Margaret’s Butterflies Storybook

I love family stories. As a child, being told family stories anchored and tied me to something bigger than myself. The stories told me who I was when I wasn’t sure how I fit into the world. They helped me navigate a really hard time. The most meaningful story to me was that of Margaret’s Butterflies. 

When I started having nieces and nephews, I knew I wanted them to have this same connection to our family that I had–that they were loved so much by so many that had come before them. And as a book lover, I thought making a cute storybook would be a way to share the story with them. 

The first storybook I wanted to make was was about Grandma Margaret Bryson. She’s my 4th Great Grandmother and a complete inspiration to me. I can’t wait to meet her on the other side of the veil.

This is part of her story

The original book is made of scrapbook paper scraps I had. Part of my goal with this project was to only use materials I already had on hand. Fortunately, I had my favorite tool to help me: my trusty Silhouette Cameo.

Supplies used:

• Silhouette Cameo
• Silhouette Design Studio, Business Edition
• Silhouette Design Store shapes
• Silhouette Pen Holder
• Paper background: DCWV Old World Stack
• Adhesive: Scotch ATG (looove it!)
• Fiskers 12″ Rotary Paper Trimmer
• Tsukineko Inks
• Tim Holtz Distress Inks
• Tim Holtz Washi Tape
• Stickles Glitter Glue
• Similar 8×8″ Scrapbook Album
• Tiny Button Brads for Vern’s Uniform (these are white, but I used silver)
• My printer: HP 8600Pro
• The font used for the text: Traveling Typewriter

How I Made the Book

To create a copy of the book, I took photos of the pages and uploaded them to Shutterfly and created an 8×8” photobook. You can see the finished photo book here, and even order a copy for yourself (no, I don’t get anything from the sale of the book from Shutterfly and make sure you look for a coupon, sometimes you can get the book for free and just pay shipping).

As I’ve shared this story with people, it’s been fun to “meet” cousins– other of Margaret’s butterflies– and be able to share this story with them. Some of them didn’t know about the events in the story. 

I’ve loved sharing this story with the next generation. My nieces and nephews have loved learning about their family and knowing how they fit into our family.

How can you learn and share stories about your ancestors?

Check out two other stories I’ve written: “The Popcorn Farmer” & “The Golden Ship”