Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial
Hello, Friends! Today is all about the guys with this Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial. Back in January, I shared a Classic Gentleman Notebook Tutorial with you. So I had lots of panels and pieces of this collection in my stash. Rather than let them keep gathering dust, I decided to create a project that we could use for Father’s Day, Graduation, Retirement or birthdays. Even though it has some unique interactive elements, I think you’re going to like how simple it is to put together.
Got Gears?
When it comes to masculine projects, steampunk is always a great choice. All those gears and trains and mechanical drawings lend themselves to a project most men will enjoy. The Little Birdie Primed Chipboard Gears on the cover of this album took a trip to the grunge factory to make them stand out on this folio cover.
- First, tap the chipboard with VersaMark Embossing Ink.
- Next, place the gears in a funnel tray or on a sheet of printer paper.
- Now shake a jar of Seth Apter Chunky Rust Embossing Powder and sprinkle it liberally over the inked up gears.
- Let the excess embossing powder slide off the gears. Don’t tap or flick! Just pick the chipboard up and let the extra powder slide off into the tray or onto the sheet of paper.
TIP: A word to the wise: Always take a moment to pour the powder back into the jar. Then make sure you cover the jar and move it to a safe place (i.e. away from the area where you will be using your heat gun.) BEFORE you start heat embossing. If you, like me, have ever ended up with a spilled jar of powder, or a jar that has been ruined by being exposed to heat, you are nodding your head right now.
- Now heat emboss the chipboard. Keep the tip of your heat gun moving around the surface so that you don’t accidentally burn the powder. Heat until all the powder is melted. This can take a few minutes depending on how hot your embossing gun is.
- Once the first layer has cooled, randomly tap the surface with more VersaMark. Then sprinkle random areas with Patina Oxide Embossing Enamel. Heat emboss, cool and repeat until you are happy with the finish on your gears.
- Adhere small metal gears over the centers of the chipboard gears for extra dimension and texture.
A Peek Inside
The inside of the folio is pretty simple. There are two flap pages: one inside the front cover and another inside the back cover.
Learn how to create a spine in the center of the album. Then attach these fun flip pockets.
What’s behind the flap pages? A kinetic waterfall on one side and a large photo mat with a journal card on the other.
TIP: Adhere just the bottom edge of the car image to the page. Then tuck the journal card in behind in. Now you can place a really large 5″ x 7″ photo on the page and journal or add a smaller photo behind the card.
I think you are going to love how easy it is to create the pocket and pull out page. It’s so easy, I can’t believe I didn’t do it this way earlier!
TIP: Trim 4″ x 6″ journal cards to fit the cover of the pull out page.
The inside back cover is a mirror image of the front. This really makes it easy to design pages!
Classic Gentleman Steampunk Folio Tutorial on YouTube
If you’d like to learn how to make this folio base, please enjoy this 20 minute video tutorial. In it, we will learn how to create the folio cover and spine. Then I’ll show you how to make the flap pages, pocket flaps and hidden pocket. A tour of the finished folio has tips and tricks that you might find helpful.
You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.
If you’d like to leave a comment, please click on the REPLIES button below the title at the top of this post. I love hearing from you!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Cheerio,
kathy
SUPPLY LIST
- Little Birdie Crafts
- Other Products
- Gathered Twigs Distress Ink
- Versamark Embossing Powder
- Chunky Rust Embossing Enamel (out of stock)
- Patina Oxide Embossing Enamel (out of stock)
- Small metal gears
This Classic Gentleman folio has inspired me to create something similar for Father’s Day. I just ordered some ephemera and 6×6 sheets of this specific collection from Little Birdie Crafts. Because Dad is 93 and won’t be able to add photos, etc. to this folio, I think I will figure out a way to take his kid’s photos (there are 5 of us), print them in a sepia tone, and tuck them inside pockets with specific childhood memories written on the reverse sides. I had better get busy. Thanks, Kathy, for another winner. This project will be so much fun.
Great masculine folio with all those flips and flaps that have me squealing with every photo! Might have to take some time to check out the video. The hats are such a clever way to make a pull tab, and the graphics on these papers are fabulous! Always so many surprises in your makes! Happy Weekend to you! Looks like summer is here in NC! Uggh!
This is a great masculine folio Kathy. I love your folios. They are jammed packed with lots of goodies in them. The papers are awesome as well. Be safe & TYFS
Luv this Gentleman Steampunk Folio Kathy! I did get the papers and make the other Classic Notebook folio for my grandson who turned 19 this year …he luved it! This is a great collection of papers and I’ve made several manly cards with! Sure hope I have enough papers left to try this one! This folio looks great and easy too! I have yet to make a kinetic waterfall …but I’m gonna give it a try! And luv the dutch door swing idea!!! Thanks for the tutorial and sharing all your great ideas! Hugs, Suzy Q
Fabulous masculine steampunk project. This is not something I have experience creating–steampunk.
I do struggle with masculine cards unless they are golf related or I can make a short sleeve shirt. But how many times can you do that? This theme type is great and can be changed up so neither I or the recipient get tired of same old thing because there are so many variations on this theme. Love all the pockets and embellishments in this folio. And my new fav is making those gears look old – great tips. I always learn something new from you for which I am grateful. Since today’s delivery, I am on the look out for yet more paper – don’t tell my hubby; I’ll break it to him gently later!
What a fabulous mini album you’ve made. I absolutely love this and I really, really appreciate that you shared the tutorial for it.
You are so creative. Kathy.
I’ll look on your blog for tutorial on the kinetic waterfall too.
I’m blown away by this !!!
Thank you for sharing.
So cute Kathy – I love the Steampunk papers – great folio!!!
Kathy, this is such a great masculine card! I love the nostalgic feel with those wonderful images and the steampunk gears. I just want to say it is very regal looking. Any man would be happy to receive this card. Thank you for sharing! Hugs!
Its not easy to do masculine cards, at least for me it is. I have papers now and stamps that could be used for masculine cards, but mostly the ladies in my life get the cards. 🙂 Beautiful work Kathy!!!