Category Archives: Mini Books

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album

Hello, Friends! It’s August already? That means it’s time to get ready to go back to school! I’m loving the happy prints, retro images and primary colors of this Authentique Scholastic collection, how about you? It takes me right back to my happy childhood school days.

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: The Inspiration

I grew up in an era when each little town had it’s own 2 room schoolhouse within walking distance of home. Ours sat at the top of a steep hill, surrounded by ancient maple trees and a large grassy meadow that was perfect for outdoor play. We had a small playground with old fashioned swings, a merry go round, teeter totters and a large sidewalk where we played hopscotch.

The vintage yellow schoolhouse was a two story box shape, with enormous windows, maple hardwood floors, old fashioned iron coat hooks and green slate chalkboards that covered two walls of each room. Grades 1-3 were in one room and grades 4-6 in the other. A big old fashioned clock hung on the front wall with large framed photos of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln on either side. The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” was conspicuously displayed for all to see and take to heart.

We started each day with The Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. And no…I’m not 100 years old! This was 1962…not that long ago…but oh, how things have changed!

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: The Base

The base for this project is a 8.25″ x 8.75″ x 2″ G 45 Black Mixed Media Album. I decided to pretty much “gut” the album interior and make it into an interactive memory book.

TIP: Layer elements with varying height chipboard to add interest to the cover display.

TIP: Matting stickers and images on Black Jack and Lemon Drop Spectrum Cardstock makes the layers pop.

TIP: Not all embellishments come from the scrapbooking store! A trio of pencils tied with ribbon look fantastic on the album spine. First, glue the pencil sides together. Then, wrap with black micro gingham. Tie a bow. Then mat the apple image on a double layer of Black Jack and Lemon Drop cardstock. Punch a hole in one corner, string on a metal key and you’ve got a mighty cute embellishment!

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: Adding the Waterfall Feature

TIP: There’s loads of room inside the front cover for a waterfall/pocket combo. Here’s how:

First, cut (6) 6 1/2″ x 5″ rectangles from Black Jack and Lemon Drop. (3 each)
Next, score a 1/2″ flap on the top edge of each rectangle.
Then, shape the bottom corner with a corner punch, if desired.
Now, fold the 1/2″ flaps back and burnish.
Next, center and adhere the first flap along the top edge of the inside cover.
Then, line up the folded edge of the next flap beneath the first flap. Continue this process for all 6 waterfall pages.
Now, make a pocket and adhere along the bottom edge of the page. I used an oval die to cut a pretty shape in the top of mine.
To keep the waterfall closed, adhere a length of Light Blue Navy Satin Ribbon along the base of the final waterfall page, then tie a bow on the front.

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: Interactive Pages

As you’ll see in the video tour below, I created a number of interactive pages inside the album.

Belly bands and accordion folio inserts are a fun way to display photos.

Pockets with large pull out photo mounts are easy to make.

Make quick and easy pockets by cutting patterned papers 3″ longer than the height of your page.
Score, fold and adhere the sides for an almost instant pocket.
Then cut squares of Black Jack paper to fit the pockets.
Line with patterned paper on both sides.
Mat tab type stickers on cardstock scraps to make decorative pull tabs.

This album is loaded with fun…but everything is very easy to do, as you will see in the video tour.

TIP: Change up the size of your pages to add variety and interest to your album.

TIP: Create flap folios above pockets to add room for more photos. Mine are 6 1/2″ x 9″, scored in half so that each panel will hold a 4″ x 6″ photo with room for the pretty paper to peek around the edges.

TIP: Create a tip in page by cutting your paper 3″ wider than the base page. Then score, fold and adhere the back side to the album bse.

TIP: Hidden pockets with inserts are a snap to make. Cut designer paper 1/2″ wider than the base on the sides and bottom edge. Score 1/2″ flaps, fold and adhere just the flaps to the base page. This makes it easy to slide a folio insert behind the page. Use a circle or oval die to cut a decorative opening, if desired.

TIP: Save the off cut from die cutting the pocket edge and turn it into a decorative tab on a folio.

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: The Video Tour with Tips and Tricks

To help you get a better idea for the flow and function of this album, I’ve created a short video tour. You’ll find lots of tips and helpful hints for making your own Back to School mini album.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures. You’ll find a linked supply list below the post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Authentique Scholastic Supply List

Authentique Paper
- Scholastic Collection Kit (comes with the sticker sheet)
- 4 sheets each Lemon Drop and Black Jack Spectrum Cardstock
Graphic 45 Black Mixed Media Album Base
Light Navy Satin Ribbon with Grosgrain Edge
Burlap String
Apple Buttons
Primary Buttons from my stash
Tim Holtz Pen Nib
3 yellow school pencils
Vintage Style Black key
School Themed Novelty Buttons
Red, Yellow, Blue Flowers from my stash

Crafty Crush: Eileen Hull Notebook Die

Crafty Crush: Eileen Hull Notebook Die for Frilly and Funkie

Hello, Friends! Have you had a chance to play with the new Eileen Hull Notebook Die? I have a serious crafty crush on it. I’ll tell you all about it in a moment, but first let me welcome you to the “I Love It Because…” challenge over on the Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog. Our lovely hostess, the marvelous Jenny Marples, has this to say about the theme:

I love it because…
How often do you create something just for you that makes your heart sing? Doesn’t it feel great when you do! My challenge to you is to make a vintage or shabby chic piece of art, be it a journal page, a tag, a card, a home decor project etc, that fills you with happiness and makes you smile – don’t forget to tell us why you love it so much.

Stamperia Spring Botanic + Eileen Hull Notebook Die = Beautiful

If you are not familiar with the new Eileen Hull Notebook Die by Sizzix, let me be the first to introduce you. This genius little die cuts a 3 1/2″ x 5″ notebook from mat board, fabric, leather, or chipboard with one pass through your die cutting machine.

At the same time as it cuts the chosen material, it also creases an area that becomes the spine. This is book binding at it’s easiest and most basic. So if you’ve ever wanted to make your own little books, this is a great way to get started.

Eileen Hull Notebook Die: I Love it Because

Ease of Use
Size: It fits inside her cleverly designed Treasure Box
Versatility: You can design this album in any number of ways. You can find more examples of how I’ve used this clever die HERE and HERE.
Quick to make: I can knock out one of these lovely little notebooks in a couple of hours. Then I have the perfect little gift to present, and people are always thrilled to receive it.

Stamperia Spring Botanic Paper Pad: I Love it Because

How could you not love this gorgeous paper? The colors are my favorites, and the images are just dreamy. And look at that wee snail? I love him!

Stamperia builds their collections so that the mixed media effects I love so much are incorporated into the design. I can add stenciling and texture on top of that if I desire to do so. Or, I can simply cut apart the bits and pieces, dress them up with a little ribbon and a charm and be all set.

For this little album, I printed out a selection of my favorite Spring poems and quotes. I wanted a little lap book that could be perused at leisure, or used for home decor.

I’ll be sharing a full video tutorial over on the Frilly and Funkie Blog this Saturday, May 11th. We’ll make the “sister” album for this Spring album, so you’ll want to be sure to catch that! It will be a “start to finish” project, and I think you’ll learn a lot of fun little tricks that you can use in your own crafty adventures.

I Love it Because….Now It’s YOUR Turn!

You are cordially invited to join in on this fun challenge. To do so, simply create your own vintage or shabby chic spring themed project. Then link up on the Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog before 11:55PM EDT on Tuesday, May 21st. You can find all the rules and information HERE.

The winner will earn the chance of a Guest Designer spot at Frilly and Funkie, and everyone who enters and follows the rules will go into the draw for the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. In addition, the Design Team will select three further outstanding entries and those creators will receive a Top Pick badge to display on their blogs!

I can’t wait to see what you make!

See you on Saturday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

From The Funkie Junkie Boutique

Stamperia Spring Botanic Paper Pad
Eileen Hull Notebook Die
Ancestors Paper Dolls (out of stock, but you could substitute these)
Idea-Ology Metallic Stickers/Tim Holtz
Remnants Design Tape/Tim Holtz Idea-Ology
Antique Linen Distress Oxide Ink
Compass Coin/Tim Holtz Ideaology (out of stock, but you could substitute THIS.)
Distress Paint: Peeled Paint, Peacock Feathers
Burlap String
Scor-Tape
Paper Trimmer/Tim Holtz
Remnant Rubs/Tim Holtz Idea-Ology
Botanical Layers/Tim Holtz Idea-Ology
Silver Tone Butterfly/Heart Charm

Other Products:

Champagne Wrinkled Ribbon
Prima Mechanicals Roman Clock (retired)
Patina Bee Charm
Natural Canvas (check your local fabric store)

Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album

Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album for Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello, Ribbon Lovers! Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, and I am so happy that it is finally here! Today I have a Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album made with Really Reasonable Ribbon to share with you. What do I mean by “stash buster?” Well, if you are anything like me, you have some really wonderful retired fall collections gathering dust in your crafty space. I decided it was time to put these beautiful collections (and scraps) to good use. And what better way to use up your stash than in a Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album?

This album measures 5″ x 7″ with a mixed media chipboard cover. The simple “O” ring binding is finished off with beautiful Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album: The Ribbons

In addition to the fall ribbons from the September Ribbon Club Collection, I used Autumn Diamond Print Grosgrain and Noble Peacock Seam Binding. The ribbon is simply tied onto the ring binding using square knots. Doesn’t it look like fall leaves fluttering to the ground?

I did use some really cute dies to make the acorns, leaves and pumpkins in this mini album. They are from My Maker’s Movement (formerly Cheery Lynn).

Since I created a video tour of this Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album, I’ll just share a few still photos with you here.

Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album Project Share on YouTube

I hope this post has encouraged you to dig out your retired collections and use them to make something fabulous.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology

Natural Beauty: Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection

Hello, Friends! Wow, this has been a busy month for me! Earlier this month, I shared some projects that I made “just for me.” This Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection was made during that time, but i simply haven’t had time to share it with you until now.

Made in a “junk journal” fashion, this 3.5″ x 5″ mini has a 1.5″ spine. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun I had making it. There’s something so relaxing about creating a junk journal. You get to dig through your stash, use loads of embellishments and texture and basically, have a blast.

Eileen’s Passport Mini is a Sizzix XL Die. It cuts covers, spine and inner pages.

The directions for binding the album come with the die, and you can find loads and loads of wonderful samples and tutorials on Eileen’s Blog. I also share a lot of tips in the video tour below.

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection: Creating the Signature Pages

The signature covers are decorated, but the inner pages are acid free resume paper that I died with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Here’s how:

Die cut pages using the Eileen Hull Passport Die. Use a Sizzix crease pad to prevent the die from cutting all the way through the papers. The die will crease the pages and punch out the binding holes at the same time.
Swipe Vintage Photo Distress Ink directly onto your non-stick craft mat. Spritz with water until little beads and droplets begin to form.
Place the die cut pages into this luscious inky puddle and swipe them through.
You may have to repeat this process several times to ink up all the pages.
When all the pages have been inked, iron them flat with an iron on the “low” setting.
Now you have a lovely stack of stained papers to add to your passport mini signatures.

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection: Natural Beauty Vignettes

Little nature vignettes decorate the cover of each signature. Some elements are fussy cut images from the Anthology Collection Kit. You will see that I used the Graphic 45 Square Tag and Clock Dies in several spots. That clock frame is sooo useful!

Other items have been in my stash for so long, I don’t even know where they came from. I also used lots of images and elements from the 6.5″ x 6.5″ Anthology Paper Pad. Kaisercraft also makes little ephemera bits that they call “Collectables” for this collection.

I’ve incorporated lots of natural elements, like this lichen I picked up at a local park, leaves, Spanish Moss and feathers to add to the natural, organic feel of the album.

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection: Flips and Flaps

You all know how much I love to add interactive elements to my creations as often as possible. This little mini is no exception. There are flips and flaps galore!

You can find many of the metal charms I’ve used at the Funkie Junkie Boutique.

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection Video Tour: Tips, Tricks & Ideas

I always find it helpful to view a video of a project like this. It helps you gain a sense of the size, depth, dimension and function of all the mechanisms. You’ll find photos that I did not share in this post along with lots of ideas that will be helpful if you decide to make your own Passport Mini Album. Enjoy!

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures. If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

Note: Whenever possible, I share product links. Some items, however, have been in my stash a very long time, and are no longer available for purchase. Thanks for understanding!

Eileen Hull Passport Journal Sizzix XL Die (linked in text)
Sizzix Premium Crease Pad (Linked in Text)
Kaisercraft “Anthology Collection Kit”
- 6.5″ x 6.5 Paper Pad
- Anthology Collectables
Really Reasonable Ribbon Burlap Center Stitch Ribbon/Turquoise
Natural Burlap String
Little Birdie Crafts Bernice Ocean Mist Flower Box (not live on website yet)
Wendy Vecchi Pocket Watch Art Parts
Tim Holtz Distress Products
- Vintage Photo Distress Ink
- Pine Needles Distress Paint

Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue Mini Album

Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue Mini Album for Frilly and Funkie “By Airmail” Challenge

Hello, Friends! How do you feel about joining me for a little escape to Paradise today? I’ve created this Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue Mini Album for the “By Airmail” Challenge over on the Frilly and Funkie Blog. We’ll dig into the album in a moment, but first, let’s see what the marvelous Jenny Marples, our lovely challenge hostess, has to say about the theme.

Challenge Theme: By Airmail
I just love sending and receiving letters in the mail. And especially love the stamps, airmail stickers and postmarks that these letters pick up along the way. For this challenge, create a vintage or shabby chic postal themed project. Think old fashioned aircraft, airmail stamps, post marks, postage stamps.

Now, grab your flip flops and suntan lotion and meet me in Paradise!

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album

These are the colors of summer, my friends! And I love them. I found this 9″ x 6″ wood cover mini album while cleaning out the Closet of Shame. The base is thin wood with pre-drilled “O-rings that serve as the binding mechanism. The cover is treated with some fun mixed media techniques that I discuss in the video tour below. (I think I’m starting to get the hang of this mixed media thing…and I think I love it!)

To keep with the challenge theme, I used this large postage stamp from the Tropical Travelogue Collection as the focal image. The postcard, also from the collection, is stitched onto burlap. Wood charms (Prima French Riviera/retired) and antique bronze charm are tapped with Vintaj Patina inks to age and distress them.

These charms are from The Funkie Junkie Boutique. I love the palm tree!

And here’s a look at the front and back covers.

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album: How to Make a Belly Band

The belly band inside the front cover holds three 7″ x 5″ photo mounts covered with the zebra print from the collection. Here’s how I made it:

First, fussy cut the border strip from the signature page. I used my paper trimmer, most of the way, then switched to scissors when I got to the flowers.
Next, trim the width so that it is 2″ wider than your inside cover.
Now score a 1″ flap on either end of the border strip.
Then adhere the flaps to each side of the page.
Finally, cut out a postage stamp and adhere it in the upper right hand corner.
Photo mounts measure 7.25″ x 5.25″. The zebra lining is 7″ x 5″.

On the facing page, I created a little gatefold flap. You’ll see how this works in the video.

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album: Flap Page and Waterfall Feature

This flap feature lifts to reveal a 6″ x 4″ postcard for journaling. And every tropical paradise needs a waterfall. So I created a waterfall feature on the facing page. You can fit 18 photos in this, and the final page has a fun pocket with inserts. You’ll see that in the video.

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album: Pull Out Page and Back Cover

Even though this album only has a few pages, it has loads of room for photos.

This accordion style pull out page will hold a dozen 4″ x 5″ photos. I attached the flap behind the main panel. The green giraffe print will hold a 7″ x 5″ photo, or lots of smaller photos. The gorgeous image of the sea goddess is actually a flap page with room on the back for journaling or photos.

Inside the back cover, I created a pocket page. This is made with the other large border strip from the Tropical Travelogue signature page. Once again, I combined fussy cutting with straight line cutting to create an interesting edge. These images and journal cards from the collection tuck inside the pocket. And there’s plenty of room for more photos, if desired.

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album Tour on YouTube

In this 10 minute video I’ll show you how all the interactive parts work. I’ll also talk about the process I used to create the mixed media background on the album cover. There are lots of good tips and tricks shared in the course of the presentation. I hope you enjoy!

“By Airmail” …Now it’s YOUR Turn!

I hope you’ll play along in this fun challenge by linking up your vintage or shabby chic postal inspired project at the Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog .

The winner will earn the chance to be a Guest Designer here at Frilly and Funkie, and everyone who enters and follows the rules will go into the draw for the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. We are also awarding Top 3 Badges for three further outstanding entries, chosen by the Design Team, because we can’t pick just one favorite!

You have until 11:59PM EDT on Tuesday, July 3rd to link your project.

I can’t wait to see what you make!

I hope I’ve shared some tips, techniques and ideas that you can use in your own craft adventures. If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: The Inspiration

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: The Base

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: Adding the Waterfall Feature

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: Interactive Pages

Authentique Scholastic Back to School Mini Album: The Video Tour with Tips and Tricks

Authentique Scholastic Supply List

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Crafty Crush: Eileen Hull Notebook Die for Frilly and Funkie

Stamperia Spring Botanic + Eileen Hull Notebook Die = Beautiful

Eileen Hull Notebook Die: I Love it Because

Stamperia Spring Botanic Paper Pad: I Love it Because

I Love it Because….Now It’s YOUR Turn!

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Like this:

Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album for Really Reasonable Ribbon

Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album: The Ribbons

Fabulous Fall Stash Buster Mini Album Project Share on YouTube

Cheerio,

kathy

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Like this:

Natural Beauty: Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection: Creating the Signature Pages

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection: Natural Beauty Vignettes

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection: Flips and Flaps

Eileen Hull Passport Mini with Kaisercraft Anthology Collection Video Tour: Tips, Tricks & Ideas

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

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Like this:

Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue Mini Album for Frilly and Funkie “By Airmail” Challenge

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album: How to Make a Belly Band

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album: Flap Page and Waterfall Feature

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album: Pull Out Page and Back Cover

Tropical Travelogue Mini Album Tour on YouTube

“By Airmail” …Now it’s YOUR Turn!

Cheerio,

kathy

Product Links to The Funkie Junkie Boutique

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