Proposal Scrap Book Idea - NEED YOUR HELP!

Hello all

Where do i start.....

I have met a wonderfull woman that i plan on proposing too. I have the location (Hawaii), i have the ring, have most of the specifics of the day but am missing the scrapbook!

So far this is my idea.

The night after we arrive in Maui i plan on taking my girlfriend out an hour or two before sunset for a nice dinner at the hotel restaurant. After dinner we will go on a walk along the beach and find a nice quiet spot to stop and watch the sunset.

Before dinner i plan on dropping a thick scrapbook off with the concierge who will find us on the beach and deliver the book to us while we are watching the sunset. I was thinking about filling the first half with pictures/memories and in the second half leaving a bunch of empty pages. Each of these latter pages will have the center uniformally cut out. Inside the center will sit the ring. Only thing I'm not sure about is if i want to trust the concierge/delivery person with the ring. If not i will just leave the second half of the book out and keep the ring in my pocket.

Now onto where you folks can hopefully help me! I have never made a scrapbook in my life and am far from the most creative person. Does anyone have examples of a book similiar to this?

I plan on doing the book in third person almost like a story book. It will start off with a few pages talking about the two of us prior to meeting (baby pictures/undergrad college/etc). It will then go onto how we met and our first date. It will continue with memorable pictures/captions of times in our dating life. Finally it will talk about the two people going off to hawaii and the specifics of the proposal day/evening. The last page will refer to something about the two spending the rest of their lives together. At this point ill get down on one knee and ask the big question.

I really have no idea how to go about this as i have never even seen a scrap book done by someone that knew what they were doing. I want this to be something that we can both treasure and a be reminder of our engagement. I want it too look very profesional and thought out.

Luckily there is a scrap book store just down the street from me! This is very surprising considering i live in a very small town. I plan on going down and checking the store out whenver i get some free time. Work always seems to get in the way.....

Anyway has anyone seen a scrapbook made with similiar content? I would love to get any help/ideas/pictures on this sort of thing.

If you cant help me on the specifics of the book do you think adding the ring box inside the scrap book is a good/bad idea? (besides the possibility of theft)

Once i start the book i will be posting pictures of each page for suggestions on the specifics/layout. I have just a little over a month to complete it.

Please, please help.
And thanks for any help!

that sounds like an awesome idea! I hope you'll have fun making it!

Unfortunately, I don't have any ideas for you as I have never made a book like this or remember seeing one like it

If you don't trust the concierge to hold the ring, you can put the box in the book and just keep the ring in your pocket until it's time.

omg, that is such an incredible idea, it gave me goose bumps.

would i trust the ring to still be in the book when it was delivered?........um......HECK NO. maybe put the ring box in there and keep the ring with you?

you certainly have your work cut out for you though. alot of scrapping companys have scrapbook page kits where everything is coordinated perfectly and you could just get one of them and go with it from there, add as you need to. ask the local scrap store for help or go onto the superstore here to browse.

also, go to the community gallery and do a search. you will find 1000s of ideas there and when you find something you absolutely love, MAKE SURE you save it to your favorites so you can go back and look at it whenever you want.

i hope that helps you some. good luck! i cannot wait to see the finished product! btw, if you need someone to practice on, please feel free to give me a call, i WOULD LOVE to live in that moment for just one second LOL!!!!!! she's going to be sooooo amazed! *****great thinking*****

I think it's a great idea. I would keep the ring on your person until the book arrives to you on the beach. Maybe you could slip it in yourself somehow. As far as making the book....I would suggest you spend some time in the local scrap store. Maybe even go to a crop to give you a better idea of what you want to accomplish. You might even find some ladies in there that would be willing to help you out! Looking forward to seeing your book as you make it!! Good luck!

Aw, this is such a great idea! She is going to love it!
The ring in the back of the book is a good idea, but i would not trust anyone with it, at all. So yes, maybe put the box in, and maybe you could meet him at a certain time in a certain place, maybe if they have some sort of little bar you could go there. and hurry and put the ring in.
Up at the top there is an icon that says gallery. I would search for "engagement". But, like above, I would get a pack of paper because that way they will all coordinate. I'm sure the person working at the scrapbook store would be willing to help you out a lot, I know the woman at mine does. She should be able to help with any questions you have.
Good luck with this, I hope everything goes well.

Oh yes! If the scrapbook store has a crop, I would definitely go to it. You may get even more help while you're there from the other ladies who are scrapping!

Thank you everyone for the comments/encouragement. You all sure do reply quickly!

I will definetly see if the local store can help me out on this as it's going to be a big job. I think i will just hold onto the ring as suggested and leave the box in the book, that is if i can find a book that is large enough to have the ring box sit in...

Keep the comments/advice coming!

This is such a cute idea - and quite honestly, I think however it comes out she will treasure it forever!!

It sounds like you have your idea pretty well thought out - I would suggest maybe starting with basic pages - plain cardstock and simple patterned paper plus your pictures and captions/journaling and then maybe take that to your scrapbook store and see what additional suggestions they might have - or post here for suggestions (one plus to taking it to the store would be that they could point out exactly what products/etc they would recommend!)

I would definitely agree to keep the ring with you and attach the empty ring box to the back page of the book and have it sitting in the cut-out pages - if you use a post-bound album and add enough pages, you should be able to fit the box in there.

• MattG Said:

you can also try searching in your area for someone who may make the album for you. You can sit down with them give them the pics and journaling you want to use. Then they could design the pages around your ideas. That way you don't get to stressed over it and it is still personal. You can probably find someone at your local store or they may know of someone.

This is such a thoughtful idea.....and very romantic! I really like the idea of starting with your early pictures.....a kind of "The Story of Us" idea. Also, it is easier to start out chronologically and carry a theme through.
The only other thing I would add is select your colors and keep them throughout the book. Alot of paper comes in collections and sticking with one manufacturer/line where each design coordinates with the entire package is really helpful in keeping things coordinated.
Also breeze through the gallery and get some ideas of what people have done and just jump in. There is no right or wrong way to do a scrapbook....just do what you like.

Matt, this is so sweet and she will love it no matter what. It will mean so much to her because you made it. (My husband made me a scrapbook for my wedding present and I cherish it more than anything he has ever given me). I would stick with one manufacturer like Susan suggested. The salespeople at the lss will be able to help you. I would keep the ring on you. Maybe on the last page instead of a ring box, you could use an envelope or pocket with a pull out tag (or something similiar) with a message on it and when she opens that, then you could propose.
As for ideas, there are magazines too. But honestly, there are plenty of ideas on this site and all over the internet.
Good luck and let us know how it goes. There are a lot of great people here that are willing to help!

Wow!! You have a beautiful idea for the scrapbook...but as for the ring..a little risky to trust it to a complete stranger however, if you want to incorporate it into the blank pages of the scrapbook, why not take a pic of the ring box closed and another of the ring box open showing...of course...the ring and voila...you have pics of the engagement ring to use in your scrapbook and the actual ring in your pocket for the big moment! Good luck with your scrapbooking!

Thats a really good idea Patty! I think it will simplify the whole thing greatly. I am hoping to get over to the store on tuesday. Wish me luck!

Hey! Good luck to ya!!

Good luck! I love the idea and she'll love it too. About the ring maybe what you could do is keep the ring with you, and instead of the last page being the ring make it the story of how you proposed, and then you'd be there with the ring.

Hey let us know how it turns out!!!!

Hi Matt! welcome to the hood!

I have a couple questions

1. How much time do you have before Hawaii?
2. Does your girlfriend scrapbook? (just wondering how you got the idea for a scrapbook)
3. Since you seem busy did you consider going to that scrapbook store and asking them if they can make one for you, then you only need to take them pictures and your story.

Finally about the ring....I would say to get a ring out of a bubble gum machine or a cheapie at a dollar store to put in place of the real ring so it will have that same WOW factor! just my opinion

1. We are leaving May 6th.
2. No she does not do any scrap booking. I was just trying to think of something that she could take with her as a memorable keepsake...besides the ring of course
3. I would prefer to do the book myself. Hopefully with the help/guidance of others that know what they are doing so that it turns out. I think it will mean much more to her if i did it.

Thats another really good idea about the cheapy ring. You folks sure are full of good ideas/creativity.

In Febuary's Scrapbook Trends there was something similar to this. Only they had sent the girl driving all over their town going to places they had been to and then met her at the end.

But goodness this is an amazing thing fro you to do for her.

wow, what an amazing idea!
congratulations!

just my suggestion, id keep the ring in your pocket. you wouldnt want your big day ruined by some chance that the person loosing it (or like you said, stealing it) and if (God forbid) something happens with the scrapbook at least you will still have your ring to give to her, ya know?

well, congratulations again and tell us how it all went!

I agree do it yourself it will mean more to her if you do! leaving blank pages is a great idea you can add something about years together to continue to fill the book.

Ok so I suggest you think about what size album you want to make.....smaller might be better because of the time you have.

Here is one 6 x 6 album I did for my husband It is not they way you described the one you want to do, but it is to give you some ideas......the last page of this album has an envelope and inside a love note....maybe you could translate that into a pocket for a ring.

http://www.scrapbook.com/myplace/index.php?mod=gallerie...


once you determine the size you need to get paper at that sb store you have near you and some acid free adhesive to stick the pictures in the book. Then the extra stuff are embellishments to decorate the pages. The writing you can do on your computer and print right on to the paper you are using.

I agree, do it yourself, it will mean so much more knowing you made it for her!

One thing I would do, is see if you can arrange something with the concierge to see if someone from the hotel can be on hand, far enough way to not let her catch on that something is up, but close enough with a good camera to get the pictures for those final pages of scrapbook.

This is an incredible idea and can be done easily if you keep it simple and like others have said, keep it all to one product line. I agree go to the scrapbook store and see if you can do it there with their help and guidance....

Good luck and do let us know how everything works out!


Brandi

Oh my gosh how romantic are you!!

I hope someday I meet someone like you!!

I would suggest that you use a fake ring and possibly attach ribbon to your last page and tie the fake ring into the ribbon. Then well she is looking at the ribbon and ring and wondering-you could bring out the ring and do the whole on one knee thing..

I wish you the best of luck (the scrapbook and the engagement!!!)

I'm going to add this post to my favorites, I really want to see what you make!!!

Such an awesome idea!!

It sounds fantastic! Definitly get the local scrapbook store to help. Keep the ring in your possession and maybe just have the question in the book on the page and pull it out when she gets to that page. Very romantic.

OMG--this sounds soooo romantic! She will love what ever you do.....what girl wouldn't?

I think everyone else said what I would have told ya....keep the "real" ring on your person but I like the idea of purchasing a cheapie as a "stand-in". And doing it your self, even with the limited time I think would be better.

Also, if you can get someone to take pics of the two of you while this is happening...those would make great pics for those final few pages of the scrapbook.

Good luck and I will be waiting to see your work!!
Have fun!

It may be too much for you but if you want to make a 12 x 12 album, I have 20 12 x 12 layouts drawn like blueprints with the placement and the measurements. I also have sample pages with the layouts which I'll be uploading in the next couple days. PM me (if you know how) or answer on here if you are interested.

WOW I think I would faint if my husband did a book for me!!! You must be a pretty special guy. I hope this turns out for you. Everyone has given some great suggestions. heres my two cents:
*It might be good to write it as a story like once upon a time thing, as you write think about the pictures and events you want to include.
*****First and formost pick out the pictures you want and put them in order
*decide what size book you want the scrap store will help with that
**There is lots of tropical papers and embellishments out there for a Hawaii theme
*** About the ring I love idea of the pictures of it, but just another suggestion, theres a company that makes 3-D embellishment called Jolees by ek sucess they make an engagement ring that is about 1.5 inches and has a tag that says marry me
ask at the store about it or look on line if you need help finding it just let me know

Good luck and congratulations

Matt,

Your girlfriend is one lucky girl!

Thanks again for all the replies everyone.

Scrappin_in_reno: I would very interested in seeing your sample pages.

Scrapin Addict: I looked up the jolees by ek dimensional ring decoration and really liked it. I will definetely see if my local scrap store has it or something similiar.

gg loves matthew: Very nice album. It looks like you have a real talent!

ok here are my ideals

check out claries or walmart and get one of there nock off rings. Then take get a sheet of FoamCore board and make two frams.Glue frams to each other then cover said frams in a pp that you like Next make a cover out of clipboard cover in the same pp and puch holls in both the cover and frams. Tie off with ribbon. Attach this little book to your background paper. Glue or attach fack ring in side with the works will you marrie
me. ooh and dont foget to attach something to close the little book with. You will also need to cut a hole in your page pertecter so she can get to it with out taking the page out.

As for the paper i would think that
Die Cuts With a View - Once Upon a Time - Glitter Stack - 12x12,
and for a albam i would say
Die Cuts With a View - Once Upon a Time - 12x12 Glitter Album,

you can get them both here at the store. if you would like any help fill free to get ahold of me.

• Adarasmommy Said:

That's what I was going to say! Either 12x12 or 8x8 album- that paper would be perfect for this! I saw some at Michael's last week, and it's gorgeous and romantic. Who knows- he could enter it in a contest or submit it for publication for DCWV!

I have a michaels just a few miles down the road so i will check them out on tuesday as well as the local shop.

I havent been able to sleep much tonight.... I think im excited about the book! It will be a really great feeling once its done since planning the whole trip has been a bit stressfull. This is the last thing i have to do besides sit back and enjoy the vacation.

I worked a little bit on a very rough draft of the story line and some of the pictures. The pictures would be edited/cropped to whatever size/format i need. Its very rough i just want to get an idea of the way they book will flow prior to going to look for supplies.

Let me know what you think
http://mupfc.marshall.edu/~george26/book%20roughdraft/rough%20draft.htm

Please do let me know if there is something you think i should add/change. Im open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks again!

if you do this book for her then leave a few pages blank in the back so you can add some stuff from the wedding plaining and stuff like that.

OMG Matt, I love the fairy tale story! Absolutely perfect! You have got to video this and then put on youtube and give us all a link so we can see!! LOL!! Just kidding, but I'm dying to know what her reaction is!

First of all, totally jeleous of you! I've never met any guy who would even THINK about making a scrapbook. Props to you! =)

I made a "My Story" scrapbook last year that was really like a mini-biography of my life so far. I used a 7 x 7 album. Each 2 pages was a certain event in my life - graduating, moving, etc. Some pages were dedicated to close friends or experiences I've been through. If you want, I can take pictures of it and post it in my gallery for ideas.

Basically I just thought about the significant parts of my life and went from there. You could do the same, scrapping photos from memorable moments in your relationship. As for cutting the last pages, I'm not sure that's such a good idea - what are you going to scrap the rest of your story on?! =) But hiding the ring in there is really cute. Let us know how it goes!

Good luck!

• MattG Said:

wowie Matt....you did an awesome job with your story!

Maybe on that last page you could make the title of the page "SO THE QUESTION IS...."
(then you can drop down on your knee and ask her to marry you)


***thanks for the nice compliment

1st: Pam is getting an awesome spouse.
2nd: I like the pictures of the ring box opened and closed, maybe you could mount the cheepey ring in the corner of the open box. This would have the layout basically done for the beginning of the evening. I'm sure once she puts that ring on, she won't want to take it off. I wouldn't trust anyone with the real deal.
3rd: Give the C the throw away type camera, and have him take pictures. Just get the camera with a flash. He can step away during the really personal moments...just remain handy when you are ready.
4th: check out online if there are SB stores near where you will be. A store owner/manager might be willing to help .
5th: Book size, probably 8x8, and buy all the paper at once so that it matches throughout. Sometimes when you go back...it's gone.
Good luck, and keep us all posted.

Matt, your story is wonderful. Thanks for giving us an outline. She is one lucky woman. You two make a beautiful couple.
I would definitely get someone to take pictures of the proposal, that can be used for a page later.

Hi Matt!

Wow...you have your work cut out for you and your storyline/pics are awesome! The ideas that I have read here are incredible and will surely inspire your creativity. Thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts on your proposal scrapbook and hope you will keep us updated on your progress. Much success to you!

• scrappinmac Said:

This is the first thing that came to my mind when I read your idea. The pages and albums are gorgeous, plus they had matching embellishments to go with it. I would go with an 8 x 8 album since it's your first book and you only have 1 or 2 pics per page. Love your story, it's perfect. She is going to love it! She's lucky to have you. Good luck and be sure to keep us updated on your work. Also remember to have fun while making it, don't get too stressed out.

Oh and I also agree with making it yourself, a lot more special that way.

I looked at your pictures and outline It looks great. I agree with the others a 8x8 or 6x6 book would be best. I hope you don't mind I have a suggestion to the end. where you said it contains a hope, promise, dream I thought this might be a good way to get to the good part.

"A dream that lived in Matt's heart. He wanted to give Pam his dream, so he put it in a book. Only he wasn't able to finish it yet. There was a question that needed to be answered, before it could end in happily ever after."

Don't want to put word in your mouth so its just a suggestion. But definitly leave some pages at the end for pictures of the rest of your vacation. You can teach Pam how it's done and do the pages together.

Good luck

Thanks for the suggestion scrappin_addict. I think something like that would be nice to help bring the book to a close.

Well i went to the local scrap book store and left a little discouraged. The lady didnt seem to want to help me at all. When i asked if she ever helped people with books she told me that she had once and that she did it because they payed her a lot of money. She definetly gave me the impression that she didnt want to help unless i was willing to pay her an exuberant amount of money. Oh well i guess the local shop wont be getting my bussiness.........


Everyone on here is so helpfull i guess i was hoping she might be also.

Oh well i will just have to dig in deeper. I am going to go by Michaels tomorrow. Wish me luck!

• Adarasmommy Said:

Could you maybe describe this a little more to me. I'm a little confused still.

What is a pp and what is a fram?

thanks again!

I think she means patterned paper and make a frame. I can't believe the girl at the scrap shop wouldn't help!! Maybe go another day and hopefully get someone a bit more helpful!

• MattG Said:

boy you ROCK!!
i think its awsome!!!

If you wanted to include the "ring box" and ring, you could always take a picture of the ring box open, and then put the picture in the book and where the ring would normally sit in the box, cut a small slot and put the fake ring in there so it looks like it's sitting in the box.

• reynoldstroopmama Said:

im quite surprised too.
all the stores i go to have always been quite helpfull to me.
the lady probably doesnt do scrapbooking and its just her day job.
are there any more scrapbook store s around where you live? maybe you could go to one of those?
also, if by chance there arent, go back to that store and ask to speak to the manager( but dont say anything about your first experience, though. just let the sleeping dogs lie.) and ask the manager if she has someone that works for him/her that could help you (even if its the manager themself).

wish i could be of more help. if i think of anything else ill chime in.
good luck with everything!

Matt...
I think instead of consequent dates..should be consecutive dates!

And, another sentence for our future together..instead of the way you phrased it!

Originally when I read yopurpost I thought how on earth are you gonna put together an album in such a short period of time. It took me almost a year to gather decent supplies where I feel comfortable to make a page. Then I looked at your outline and am confident you will make a great album!
Suggestion..make the album with the ring in it and wrap it real real special leave it in the room and when ready carry it to the beach, tell her its just a little gift to remember hawaii!

And, have fun!!

hello?!? can someone say 'customer service'???? what the heck???? i am appalled that she wouldn't help you and i'm blown away at the fact that she wasn't interested for the simple fact with what you are actually doing. i would be delighted if it were me!

i agree with speaking to the manager. good luck. you look like you already know what you are doing as far as the story goes and maybe you could attend one of their classes and ask some ladies there for ideas?