I am an avid browser of Youtube craft videos, and I see so many talented people out there, making so many amazing things, pushing the boundaries much further than my card making ever has. Having watched so many videos, I finally decided it was time to step outside my comfort zone and try something new - no mean feat with 3 small children and no time. This little project has taken me several months, but I have to say, I am so happy with the result, that it was totally worth it. There are certainly elements of the mini album that I don't think worked for me, but on the whole, I just love it, and I can't wait to crack on with my next one (although before I do, I have been totally inspired to try a few other things too :-)
So - here goes!!!
The cover of the album is one of the things I love most about it! The paper I chose is just gorgeous by itself - which is one of the reasons I chose to leave the back of the album completely plain apart from the trim, because that paper just doesn't need any embellishing!
I decorated the front of the album using paper flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, who do the prettiest range I've ever seen, and for a really good price too. The yellow forsythia flowers I cut with my Sizzix using the Susan Tierney-Cockburn die, with a string wrapped wire stem, and some Stickles for the centres of each flower. The angel and the frame are Prima resin embellishments which I think are just so cute! The frame is fastened on 3 sides, but the top is open to slide in an image, or a title, I've not quite decided yet. I used a Tim Holtz Sizzix honeycomb die as a background for the flowers and embellishments, and I used chocolate pleated ribbon, taupe ribbon, and pearl drop trim all around the bottom.
The rings binding the album are wrapped with vintage seam binding in co ordinating colours, and I made the charm chain with 3 cute charms.
The inside cover is just the reverse side of the paper I used for the outer.
The first page above is an envelope with a tag inside. The tag is just plain and inked. I'll probably use the tag as an 'contents page' for the album. I used die cuts and beaded trim to finish the page.
The reverse of the first page is a flap page. I used lace to surround it, and will either use the page as a photo mat, or possibly put a quote on there. The reverse of the flap has a pocket with a tag, and a die cut flower collection, which is adhered only in the corner, so another tag sits tucked underneath it.
The next page, I just used two die cut embellishments which are adhered around the outer edges only, so it will be perfect to tuck a photo in there.
This next page is actually one of my favourites. I used the tree stamp from the gorgeous Gina K stamp set, The Giving Tree - but I made mine into a blessing tree! I printed the letters onto tiny circles I cut out just using a normal hole punch, then I punched out tiny leaves from the same paper I used for the cover and adhered them to a length of bakers twine, which I then fastened top and bottom with brads. I might tuck a small photo behind the string, but I won't be able to bear covering up too much of that gorgeous tree!
The next page is quite simple, I just used some bling and a tiny butterfly I made. Every page in this album is a pocket - some I've left without anything in, so I can tuck photos or perhaps make tags at a later date - but many I've already created tags for - and this is the first.
This next page (above) is one of my less favourites. I do really like the central tag pocket, and I like the bobble trim and the die cut feathers - I think perhaps the background of the page doesn't work for me, it's too dark, or just the wrong shade, or something!!! Can't wait to use those little mats in the fold out tag pocket to put some little pictures and quotes on though!
I think this next page (above) is so pretty! I love the flowers and the little heart in the corner. The purple die cut along the bottom is adhered just at the edges and bottom, so it forms a little pocket to put photos/tags in.
Loving this next page too - the pull tag waterfall is cute and will look lovely with some little photos on.
Another page that worked well for me - a box card page
My movies (above) and wine (below) pages! Above, the film strip is secured along the bottom and down each side, the tops are open to fit small photos. The 'viewfinder' pulls out, as does the bottom tag, and each could be used to journal or as a photo mat.
Below, the wine charms (Taylored Expressions dies) are attached to some bakers twine - I was going to try and leave it loose so things could be tucked behind, but the charms are a little fragile, so I used foam sticky pads to secure them down. The page is also a side pocket for a tag, with a little ric rac to pull it out.
The gears are all die cut, and strengthened with Glossy Accents. The tag sits behind the side gear panel and can be pulled out and used as a photo mat. It's kind of different to my other pages, but I really liked how it looked.
Finally, below, I've included some pictures of some of the tags which sit in various pockets.
For the most part, I like the tags, but the pocket structure that they sit in is one of my misses, I think. Elements work, but others don't....but that's how it goes!
