Let's Try a Mini Album She Said...

Hello, Hello, Hello!
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!
It's a Heartfelt Creations Tuesday today!  Gotcha!
We decided to go live early today!  *wink wink*
Here in Manitoba, Canada we're still experiencing some really cold temperatures and wind chills with the indication that temperatures are to moderate later this week!  Last week the kids had maybe two outdoor recesses the entire week...it's been that cold!
-40 degree Celsius windchill days are just not days to spend anytime outside!
 My heart goes out to those teachers with all those cooped up children though!

So I thought to myself...we need a dose of spring in a big way this week and what better way to bring it on than to create an extra special project with the Heartfelt Creations Butterfly Medley Collection!
I hope you've been enjoying this collection as much as I have.  
I recently purchased The Cinch binding machine and decided that with all this bitter cold it was time to sit down and play with it a little.  So, I said to myself...let's try a 6"x6" mini album!
I've been wanting to sit down and create one for quite some time, however several of the designers that I work with are so accomplished when it comes to mini albums, I was sorta hesitant to post one.
But...nothing ventured, nothing gained!

So here goes nothing...

We'll begin with the front cover...seems like the perfect place to start!  LOL
(All of the instructions for how to create this cover will be found on the bottom of this post.  For the remainder of the album I will give you a page by page tour and let you know how the pages were built in the post.  All of the dies, stamps, etc. that have been used in this creation are also listed in the supplies list at the bottom with the cover instructions as well.)


....and how about a close up of the flowers on the front cover...


Oh I can hardly wait for some purple flowers to spring up in my flower bed!
Don't they just bring happiness to your heart?

Moving along to the pages in the mini.
(You will find a measurement/cutting guide at the end of the post as well for all of the pockets you see on the pages.)

Inside the front cover..


 I began by choosing and cutting paper for the inside of the front and back covers as I wanted them to match in the end. Ink all edges in a brown colored ink...(all of the papers from the paper collection in this project have been inked with brown, however this is personal preference).  Adhere the mat to the first inside cover using scor tape.  I've then created a pocket on the left side of the cover with black card stock and matted it with patterned paper from the paper collection. I've added a decorative strip on the edge of the pocket for an extra special detail.  Heartfelt Creations makes it so easy to create a quick and beautiful mini album.  All of the papers coordinate and the pre made card panels make it so fast and simple to make photo mats and tag embellishments.  I've included 2 card panels in the cover pocket that can be used for matting smaller photos or as journaling cards as well as one of the small tags. I've matted the small card panels with solid yellow card stock for a bit of a pop of color.  For a bit of interest and to keep things organized, I've clipped them with the cutest clip I found in the local dollar store.

Here's a quick peek at the matted cards that are contained in the pocket...


Next to the inside cover I've created a shaped page card...I've actually cheated a little by using a Silhouette cutting file.  I've cut the design once in black card stock, a second time using the patterned paper I've chosen and then a third time as a mirrored image in a different patterned paper to cover the second side of the shape.  The three layers just gives the page a little extra stability.  You would also be able to cut this page from chipboard should you desire to do so.  Remember to ink all of the edges of the patterned paper with brown colored ink.

Moving along to the next page...


Here I've chosen one of the square pre made card panels to mat the base page.  You will have to trim it slightly.  I've created a pocket that reaches half way up the page and again matted it in a different paper.  I've adhered a large tag from the paper collection to the pocket, making sure to just put adhesive on the portion that I need to have adhered to the pocket.  I've then fussy cut the flower and butterfly image from another card panel and adhered to the top of the pocket with 3D pop dots.  I've once again cut a smaller card panel and matted it with a green card stock and put it inside the pocket.  I thought that a colorful paper clip would make a cute accent piece to the album and have used it to keep the cards in place on both sides of the page.

Let's take a quick peek at the background page mat as well as the pocket card...


...and as we flip the page...


I've used one of the square pre made card panels trimmed to 5 3/4" x 5 3/4" inches again to mat the back of the full card base.  I've once again created another pocket on the left hand side of the page.  I've trimmed a piece of patterned paper to use as a decorative mat on the pocket.  A matching small pre made card panel has been matted in purple card stock and once again can be used to mat a photo on the back, or to journal a memory. I've also adhered a die cut shape behind the area where the photo mat/journal card to give the page a bit of interest when the card has been removed.

Here's a peek of the die cut shaped and pocket card exposed...


 To add a touch of variety to the mini album I've incorporated a half base page to the right.


  I've matted the black base with a purple colored card stock and then again with a decorative patterned paper that is complimentary to the left side of the page.  I've fussy cut some purple flowers from a piece of patterned paper and then put adhesive on the side and bottom allowing them to be used as a pocket as well for the large tag as shown.

...and here's a look at the back side of the half page...


I've chosen to leave the second side of the half page blank as I loved the beauty of the script on this patterned paper.  The option is there to mount a photo on the page, or leave as is!

...and now opposite this half page...


I've used a die cut to create an elegant pocket on the bottom corner.
I've stamped a butterfly image from the collection onto a small pre made card panel and colored it using Spectrum Noir markers.  

Moving along to the next few pages...


On the left hand page, I've created a larger pocket to once again hold some pocket cards.
The adjoining shaped page is once again a cut file from the Silhouette design store.  It has been created in the same fashion as mentioned for the first shaped page.  Once again it has the three layers to give it some extra stability.  I've left this page blank as it makes a unique focal point.

Here's a quick peek at the stamped journaling cards from in the pocket.


For the next page, I've once again created one that is just a half.


Isn't this polka dotted paper so cheery and fun!
I decided to not cover it up and once again leave both the opposite page and the half available for matting a special photo or memento.

...and here's the other side of the half page...


I've once again fussy cut some flowers from a piece of paper from the collection and turned it into a pocket.  The little insert card was actually a piece of scrap that I thought would be perfect to journal on!  Love the little sentiment on it!

The sentiment is actually repeated on the next page I'm about to share with you.
It's the same shaped page that I just shared with you just before the half page...only I've turned it into a pocket!


I've used a longer piece of left over paper to create a tag to place in the pocket.
Again, you can journal or just leave as pretty eye candy!

...and we're moving ahead to the last page and the back cover...


For the last page I've once again used a pre made card panel from the collection and trimmed it to
5 3/4"x 5 3/4".  I've added some corner die cuts to frame the image as it's just too pretty to cover up with anything.  Before adhering the bottom corner die cut, I've cut out one of the sentiments and adhered it to the page.  The back cover is identical to the first inside cover, the pocket has just been added to the opposite side.  Once again I've used pre made card panels and trimmed them to various sizes to act as photo mats or journaling cards.

...and last of all is the outside back cover...I've left it very plain with just some pretty patterned paper...

 
 I think a mini album like this would make a beautiful prayer journal, or a record keeper of your flower garden with some beautiful pictures.  The ideas are endless.  It would be the perfect gift for a friend or loved one!

I hope you've enjoyed this little tour!
I know it's been quite photo heavy...and a tad wordy!
Thanks again for stopping by, and be sure to check out the other creations on the Heartfelt Creations blog for more gorgeous inspiration by the rest of the design team!

Until next time...

Mini Album Covers (outside design)
chipboard - cut 2 pieces 6"x 6" each
black card stock - cut 2 pieces 8"x 8" each
black card stock - cut 2 pieces 5 3/4"x 5 3/4" each
patterned designer paper - cut 2 pieces 5 3/4" x 5 3/4"
*see end of blog post for in detail instructions on completing the front cover

Base Pages
Base Pages - black card stock - 6"x 6" - cut 3
Small Shaped Base Page - black card stock  - cut 1 black and 2 patterned paper (one mirrored)
Large Shaped Base Page - black card stock - cut 2 black and 4 patterned paper (two mirrored)
Silhouette Cutting Files - Design #69292,  Design #69289
Half Base Page - black card stock - 3" x 6" - cut 2
Full Base Page Decorative Mats  -  5 3/4" x 5 3/4"

Page Pockets
Small Side Page Pockets - black card stock - 7" x 2 1/2" - score at 1/2" on three sides to form pocket
Half Page Pocket (use for bottom or side pockets) - black card stock - 3 1/2" x 7 " - score at 1/2" on three sides to form pocket
Simple Pocket - to create a simple pocket, mat a small card panel onto black card stock and then place adhesive on three sides leaving one without adhesive to form pocket opening

Product Supplies and Instructions
HCDP1-251  Butterfly Medley Paper Collection
HCPC-3654  Botanical Swirls Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3653  Botanical Rose Bouquet Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3652  Botanical Wings Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3651  Botanical Rose Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-758  Botanical Wings Die
HCD2-751  Cut Mat Create 2A Die
HCD2-752  Cut Mat Create 2B Die
HCD1-729  Decorative Blossom Corner Die
HCD1-743  Raindrops on Roses Die
TSMP707  Memento Dye Ink Pad - Bamboo Leaves
TSMP507  Memento Dye Ink Pad - Elderberry
SMP001  Stamp Mat Pad
368770  Scor Pal Measuring and Scoring Board
273900  Zip Dry Glue

Other Products Used:  scor tape,  card stock - white, black, yellow, blue, pink and purple, ribbons - assorted widths and colors coordinating  to paper pack, Stampin Up Ink - Summer Sun &  Basic Black,  Memento Ink - Elderberry, Sweet Plum, Grape Jelly, LuLu Lavender & Bamboo Leaves, Versa Color Pine Cone ink,  yellow glass seed beads, butterfly dangling charm, Big Shot manual die cutting machine, water mister bottle, flower shaping tools, The Cinch binding machine, 1" binding coil,  doily, Silhouette Design Store cutting files for shaped pages, decorative clips, finger daubers, Crop a dile hole punch

*Instructions provided are for front cover only.  For detailed instructions and photos for pages included in mini album,  please see my personal blog.  Cut a 6"x6" piece of chipboard for base of front cover.  Cut an 8"x8" piece of black card stock.  Scor at 1" on all four sides of black card stock.  Mitre the corners  and apply scor tape to where card stock will fold over chipboard.  Adhere to chipboard to totally cover front of album.  Cut a 5 3/4"x5 3/4" square from black card stock to finish the inside of the cover.  Adhere.  Next, trim the "Life is Good" square card panel from the Butterfly Medley paper collection to measure 5 3/4"x 5 3/4", ink with brown color and adhere to front cover.  Locate the small card panel with the purple flowers on the top and bottom with the purple butterflies fluttering around the floral clusters.  Locate the second small card panel of the same design.  Ink each edge of both panels with brown colored ink. Cut the second matching small card panel in half.  Using the bottom half to create a pocket, fussy cut the flower and butterfly images along the top area only leaving the sides in tact where the designs end...now apply scor tape to the three straight edges of the half cut panel and match up with full card panel and adhere.  The pocket should now be created.  Adhere a white doily to the side of the mini album cover just under the sentiment on the side closest to the binding.  Now adhere the pocket card to the front cover of mini album covering par of the doily.  Die cut two of the straight decorative borders from the Cut Mat Create 2A die set.  Adhere one to the top of the pocket card and one to the bottom.  Stamp flowers using Elderberry Memento ink.  Apply various shades of purple Memento inks listed above to each bloom.  (Each flower has been inked differently for this creation using different combinations of the mentioned ink colors, giving them a each a slightly different tone and slightly different color depth.) Die cut flowers using coordinating die. Shape two 3 layered large flowers, two 2 layered midsized flowers and two single layered flowers.  Create layered centres for each flower using yellow glass seed beads.  Arrange on cover and once happy with arrangement glue down using Zip Dry Glue.  Using green patterned paper from the collection, stamp leaves in brown ink and using a finger dauber apply Bamboo Leaves Memento colored ink lightly to centre and around edges.  Shape leaves and add to floral cluster.  Cut one large tag from the collection along with 2 smaller tags.  Hole punch tags and add ribbon.  Cut varying sized and colored ribbons to add to the binding rings on the side of the mini album...using more or less ribbon for the look you desire.  Add dangling  butterfly charm to top binding ring.  You are now ready to bless someone with a beautiful mini album for their precious photos and memories....or maybe you'd like to keep for yourself!

This project has been shared in the following challenges...
Craft My Life..."Anything But a Card"
Card Mania Challenges..."Spring"
Crafting from the Heart..."Anything Goes"
Craft Your Passion..."Anything Goes"
Crafty Boots Challenges..."Anything But a Card"
Eureka Stamps..."Anything But a Card"
Imagination Crafts..."Anything Goes"
Not Just Cards Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Stamp and Create..."Is it Spring Yet"
Fan-Tastic Tuesday..."Add a Ribbon"
Party Time Tuesdays..."Anything Goes"
Through the Craft Room Door..."Anything Goes"
My Sheri Crafts..."Welcome Spring"

30 comments

Unknown said...

Tracey, the color of this mini album is breathtaking, and each page you created just adds to its beauty!!

Karan Gerber said...

its a gorgeous mini album, love all the pages and the details on the cover are fabulous. love the flowers.

Asmah Zainal Abidin said...

Oh yes, I sure enjoyed your tour Tracey. The album is so stunning and the designed papers, the embellishment and everything are looking great altogether. Thank you so much for entering our ATG challenge at Through The Craft Room Door this fortnight. I hope you will join us again in next challenge.
Hugs and smiles,
Asmah
TTCRD DT
Qinaahana Arts and Crafts {My Blog}

Gloria Shirr (purpleglo) said...

Wow Tracey! This is the most stunning, gorgeous, captivating mini album I have ever seen! Fabulous! Thanks so much for the step by step! I am in awe of this creation! Have a terrific day! Hugs, Gloria

http://purpleglocreations.blogspot.com

Mrs Beez said...

This is absolutely fabulous. So much work and perfectly executed. Thanks for joining in at Crafty Boots Challenges this time.

crafty said...

Wow! This is beautiful. I am left speechless. Thank you for sharing it with us at Eureka Stamps. Mary DT

Unknown said...

Tracey, this is stunning. So many beautiful details.

La Papera Gialla said...

Gorgeous!
Thanks for entering our Not Just Cards Challenge this week!
Monica - DT

craftieodmae said...

WOW!!! This is priceless!!!!!

SussiPoppins said...

Hi, you have been busy with this book. Well worth all the time and love put into it! Eye candy yummie! Hugs

Anne Harada said...

Oh my word and to think this is only your first mini album!! The creativity packed into the album is fantastic Tracey! I love what you did and as always, you've touched off some inspiration in me as well -- since I agree that there are many designers on our Team that have already mastered this art of album making and it's totally intimidating!! You certainly have thrown a big hat into the ring my friend! TFS! Your posts always make me smile just in the gentle humor of yours!

Unknown said...

This mini is beautiful! You did a great job. :)

Dee's Craft Room said...

Wow, this is breathtakingly stunning Tracey. Wonderful images and glorious colours. Thank you for sharing you work with all of us at Crafty Boots Challenges.

Dionne

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

This is your FIRST mini album? Holy cow! Look out world...here comes Tracey!!!! This is stunning! The shaped edges, the wonderful pockets and tags, the gorgeous flowers on the cover! You knocked it outta the park, girlie! Thanks for today's beautiful moment!!!

Today's Beautiful Moments - Tracey Fehr said...

Thanks Sanja! Glad you enjoyed!

Today's Beautiful Moments - Tracey Fehr said...

Thanks Gloria! So glad you enjoyed the step by step!

Marge said...

WOW -- a very spring-y, very detailed and very GORGEOUS mini album!!! Hope your spring arrives very soon too! Thanks so much for sharing with us @ My Sheri Crafts.

Hazel said...

Thanks for sharing your lovely crafting for Fan-tastic Tuesday challenge 75 - hope to see you again soon, Hazel, DT x

Ruth G said...

This is such a beautiful album! I love how you've created pockets with corners of papers and the pop of that wonderful sunny yellow makes my heart skip a beat! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely mini album!

Nupur Priya said...

Gorgeous album...love how you have used the papers & dies to create it... :)

Today's Beautiful Moments - Tracey Fehr said...

Thank you for your kind words Ruth!

Karen said...

Just stunning! Absolute talent!

Today's Beautiful Moments - Tracey Fehr said...

Awe...thank you Karen! So happy you stopped by and enjoyed the post!

karalschuknecht said...

Stunning album & so beautifully done. Thanks for joining us this week at Eureka Stamps. Karal DT

Deonna B said...

Absolutely Stunning! I love every page and how you decorated it. I love the color purple. Have you ever considered making another tutorial for TTCRD magazine to be published? We'd love to see it. Thank you for playing along at TTCRD this week. Please come and join us again tomorrow for our new Anything goes challenge. TTCRD DT Deonna At ialwayslovetomakecards.blogspot.com.

Moni said...

Beautiful project!!! Thank you for joining us at Craft Your Passion. Monica-Dt.

Carol said...

Great Job! This is a beautiful mini album. Thanks so much for sharing!

Today's Beautiful Moments - Tracey Fehr said...

Thank you for your kind words, Carol! Glad you liked it!

Unknown said...

Such a sweet album! Thanks for joining in Card Mania Challenge

Dee's Craft Room said...

Hi,

This is just to let you know that you have been Placed in the Crafty Boots 'Anything but a Card' Challenge. Many congratulations.

We are offering the winner and two runners up from this challenge Guest Design Team spots for a future challenge, which starts on 27 April. Please contact me at CraftyBootsDT@gmx.co.uk if you would like more information about participating in this new challenge.

Don 't forget to collect a copy of the Crafty Boots Challenge badge from our blog.

Kindest regards.

Dionne

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