an instruction card on the table of what you expect from your guests and have your D.J. make an announcement at the beginning of the reception to let everyone know.

-You might want to place a decorative box or basket on the table that your guests can put their cards and cameras in once they have completed the task.

-You will need 1 or 2 pens on each table. I would suggest using archival or acid free pens or markers.

Assembling the Books:

Acid free stick glue or tape

Ribbon or metal loose-leaf rings (Rings come in many different sizes, the size of the ring will depend on how many cards you want in each book.)

Cardstock or Chipboard and embellishments to make a cover for your book

Tips:

-Use acid free products whenever possible

-It is a good idea to put a cover on your book even if it's just a plain piece of cardstock to protect the top photo.

-You may use a piece of chipboard on the front and back to make a sturdier covers for your memory books.