Inspiration: Tutorial from Pinkstrawberryz
I had so much fun putting together this mini-album based on Michelle's latest YouTube tutorial! I'm trying to shop my stash and pull out collections that I didn't have much time to play with. The beautiful Wild Asparagus collection from My Mind's Eye was one of them. I almost changed my mind as I was about to create the mini-album as I thought I could make something more kid-friendly that could be gifted to my nieces, but I decided to stick to initial idea and use the papers I had pulled. I'm so glad that I did, as I'm really happy with the final result!
I followed Michelle's instructions for the envelopes and binding but when she started embellishing her album, I had a look to hear her advice, but then I started going where inspiration led me. I liked her tag idea for the second envelope and I created my own using a sticker from the sticker sheets, backed with cardstock. I added an eyelet and ribbon, plus an acrylic embellishment and a charm. I picked from the chipboard embellishments for the third envelope, to place something that would peak out over the edge. While I liked the striped paper, the result was a little loud, so I decided to break it up by creating an additional pocket out of blue polka dot paper. I simple rounded the bottom corners and punched a half circle at the top. I decorated it with a few stickers and I added a gold-rimmed tag (purchased ages ago). I punched a piece of patterned paper and then added a bit of ribbon. I used a gold clip to keep the envelope closed (more for looks than necessity). On the left side, I added stickers and leftover paper pieces to create interest.
On the first envelope, I added a vellum envelope like Michelle was showing. I wasn't too keen on keeping the sides open, so I used a scalloped border die at an angle on the front part and I used sparkly washi tape to close the sides. (On a side note, I added adhesive strip so that it would stay put as sparkly washi tape has a tendency to not stick well.) I added a few stickers to the pocket and then I looked through the journal cards to see what I could fit in there. I needed one that I could trim down to fit the envelope. I initially cut down the blue card with the flower and it looked nice, but when I trimmed the quote and added it to the pocket, it looked much better, so I left the first card aside to use later. As I did, I realized that I could make a pocket for the front cover with it, though. I only added tape to the right side and the bottom edge, so that you can slip things in that are larger, as the left side remains open. I added two additional journal cards, one of which I decorated with stickers and a mini antique tag. I added the bunny sticker on the pocket (with a gem for the tail) and another acrylic piece as well.
I liked the idea of putting the front flap over the album cover, but didn't like how it was not staying flat, so I decided to use a velcro dot. The front cover felt very bare, so I started thinking about what I would add to it. I liked Michelle's idea of simply clipping a tag there, but I quickly realized that my journal tag were too large and getting in the way of the velcro. So I picked my favorite image, trimmed it down to size using a scalloped rectangle die, but the white background was not contrasting against the polka dot paper, so I decided to mat it. The scalloped rectangle comes from a die kit that it made to use with pocket journaling. It includes a panel with a fold in the middle, so you have a piece you fold in half and if you slide the back part inside the pocket, you get a flap. For a minute there, I decided I'd do a flap that would wrap around the album, that I would glue on the backside and use as a flip-up part on the front. Again, after cutting the paper, I soon realized that the velcro was still getting in the way. I did like the flip-up idea, so I improvised: I punched a half-circle on both layers of the flip base, glued it to the front of the album, and I added my image to the top using dimensional adhesive. Now, the velcro was closing properly. I added a pink journal card inside the flip, punching a half-circle again to accommodate the velcro. I could have trimmed the card down, but I was liking the little bit of pink showing at the bottom for added interest, so I left it.
I started looking at embellishments to do the finishing on the album. In my box of really old embellishments, I found this wooden-looking flower that I've had for over a decade. Not sure where this came from, I think it might be upcycled from packaging or jewelry. I was liking the look and size added to the front flap, so I decided to go for it. I added a sparkly gem to the center. I scored one of the tab stickers and folded it in two in the center of the front flap. I added a little sentiment sticker at the bottom, with two pink pearls on each side. I added a Frosted Finishes embellishment to the top of the flip. I added a few gems and opals here and there and was done.
I have a feeling I might want to revisit this mini-album concept again in the future and make a new version using a different paper collection.
Supplies
Patterned Papers, Chipboard Elements, Journal Cards, Stickers: Wild Asparagus (My Mind's Eye)
Cardstock: Tranquil Tide (Stampin' Up!)
Dies: Pocket, Frame and Flip-Up - Extra Frames (Elle's Studio);
Stitched Scalloped Borders (Lawn Fawn)
Accessories: Velcro Dots, Wooden Flower, Twill Ribbon, Gingham Ribbon, Gold-Rimmed Tag (Unknown);
Clever Clasps, Frosted Finishes Embellishments, Mini Vintage Tags, Trinket Crowns,
Elegant Faceted Gems, Opal Rounds, Petal Pink Rhinestone Gems, Genial Gems,
Share What You Love Artisan Pearls, 1" and 1-1/4" Circle Punches, Stampin' Dimensionals,
Maxi Heart Eyelets (Stampin' Up!); Sweet Caroline Baker's Twine (My Mind's Eye);
Sparkly Gems (Recollections); Décos mots doux Céladon et Rose thé (Florilèges Design)
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