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A Simple Book of Firsts: How-To

Knowing our memory book is designed to make creating a forever keepsake simple, I thought it might be helpful if I took the time to give you the skinny on what I think are the best pens, the best adhesives and the best place to print your photos. Our hope is that this becomes your Lucy Darling Memory Book go-to! Enjoy!! 

 

PENS:

I am completely obsessed with pens! I went through and tested 6 different pens. Below is my analysis of each. 

I started with a classic fine point/no bleed SHARPIE which can be found here at Target. 

 Things I like:

  • Firm tip for precision
  • Fun new colors!
  • Widely Available
  • Not likely to bleed

Things I didn't like:

  • Ink flow is stop and go
  • Colors appeared dull after drying

 

The next pen I tested was LePen which can be found here at PaperSource. 

Things I like:

  • Smear resistant for lefties
  • Fine tip for crisp lines
  • Pretty Colors
  • Small/lightweight barrel for precision
  • Smooth ink flow

Things I don't like:

  • Possibly too delicate for large hands

 

PAPERMATE is next on the list and can be found here  or in store at Target. 

Things I like:

  • Fun and vivid colors
  • Medium point
  • Plenty of ink
  • Available at Target

Things I don't like:

  • More likely to bleed due to ink supply

 

Next up: STAEDTLER Tri-Plus Fine Line which can be found here or in store at Paper Source

 

Things I like:

  • Fine point for crisp lines
  • Lots of color choices
  • 6 neon colors
  • Super hard case
  • Triangular shape barrel for easy grip

Things I don't like:

  • Might tire of triangular shape 

 

FABER-CASTELL Mix & Match Pitt Artist pens are next and can be found here or in store at Paper Source. 

Things I like:

  • Lots of options for hand lettering
  • Firm tip (except large) for crispness
  • Ink won't bleed through
  • Comes in other color varieties
  • Well labeled to identify size

Things I don't like:

  • Seems expensive for only 4 pens (but worth it!) 

 

Finally I tried the STABILO Pointvisco which can be found here or in store at Target. 

Things I like:

  • Vibrant Colors
  • Medium Point
  • Roller Ball Style Tip
  • Ink flow makes fun for writing

Things I don't like:

  • Not ideal for hand lettering
  • Inks tends to dry in roller ball

 

Overall for me, LePen was the far leader because of the way it felt in my hand and the way the ink came onto the page so smoothly... like butter. Sharpie on the other hand, was my definite last place. After testing all the pens, the ink didn't compare in terms of the smoothness and it just seemed more jerky.

* Please note that each pen I used has a marker tip except Stabilo which is ballpoint. I  would recommend the ball point for writing, not for drawing or lettering.

 

ADHESIVES:

Below outlines our top 3 adhesives. All three of these adhesives have the same great qualities which are outlined below the photo. Each can be found here, here and here or in store at Target. 

  • Easy to use
  • Won't clog up 
  • Acid free for photos
  • Widely available 
  • Affordable
  • No mess of traditional glue
  • Won't come unstuck over time

 

Our books have spots for 48 photos total. 

The larger photo is a 4x4 size. There are 21 pictures total.

  • 1 Front Photo
  • 1 You arrived 
  • 1 Where you lived
  • 12 Monthly 
  • 5 Birthdays
  • 1 First Day of School

 

The smaller photo is a 3x3 size. There are 27 pictures total.

  • 1 Mom’s Belly
  • 14 Firsts
  • 12 Holidays

 

WHEW! That was a lot! I sure you hope you found this useful. As always, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to help you create darling moments that last forever. xo!! 

Find all of the Lucy Darling First Year Memory Books here and The Little Years books for ages one through five here.

14 comments

Erin

Is there a recommendation on how best to add baby’s weight and height to each of the monthly pages? I’d like to be able to track that in this book but unsure of the best way to go about it. Any suggestions?

Brandi
Got this book as a gift and I absolutely love it. Started the book when she was 3 to 4 weeks old and it was so easy to do. Thank you for making such a wonderful not stressful overwhelming book.
Alanna Luis

I love the book but I was wondering if I can or where I can order more blank pages?

Rachel Chrisman

I just finished my little boys book (he’s only 15 months so not too far behind). I think it’s so cute and I’m going to get the Little Captain one if we ever have another! I love that they were easy to fill out and the illustrations are adorable. Walmart also print 4×4 photos so that is an option for your books too (although the Fox prints are probably nicer).

Larry

We bought this book in Canada because it is just so cute.

It would be neat if there were stickers or artwork we could print out to change the American items (Current President, Gallon of Gas, first July 4th) to Canadian things. (Current Prime Minister, Litre of gas, First Canada Day)

Otherwise a great book, super simple and not too cheesy or overly sentimental.

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