Hello!  Shellye along with a "Thankful" Mini Album/ Journal using the beautiful "Sweater Weather" Collection and a pumpkin shaped die.  My inspiration for this type of album/journal derives from the "thankful" posts that I've witnessed on Facebook!

After die-cutting the cover pages from heavy chipboard, I dressed them in patterned paper and then distressed around the edges with a walnut ink pad.   

I matted the journal card and added some machine stitching for an extra-homespun feel.  Before attaching to the front of the album, I added the cute brad banner embellishment.  

The inside of the album can be made up of patterned papers cut to size, journal cards, pockets, etc.  

The pockets and tags were constructed from the Kraft A2 Card Bases & Envelopes.  The envelopes were trimmed down to a height of 3.75", leaving the width as is.  The cards were cut in half along the crease and then to a width of 5.25".  I also added punched tabs to the top of each tag.  

I used a ruler and fine tip black pen to add lines to the backs of the envelopes...great spot for extra journaling!  

 You may chose not to add bulky embellishments to the journal cards if you're planning on adding photos to that area.  On the pocket page fronts, I only embellished the top or bottom corner so that there is plenty of room for small pictures.  

When planning the page's embellishments, keep in mind how the opposite page will lay against it.  A bulky embellishment placed against a page with a bow may cause damage to the more delicate piece.

Get input from family members and let them each have a tag to write what they are thankful for or their favorite Fall memory!  

 Keep it simple by allowing the beautiful artwork of Simple Stories do the work!  

Add even more pages if you plan on keeping a "12 Days of Thanks" or a "November Gratitude Journal"...you may even wish to adapt this idea to a SN@P! Binder...what fun!

Thanks for joining me today at Simple Stories!