update: Portrait of a Reader

Thanks to the first nothing-going-on weekend we've had in over a month, I was able to sit down and do some work on my Portrait of a Reader album. So far I've only completed one section, but I plan on continuing to work on it as I have the time. This is definitely a work in progress -- and most likely will always be, to an extent, since I'm always reading new books.

One of the main reasons I wanted to complete this book was to have a hard-copy record of the books that I've read and my thoughts on them, to file alongside my books here at home. Goodreads allows me to do this digitally, but I wanted something that wasn't web-dependent too.

Supplies: white cardstock, mini stapler, hole punch, ink pen, paper trimmer

Although I linked up a number of really cute book-themed kits, I ended up just creating a set of simple templates to use for this project. I found a color palette that I thought would work well:

In addition to this, I created a simple chevron pattern in each of those 6 colors and saved it as a letter-sized page. This allowed me to print out full sheets of the chevron paper for accents and for the center filler on the album pages.

I created a simple index card and backed it with a solid color -- again in all six colors. These cards were created to fit the measurements of my specific album sleeves; they ended up being 4x6 5/8". I left a larger left-side margin so that I could hole-punch the cards without overlapping any of the writing on the cards.

For a final touch, I made little page banners with the year and the star rating for each list of books. I simply printed these on white cardstock and cut them out, then stapled them with a mini-stapler to the index card before slipping them into the sleeve protector. 

Putting this all together has been really simple. The best part is that I can print everything out ahead of time and then work on adding the content to the pages as I have time. I chose to handwrite my lists; this might sound boastful but I really love my own handwriting and how it looks so I try to use it whenever possible. It also adds a great personal touch to my projects.

If you've put together a reading album, I'd love to see your progress. You can share, if you'd like, by leaving a link in the comments section. Feel free to share links to other great reading-based albums you've come across. 

Comments

[Amy]

I love this album! What a great way to keep a journal of your reading over the years. TFS!

[Beatrice]

I love your album. I also use goodreads but I am haphazard about updating there as I should. I may try to do this. I'm not so crazy about my own handwriting though I love yours lol but I think it's key to your system.

Thanks for sharing.

[Gwyn]

I can't wait to make this! I love it, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful idea!!! take care, Gwyn

[kimberlee]

What a great idea! May have to try this. ~Kimberlee