Meet the Designer: Bind by Design

If there's one parenting issue that's both a challenge and a delight (isn't that just parenting in a nutshell?), it's cataloguing the creative output of children, from playgroup to high school - a 15-year folio of artistic splendour.

I've spent many an agonising minute, despairing over block prints, finger paintings, collages and toothbrush spatterings, despondent about keeping, tossing, filing, 'losing'... So many awesome creations, so little space (and sanity).

And what 21 year old really wants to be presented with 18 archive boxes stuffed with buckled art paper trailing string threaded with buttons, broken pasta shells and toilet roll renderings?

When mums Yashmin and Anna first began turning their children's glorious creations into keepsake products, the positive feedback they received at playgroup and preschool encouraged them to take their ideas further, and in July 2009, Bind By Design was born.

Bind By Design specialises in creating unique journals, notebooks and photo albums, most cleverly utilising children's artwork. Each book is handmade, using high quality paper and materials.

With this brilliant idea, this creative duo turn children's artwork and prints into quality keepsakes that are completely unique. And the technique is not limited to children's artwork - any kind of printed matter can be used - what about the pages of your child's favourite storybook, hand and foot prints or their handwriting?

Bind By Design also have a range of books and albums using their own designs - I mean, just check out these amazing photo albums made from stunning papers and hand-bound with quality bookcloth. Inside, the black pages are a perfect backdrop for special photos.

At Handmade market on 28 March, Bind by Design will be selling pre-made albums and notebooks with a blank cover for people to take home and create their own keepsake. These DIY products are great for artists, young and old alike, wanting to design their own journal or album.

A new addition to their gorgeous range are handmade embossed albums with your choice of name on the front. Perfect for a newborn, wedding or other special occasion.

Being mums, Anna and Yashmin also understand budgeting; their range of products start at only $3 for their mini notebooks - a perfect party bag addition!

Come on down to Handmade at the Kamberra Wine Company on Sunday 28 March and see these amazing creations for yourself. Bring along your child's artwork and ask these savvy mums how they can create some memorable keepsakes for your children - or rather, for you. After all, archiving our children's beautiful artwork really is for us, right mums?