Create a birthday scrapbook that goes with you to the party along with your camera, and you have the makings of the most personal gift ever.

What you need: accordion file; colored envelopes; cardstock; mirror-image balloon stickers; birthday stickers and other embellishments; self-adhesive magnet closure; patterned and colored paper; pens; camera

Select colored envelopes and fold the flaps backward. Fasten the envelopes together by licking the glue on each flap and attaching it to the next envelope. That results in a brightly colored accordion file.

Cut cards that fit into each envelope. Create top tabs for the cards with mirror-image balloon stickers that overlap the top edge, making it easy to remove the cards from the envelopes. Fasten balloons, sticky sides together, trapping the card in the middle. Decorate the top envelope with birthday-themed embellishments much as you would the first page of a more traditional scrapbook.

Cut a cover out of heavy cardstock that wraps around the envelope file and overlaps in the front with a self-adhesive magnet closure. Wrap a bellyband, cut from patterned paper, around the accordion file and decorate it with birthday stickers. Accent the front of the band with a matted square, embellished with candles. The band simply slides off to view the scrapbook inside.

When you head off to the party bring black pens and colored paper, trimmed to fit on the back of each card, with you. These colored cards are for you to give to each partygoer to write his or her personal birthday greetings on. Bring lots of extras in case guests want one for practice.

And don't forget your camera. Take pictures of the party guests to go on the front of each card. You can print the photos later, or take a small, portable printer to the party and print them on the spot, allowing everyone to enjoy them.

-- Scripps Howard News Service