TAC Savvy Projects for People on the Go

Thanksgiving Booklet

You may remember this project!  Bella Flor Mini Album   This is the Bella Flor Mini Album and one of my all time favorites!  

I LOVE re-inventing and re-using projects and recently I made Thanksgiving Booklets using this design.  I used our FABULOUS Penelope Papers because I was creating Thanksgiving Prayer Booklets as favors for Thanksgiving Day.  I even made some of these for my friend Debbie who recently had a fund raiser for her daughters mission trip to Chili.  I hear they sold very well!

On the insert pages I simply put one of these prayers or quotes. Download Thanksgiving Prayers  You can see I set these up on pages for mass production!  Here is a one page copy of the Prayers  Download Thanksgiving Day Prayers 

I LOVE this project and it would work wonderfully with some of our past Thanksgiving themed albums as well!  Here a few of my favorites ...

Penelope Pumpkin Mini Album ~ This would be incredibly FUN!

Turkey Mini Album ~ A fun idea for sure!

Sydney Circle Album ~ This is a SUCH a FAVORITE of mine! 

In all honesty ... most of our mini albums could easily be converted into a Thanksgiving Booklet!  I LOVE this project for so many reasons but mostly because it causes you to stop, reflect and give thanks!  What a great gift to share with our friends and loved ones alike!  This is a FAST, EASY, FUN and FABULOUS project to make and share with others and I promise you ... it will be a treasure for years to come!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Penelope Pumpkin Mini Album

How CUTE is this little mini album!  I purchased these sets of pumpkins at our local craft store around September and have been itching to make something with them!  I knew I wanted to make a mini album ... I just wasn't sure how I was going to make it.  Until now. 

This mini album was so EASY to make it took me less than a couple of hours!

The photo above is the FRONT of the mini album and this next photo is the BACK of the mini album.

Now, these pumpkins are felt and they each have 2 layers of ORANGE.  Dark ORANGE and Light ORANGE.  The LEAVES and STEM were attached to the pumpkin and I've done NOTHING to the pumpkins themselves.  I bought them just like this. 

The first thing I did was measure my pumpkin to see how big my album could be.  I then cut, corner rounded and inked the edges of my mini album pages.  Because I'm using Penelope Papers with this album I just went with the BROWN cardstock in our Penelope Cardstock package for a CLEAN and SIMPLE overall look. 

Next I punched holes in my BROWN pages with my Bind-it-all.

For the very BACK layer that would be attached directly to the PUMPKIN itself I decided it needed more stability.  So I sandwiched a piece of cut-down chipboard in between a piece of BROWN and ORANGE cardstock.  I used ORANGE on the very BACK piece because this would show through the PUMPKIN and I really like the GLOW it creates.

I punched this piece with my Bind-it-all and then attached my mini album pages together with black wire.

I used a craft glue to attach this back page to the BACK PUMPKIN. 

Here's a GREAT side-view.

I layered the second PUMPKIN on top of my mini album pages and simply attached the two PUMPKINS together at the stem with RIBBON.  The stem and hole were already part of my pre-purchased PUMPKIN.  I added Scrappers Floss for a TOUCH of WHIMSY!

This is the first page you see when you open my mini album.  Obviously ... it's NOT 2009 yet!  I'm so busy working on 2009 business at work that my mind is in 2009.  I can EASILY fix this little boo-boo though!

I used one of the die cuts from Penelope, inked the edges and attached two pewter eyelets.  I took a piece of ORANGE Penelope Cardstock, used SCALLOP scissors to free-hand cut an oval, inked the edges and attached.  The 2009 is written on a Penelope die cut label ... I just trimmed off the two edges for a straight cut.

Did you notice the BLACK stitching I added around the GREEN oval?  How FUN is that!

I'm debating a simple design on the inside.  Something that I can easily just drop in photos (Wallets will be PERFECT).  Possibly a design like this ...

I like the REPETITION and REPEATED patterns.  I'm thinking about ONLY rounding the corner that doesn't CONNECT with BROWN and keeping the other THREE corners that DO CONNECT with BROWN straight.  I will also add doodles and stitching to the pages when I add photos. 

My Penelope die cuts and papers are SO PERFECT for this mini album!  This is the PERFECT palette for FALL.  It's RICH and LUSCIOUS and always POLISHED in its appearance!

I hope this mini album inspires YOU to make something SIMPLE. SMART and SOPHISTICATED this holiday season!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Mischelle

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

My Supply List for this Project:

1. V845  Penelope Paper Collection
2. B123  Pewter Hardware
3. B323  Penelope Cardstock
4. B226  Penelope Ribbon
5. F506  Bind-it-all
6. F530  Black Binding Wire
7. K100  Crop-A-Dile
8. F910  Tan Scrappers Floss
9. F104  Scallop Scissors
10. TT218  Burnt Umber Ink
11. F112  Stipple Brush
12. D99  Zip Dry Glue
13. H102  Square Coasters
14. Pre-purchased Felt Pumpkins
15. Corner Rounder
16. Pop Dots

Turkey Mini Album featuring our Sydney Circle Kit

 

This terrific little turkey is gracing the cover of our homepage this month in honor of Thanksgiving. 

This FAST, FUN and SIMPLE little project can EASILY be completed in an afternoon.  Actually, I think it takes longer to COOK a turkey than it does to make this one! 

So let's get started!  First off ... if you check out the post just before this one ... Woodrowe Mini CD Album it's basically the same thing.  I've just bound it differently, added some tail feathers and a turkey head. 

Because this is the THIRD CD Mini Album you've seen from me recently ... I'm going to spare you some of the details and just include the shots, which for me, a picture is worth a thousand words!  (I HATE to read directions)!  And you probably know that so many of the things I do are the same ... like stippling Burnt Umber Ink on EVERYTHING!

So here are the highlights ... this is the Inside FRONT Cover of the album and the first page.  I only used 2 Mini CDs to make this and used punched scallop circles as the guts of the album.

The brown page on the LEFT is glued down to the Mini CD.

I bound all of my inside pages FIRST and then attached the front and back pages to the front and back Mini CDs.

Here is a shot of the Inside BACK Cover ...

Before I adhered the brown piece with the diamond shapes in it I attached the 'feathers' to the Mini CD.  Then I glued the brown scallop pieces on top of the feathers.

Because the feathers are 3-D there will be shadows and it may even appear that it isn't adhered well, however, it is!

How cute is this!  This is the BACK of the Turkey Album.  I finished it off with a punched scallop circle.

So ... first punch your circles!

Next I took the 'scrap' of Sydney and clipped off two edges in the center ...

I did this so I could easily insert my oval punch and punch a tail feather from the scrap.

Next I took my mini Kai's and trimmed down the center. 

Before you get to far along ... make sure you ink all of your edges!  (Even though I didn't on this sample).

Next I took my FAVORITE glue and overlapped that cut line on my oval.  This gives my feather a bit of depth.  I use a clip to hold it together while it dries.

Here is the back ...

I don't worry about any glue that oozes out.  When Zip Dry dries ... you can just roll the glue off with your finger or use a glue eraser.  It cleans up BEAUTIFULLY! 

Usually I have a straight edge hanging over where I overlapped the paper for the feathers.  I just trim this off with my Kai's and touch up with my stipple brush.

For this album I decided to change the binding and BIND the FRONT and BACK cover CD as well.

So I marked where I needed to punch and first tried punching on with my Carl Drill Press.

I LOVE my Carl, however, this wasn't so pretty.

So ... I proceeded with Plan B.  I rounded up all of my scallops and attached them (with a clip) to the Mini CD.  Then I punched them with my Big Bite.

Much more effective!  Next I marked the holes on the remaining CD cover and punched those.  Then I strung it all up and bound it with my Bind-it-all.

Now it resembles a bound mini album. 

The pages that I will adhere to my covers have not all been glued down yet.  I won't adhere the Inside Back Cover page until AFTER I adhere the tail feathers.  So here I have that page opened and I'll begin to adhere my feathers to the CD. 

After all the feathers are attached I'll adhere the cover over them.

Here are a few more details from the original album shown above:

This is the Inside Back Cover.

This view shows the album CLOSED.  This is a view of the binding.

This is the BACK of the Turkey's head.

This is the FRONT of the Turkey's head.

I used POP Dots in between the FRONT and BACK head.  I punched these pieces out with my yellow circle punch.  NOTE ... I will go back and take a brown marker and color the edges of the POP Dots brown.

I even take my stipple brush and gently dust my ribbon and flowers.  This really adds DEPTH and POLISH to the finished piece.

Isn't this a FUN little album!  It's certain to make Turkey Day even happier!

Mischelle

Woodrowe Mini CD Album

HOW CUTE IS THIS!  Julie Griffith's So Much Laughter CD Album was my inspiration for this DARLING little guy!

I had some Mini CDs and couldn't resist making this savvy little mini album!

This album is SO easy to make ... here are the basic supplies I used to make this ...

I grabbed my Large Purple Scallop Punch and some pieces from my Woodrowe Collection and started punching!  {If you don't want to use your Woodrowe you can also use your Reece and Willoughby Collections to achieve a similiar look!}

Basically, I made it exactly like the Sydney CD Album ... only smaller!  It's the details that really POLISH this album up!  Remember these white edges ...

I used my Stipple Brush and Burnt Umber Ink to take the 'edge off' so to speak.

It's a little detail that has a HUGE impact on your finished projects!

Next I attached my scallop circles to my Mini CDs using my Zip Dry and my Brayer.

Here are my 'front's' all covered ...

and here are my 'backs' ...

On the CDs that you see BLUE ... you really are seeing BLUE!  These CDs happen to have a BLUE tint on the back side so I incorporated it into my design.  (I have no idea if they all come this way or not ... these are the only ones I've ever had).

I punched the holes in my CDs.

I decided to attach a Pewter eyelet to each of my CDs this time.

Notice the BROWN CD on the right end ... the 'clean' side of the eyelet faces the back of the mini album.  This gives my final piece a more POLISHED and CLEAN look!

Next I attached my CDs to a ring ... this is the front ...

and this is the back ...

and this is what each inside spread looks like without any embellishment ...

Did you notice how I made each spread either BLUE or WHITE (the colors of the CD).  I wanted to create a cleaner look so I paired each color up with its matching color.  Maybe I may mix it up a bit on the next mini album I do ... we'll have to see! 

Isn't this AWESOME!  Again, FAST and EASY ... simple, smart and sophisticated!  This is SO my kind of project!  This is an afternoon project for sure!  If you have scraps ... this may be a GREAT way to utilize them and make a FABULOUS little album for someone you love!

I hope you feel inspired!  Have a GREAT day!

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

Supply List:

1. Woodrowe Keepsake Album Kit  V703
2. Reece SWIC  V846
3. Willoughby SWIC  V844
4. Crop-A-Dile  K100
5. Pewter Hardware  B123
6. Burnt Umber Ink  TT218
7. Stipple Brush
8. Scallop Circle Punch  D701
9. Zip Dry Glue  D99
10. Brayer  F267
11. Mini CDs

Sydney Circle CD Album

So remember the So Much Laughter CD Album that Julie Griffith made?!  Well ... Julie's album inspired me to make this one.  And it was SO EASY!

I used our Sydney Circle Album Kit and WOW!  Did that cut down on prep-time!

If you don't remember what this collection (SYDNEY) looks like ... here are a few images of it ... this is one of the front sheets included in the collection ...

and this is the back of this particular sheet ...

This is such a GREAT collection!  You actually end up with 12 circles ... plenty for your mini album!  Here is a shot of this album put together as designed ...

Isn't she a doll!  This little gal is Sydney, and yes, we named this collection after her!

Okay ... back to my Sydney CD Album!  (I'm an easily distracted girl).

First I punched out my circles and inked the edges with my Burnt Umber Ink Pad.

This paper is printed on each side, however, you can see the white core inside and that is why I ink the edges.  It really polishes the final project.

Next I took my FAVORITE glue and glued each circle onto a CD.

Each of my CD's looked something like this with glue ...

Next I placed my circle on top of the CD ...

And then used my brayer to attach it and disperse the adhesive.

This is what the back looks like before I cover it with another circle ...

Here are all of my 'fronts' glued on ...

and here are all of my 'backs' glued on ...

PRETTY!

Ok.  Next I pulled out my Big Bite and adjusted the ruler setting (WHITE arrow).  I moved the yellow adjustable bar where I wanted it and just had to lay each CD in the same spot and the Big Bite punched them all the same dimension.

How GREAT is that!  Your Crop-o-Dile will also do this ... I just happened to have broken mine and couldn't use it.  How did I break it you ask ... I punched too many eyelets the wrong way and the nobby with the 'tooth' fell out.  My Crop-o-Dile is toothless!  LOL!

After I punched holes in each of my CDs I attached Pewter eyelets to each one.  I LOVE my Pewter eyelets!  YUM!

I attached an eyelet to every CD, however, on the front and back CDs I made the 'clean' side of the eyelet face out ... like this ...

And then I put them on a ring ...

here's the back ...

I SERIOUSLY LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this album!  If you are looking for SIMPLE, SMART, SOPHISTICATED and FAST ... this is for YOU!  I'm in love and right this second (while uploading these photos) I don't even have any embellishments on this album ... and I LOVE it!

After I finished my prep work I pulled out a stack of coasters I had gotten from Table Topics and never used.  Coasters

I cut the coasters down so basically just the question showed.  I inked around the edges and then used my Sydney Collection, Ribbon and Metal Hardware to embellish.  Isn't this fun!  What a great little conversation starter to leave laying around the house!

I have one more really cute little CD Album I constructed, however, you'll have to wait until sometime next week for that one.  I'm leaving for CK Minnesota first thing in the morning and I need to spend some time packing and preparing for our trip.  I hope to see you there!

Blessings!

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

Supply List:

1. Sydney Circle Album Kit  V705
2. Pewter Hardware  B123
3. Crop-A-Dile  K100
4. Burnt Umber Palette Ink  TT218
5. Zip Dry Glue  D99
6. Brayer  F267
7. Approximately 4 3/4" diameter CDs
8. Binder Ring

So Much Laughter CD Album

I adore this darling CD Album designed by Julie Griffith!

This Album is featured in our Simple Scrapbooks Magazine Christmas Ad and it also happens to be a FAVORITE Mini Album Project!

This simple, savvy album is a SNAP to make ... let's check out more of Julie's Album ...

Shown below is the BACK of the album.

Here is a closer look at the pages Julie designed ...

I LOVE how Julie incorporates stamping in her projects.  She makes it so effortless.  Because Julie embossed the 'so much laughter' circle this album cover has a very sophisticated and polished final presentation.

And even with the stamping of words ... Julie still makes this album personal by adding her own penmanship on the pages.  I love the combination of these elements.

And here is how Julie put it all together ... with Album Posts!  How easy is that!  Use your Crop-a-dile to punch through your CD and bind it all together with posts.

Don't fret over hole punch 'grime'.  The post will cover it up when attached.

After attaching your front and back posts tighten them up with a screwdriver.

How EASY is that! 

Below you will find a list of the TAC products Julie used to make this wonderful holiday album.

I was so inspired by this project that I made a couple of CD Albums myself!  And although I haven't filled the pages yet ... I can't wait to share them with you ... so check back soon ... they'll be here!

Thanks for sharing this AWESOME project Julie!  I know it will inspire others to make their own!

Mischelle

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

Supply List:

1. Reece SWIC  V846
2. Reece Cardstock  B325
3. Joy of Christmas  T2962
4. Vintage Christmas  T2949
5. Affirmation Badges  T2958
6. Crop-A-Dile  K100
7. Red Brick VersaMagic Ink  S953
8. Landscape Palette Ink  TT214
9. Burnt Umber Palette Ink  TT218
10. Reece Ribbon  B228
11. Pewter Hardware B123
12. Transcendence Embossing Powder  C151
13. Heat  Tool  F163
14. Album Posts  G728
15. Scallop Circle Punch  D701
16. Coluzzle Nested Circle  A84001
17. Coluzzle Large Nested Circle  A84098

Convention 3x3 Mini Album Make and Take

This darling little mini album is a Make and Take we offered in our booth at the Great American Scrapbook Convention and will offer at the CK Conventions!  This album I have featured here was completed by one of our TAC Staff Members, Marisa, and I just had to share!  Of course, you complete the album without photos so I was delighted to see this album finished WITH photos!  Isn't this fantastic!  You supply the photos and we supply everything else!

We'll be making this darling project at our booth on Saturday at the upcoming CK Conventions in Kansas City and St. Paul, Minnesota! Hope to see you there and thank you for sharing Marisa!

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

Supplies needed to make this Mini Album:

1. V832  Cha Cha SWIC
2. B310  Cha Cha Cardstock
3. B222  Black & White Ribbon
4. K409  3x3 Sheet Protectors
5. Simple Supply Kit

Reece Life Thoughts Mini Album

This is a snapshot of the AWESOME Life Thoughts Mini Album Class Debbie will be teaching at the upcoming Great American Scrapbook Conventions.

Here is one of the inside pages ... of course the cover isn't attached yet!

I LOVE this project and YES!  It is featured in our Fall Inspiration Book!  If you won't make it to the Great American Scrapbook Convention don't worry ... ask your Angel about it and schedule your own mini album class!  And just in time for the holidays!

Enjoy!

Mischelle

Bella Flor 6x6 Mini Album Layout

 

I LOVE Bella Flor and this 6x6 mini album sketch is EASY to reproduce QUICKLY!  You're going to love it!

I started this project with my 6x6 Cardstock Stack and then just layered my Bella Flor on top of the 6x6 pages. 

POLISH!  Did you notice that I stippled black ink around all of my cardstock and Bella Flor paper?!  It adds so much more interest and depth to the layout my doing this one simple thing.

All of these pages are designed so that you can design an album FAST and EASY.  On each of the pages I've included the measurements.  At The Angel Company one of our GOALS is to SAVE YOUR TIME by SPENDING OURS.  The hard work is done!  Now you can take these pre-made page sketches and whip out your own Bella Flor mini album in an afternoon.

I just love this Tri-fold 'Peek-a-Boo' page! 

Bella Flor works FANTASTIC with our 6x6 Cardstock Stack! 

This pocket adds a FUN and WHIMSICAL touch to the layout.

This sketch is a winner no matter which way you turn it!  Have FUN with it and don't forget to turn it LEFT, RIGHT, UPSIDE down and RIGHT-SIDE up!

I made two of these.  One has scrappers floss on the band and one doesn't.  Again, this is another layout that works any way you turn it!

Can I tell you how MUCH I LOVE this layout!  My favorite part is the strip at the bottom that I folded wacky and then ran a stitch through on my sewing machine.  This layout also works good any way you turn it!

Because I want my focal point to be on the photo in the layout above I went very simple with this page.  I figure I'll attach some journaling or possibly more photos.  Another GREAT multi-directional layout.

Similar to the pocket layout we saw earlier.  However, I made this pocket different because I wanted more dimension.

I make this pocket by scoring on my Scor-Pal 1/2" from the edge and 1" from the edge.  Then repeat on the other side.  I call this my 'Z-Fold' for lack of a better term.

I crease the edges with my Bone Folder to get a nice crisp edge on each side.

I made two corners for this page and plan on inserting a photo and then attaching to the base page.  These corners are my FAVORITE!  Heather Scott taught me how to make these and I've made them like MAD ever since!  Check out the tutorial on my Savvy Projects Blog and start making these yourself!  You'll LOVE them!  Folded Scrap Photo Corner

If you're looking for a SIMPLE, SMART and SOPHISTICATED mini album that you can make in an afternoon this project is for you!  Repeat the layouts with different colors and paper patterns and have fun with it!  And BONUS!  Bella Flor comes with adhesive alphabet stickers and die cut tags!  This will be a FUN project for sure!

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

My Supply List for this Project:

1. My Simple Supply Kit
2. Bella Flor Soar With It Collection
3. 6x6 Brights Cardstock Stack  C620
4. Stipple Brush
5. Noir Black Ink
6. Assorted Eyelets and Brads
7. Scrappers Floss
8. Scor-Pal

Bella Flor Mini Album

This is a Mini Album that I had been chomping-at-the-bit to design for a couple of years.  It's certainly not an original concept so my challenge was to find a way to take a concept and make it mine ... something I loved.  This Bella Flor Mini Album is the result. 

We introduced this project at our Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in January and 100% of those surveyed said they loved this project and would pass it along! (Statics show that people who start our projects finish them and are excited to start their next one!).

From start to finish ... you will have a complete Mini Album in LESS THAN 1 HOUR!  You'll spend most of your time trying to figure out what you want to put in it (photos, quotes, scripture, memorabilia ...).  The Mini Album itself can literally be constructed in minutes!

So let's get started ... the basic supplies you need to make your Mini Album are shown below.  You'll also need adhesive and a 12" Paper Trimmer. 

The first thing I do to make this Mini Album is trim all of my paper to size. 

Mini Album Cover ~ this needs to be 4" x 12".

Mini Album Inserts ~ these need to be approximately 3-1/2" x 12".  (I've also made these 3-3/4" x 12", however, I think the first size listed leaves a nicer border around the insert pages).

This SAVVY little project uses a total of 1 SHEET of 12" x 12" paper!  Isn't that FANTASTIC!  Okay ...

 

After I cut my paper I set aside the 2 sheets of SOLID BLUE.  I only need my Mini Album Cover right now.  This is super simple ... fold it in HALF (4" x 6") .

Now, I want to fold in the right hand flap , towards the spine, leaving about 1/2" - 3/4" from the crease in the spine. 

here's another shot ...

Now it's time to fold in the left hand flap.  After about a gazillion of these little albums I discovered a little trick.  You see ... we could measure this all out and be exactly precise ... but there really is no need.  This little album ALWAYS turns out FANTASTIC!  So here's what I do now ...

I fold my cover INSIDE OUT and match up the left hand corner with the right and SHAZAM!  It's a SIMPLY PERFECT SOLUTION! 

Okay ... so after I do that this is what the inside of my Mini Album cover looks like ...

The next thing I do is grab my Crop-a-dile and punch a hole through my Mini Album like this ...

Notice that I'm going through two layers at once.  I use the large hole on the Crop-a-dile and usually punch approximately 1/4" - 1/2" from the spine.

Now I rotate my album 180 degrees and prepare to punch through four layers on the opposite side of the hole I just punched.  This hole I usually punch about 1/2" from the edge of the paper. 

TIP: If I'm using an extra large eyelet I set the eyelet on my album and kind of 'eye' where I want it to fall.  I have to be careful because I have had some of these larger eyelets hang off of my album cover ... and that's never pretty.

When I open my Mini Album up ... this is what it looks like on the inside right now ...

Now it's time to set my hardware.  I'm going to close the flap on my album and set my eyelet through two layers. This is what it looks like from the front after I set my eyelet ...

And this is what it looks like on the inside after I set my eyelet ...

Now, I repeat this step on the other side. 

NOTE:  I don't set any eyelets in either of the two holes along the spine.  These remain raw openings.  Here's what my Mini Album looks like (from the back) now ...

Now it's time to insert my ribbon.  I fold my album INSIDE OUT and make ONE swipe through the center hole like this ...

 

Then I string it though the other two holes.  At this point I need to make sure that my ribbon is laying how I want it to and that my strip of ribbon is centered in my album.  Here is what my album looks like from the inside ...

   

and this is the view on the outside ...

My Mini Album cover is DONE so I set it aside and now I need my two strips of BLUE paper. 

I fold my first strip in half (like we did the cover) ...

Then I am going to fold the right hand flap all the way in to the spine ...

I'll repeat this with the left hand flap and I end up with this ...

Then I fold it like this ...

Now I want to make my POCKETS so here is how I tape along the back of my inserts ...

TIP:  I like to put my double stick tape or adhesive right down the center of that seam in the back and across the bottom.  (I've squiggled in MAGENTA where I apply adhesive).  Putting the adhesive down the center gives my finished album even more durability than it already has!

Here is the back of my insert.

Make sure you NOTE the back from the front and also the TOP of the POCKETS from the BOTTOM!  I can't tell you how many albums I've made with pockets going the wrong way!

NEXT ... I assemble my pages in order ...

and prepare to staple them into place ...

I put two staples in my Mini Albums.  I center each one between the RIBBON and the EDGE of the album.

The most important thing to remember here is that the NICE flat part of the staple goes on the outside of the album.

And the clamps go on the inside ...

After that I trimmed up the ends of my RIBBON to POLISH them up ...

and then tied a pretty bow ...

Another FUN idea that you can EASILY do to JAZZ up and add POLISH to your Mini Album ...

Before I make ANY folds on my cover ... I sometimes like to take STICKLES and randomly freehand SWIRLS all over it.  The KEY is to use it VERY sparingly!  I hardly let any STICKLES out!

Check out the SPARKLES ...

This is one of my FAVORITE projects and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

To get this GORGEOUS Bella Flor Paper Collection contact your Angel today.  If you don't have an Angel contact us and we'd be happy to find one in your area for you!

Enjoy!    

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

What NOT to do!

I had firmly decided that I was NOT going to post this little piece ... however ... my inspiration returned after an evening off and I'm wrapping up my replacement project this week.  So consider this a really BAD teaser for what I think is turning out to be a really GREAT project that is on its way!  So here it is ... the UGLY!

Have you ever had a project go bad?  I mean ... really take a turn somewhere along the way and go HORRIBLY WRONG?!  Well, that's what happened with this mini album.  And oh!  How I've debated sharing this with you ... but ... I feel like I have a duty ... and that duty is to prevent YOU from making this same HORRIBLE mistake!

I warn you ... what you are about to see is NOT pretty!  Not even close!

It all started with good intentions.  You see ... I had these photographs left over from a class I had taken.  We never used them in class!  They were all cut to the size required and ready to drop into my layout.  Well, when we got to the class ... it really had nothing to do with the photos we were required to bring.  So as I was straightening up the other day ... I found these photos.  They were all cut to size and ready to go.  Each photo represented something that made me happy.  PERFECT!  Half my work was done.

So ... I was so tired I thought I'd do something REALLY simple.  Take one page design and use it for every layout.  This is a common technique and the results are always great.  The main thing is to just rotate the layout every now and then for interest.  So, I pulled out my square chipboard and covered it with Lilly Anna Cardstock.  Then added my photos.  Before I embellished too heavily ... I wanted to go ahead and bind my mini album.  I've learned the hard way ... you BIND as soon as you can versus AFTER you've embellished.  So I finished my foundation and punched the bind-it-all holes in my mini album.  And then I bound it.

What you are about to see is what the layout was SUPPOSED to look like after binding ... and what it LOOKED LIKE after I bound it.  Of course ... on the SUPPOSED to look like ... try to NOT visualize the bind-it-all holes punched at the top!

Inside spread #1 SUPPOSED to look like layout ...

Inside spread #1 ... LOOKED like after binding ...

Inside spread #2 SUPPOSED to look like layout ...

Inside spread #2 ... LOOKED like after binding ...

Inside spread #3 SUPPOSED to look like layout ...

Inside spread #3 ... LOOKED like after binding ...

Inside spread #4 SUPPOSED to look like layout ...

I know you MUST be asking ... what makes me happy about this photo?  #40 is MY boy!  There were SIX kids (one is in front) from the blue team trying to take my boy down and he drug them along for a dozen yards or so!  (Okay ... don't really know how far ... but it was FAR!).  This is one proud mama!

Inside spread #4 ... LOOKED like after binding ... (this wasn't a proud mama) ...

Inside spread #5 SUPPOSED to look like layout ... (NOTE the pink cardstock background on the left and right pages) ...

Inside spread #5 ... LOOKED like after binding ... SERIOUSLY!  What happened to my other pink background?!  Did you see it on the previous layout?  That's where it is.

The only thing I can say in my defense is ... I was trying out a new liquid glue that a manufacturer wants us to start carrying and the fumes were apparently stronger than I had first thought.  That and it was after midnight!

Can I tell you how HAPPY I am that I didn't embellish any farther!  I wanted to add in the 'details' AFTER I had bound the album because it's hard to use the bind-it-all if you have too many layers of embellishments on your pages!

Thank goodness I hadn't adhered the front or back cover layouts yet!

Ok.  So this is what NOT to do.  I am going to make another one of these albums.  At this point ... it's not because I WANT to ... it's because I HAVE too!  Surely, surely ... I'm smarter than a bind-it-all???!  Don't worry ... I'll let you know if I am!

Kamalaht Down Under Mini Album

This INCREDIBLE mini album was designed by Marcie Nowell ... and I just HAD to share! 

Typically, I don't take projects apart that we receive ... however ... since this had 3-ring binding it was easy!  So ... I did.  Just for these photos though!

Page 1 ...

Pages 2 & 3

Pages 4 & 5

Pages 6 & 7

Pages 8 & 9

Pages 10 & 11

Pages 12 & 13

Pages 14 & 15

Page 16

This is the inside of Marcie's mini album ... minus the pages ...

Isn't this INCREDIBLE!  Now let me show you some of the details {CLOSE UP} that really POLISH this mini album!

The first detail is from the back inside cover page shown above.  The 'next stop' embellishment is such a great piece!  Marcie used one of our essential elements as the foundation for this element.

We love the detail found on 'Sydney' on page 2.  Throughout this mini album Marcie uses ribbon, scrappers floss and chipboard elements.  These SIMPLE, elegant touches add a savvy and sophisticated look to the finished piece. 

 

Marcie created interest on page 5 with the placement and extension of the photograph.  We LOVE how she created her own rules and made this mini album work for her!

 

Notice the brown bow at the top of page 5 (above).  Check out what is behind this element on page 6.

Page 7 continues the formula of using SIMPLE, LIKE elements to create a cohesive theme.

 

We love the circle photo inset on page 9 of Maurice and Marcie.  And ... it adds a 3rd element to this 2-page spread which is a designers dream come true.  I also LOVE how Marcie added emphasis to this photograph by matting it on a scrap of lavender Kamalaht.  THEN ... she added even more detail with just a loop of lavender ribbon.  It's so pleasing to the eye and yet such a SIMPLE and savvy detail.

These tags are located under the photo on page 11.  Marcie created a pocket under the photo mat and the tags slide right in!

Another one of my favorite features is the detail Marcie used on page 12 to draw attention of the dolphins in the ocean.  First, she covered an Essential Elements Arrow, inked it, stamped 'dolphins' on a tag she designed, connected this with an eyelet to the arrow, added ribbon and tied the ribbon off with scrappers floss!  So many details in one little package!  Isn't this an EXQUISITE touch!

Okay.  Check this out!  This is page 14.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how the koala bear piece extends out into a tri-fold!  And notice how Marcie utilized the tag on the BOTTOM of the design instead of the TOP or SIDE.  It's the first time I've seen a tag used this way and I LOVE it!

 

Page 16 is one of our FAVORITEs at The Angel Company!  Who doesn't LOVE a 'manly lifeguard' at the Manly Beach!  Seriously though ... that's not what I'm supposed to be pointing out about this layout!  Again, we loved how Marcie used the scrappers floss around the arrow.  It really anchors it to the page.

WOW!  And there are even MORE savvy details on this mini album that I didn't even point out!  Did you notice the subtle stamping details Marcie incorporated into the album?  Throughout the album Marcie has stamped on background pages and even on some of the photographs!  It's the subtlety that makes it so rich and sophisticated.

I LOVE that Marcie penned details in her own handwriting as well as incorporated an alphabet stamp set.  These two details are great compliments.  Did you also notice the use of hardware?  There are  loopy brads on some pages!  And stapling!  So MANY great elements wrapped up in one savvy little album!

I will be honest with you ... I haven't made one of these mini albums yet, however, this album really encourages me to do so!  I am planning on making one and incorporating MANY of the ideas that Marcie uses here ... after all ... why start from scratch?!  I can't wait to use Marcie's ideas in my own creation! 

I hope you enjoy this mini album as much as our TAC Staff has enjoyed it!  And I hope that you can incorporate some of these SIMPLE and SMART ideas in your own project!

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

Marcie's Supply List for this Project:

1. Kamalaht SWIC  V830
2. Flourishes  T2614
3. Simple-bet  T2289
4. 4x4 Binder Album  E116
5. Jumbo Merchandise Tag Punch  D96
6. Mega Merchandise Tag Punch  D82
7. Crop-a-dile  K100
8. Burnt Umber Ink  TT218
9. Nickel Loopy Brads  F931
10. Brown Scrappers Floss F911
11. Essential Elements  A11
12. Nickel Lacing Brads  F916
13. Cha Cha Ribbon  B210
14. Amelia Ribbon  B217
15. Amelia Hardware  B117
16. Pop Dots  D89

Kamalaht Accordion Album

I created this little accordion album to cheer my son on before his next track meet. I knew I was going to be out of town so I wanted to make something for my Boy so he would know I was thinking of him while he was at the meet.   

I needed something that was SAVVY, SIMPLE and easy to complete in an hour or less.  This was the ideal project for me!

To get started a grabbed a piece of 8.5" x 11" Black Cardstock.  I scored it as I've shown on the diagram below.

Next I folded it in half.  I then folded in the left and right corners and used my circle punch to make a slot.

Here's what it looks like at this point.  (Remember it is folded down the middle lengthwise).

And this is a snapshot of my blank accordion album ready to embellish. 

It REALLY is this easy!  After you make your base ... it's all about embellishing.

So, to start embellishing I cut two pieces of Kamalaht papers to 2.5" x 3.5".  I trimmed off the tops diagonally to match each of the corners.  I then adhered each piece under the left and right fold-over flaps I created.  I then used an eyelet to attach each flap to the accordion album base.  Make certain you don't go through the bottom layer.  You may want to open your accordion album up while you do this step.  And then I used wonder tape along the edge of the accordion album to seal the sides.

This close up of the finished piece highlights the details in the step above.  NOTICE that I embossed my stamped sayings onto my pieces.  This added a savvy touch to the look of the finished project.

Next I cut another piece of Kamalaht (2.5" x 3.5") and adhered to the 2nd block ... the one I used the circle punch on.  After I adhered this paper I used the circle punch to punch off the excess.  I then went in and touched up with my black ink and stipple brush.

Next, I cut a red piece of Kamalaht to 2.5" x 3.5".  On all of the pieces I attached I took my stipple brush and black ink and stippled around the edges of my pieces ...

It's a little POLISHING touch that makes a BIG impact!  See the difference!  This is especially a great tip when layering onto black cardstock.

Of course, I sanded the edges of my photograph.   

Next I prepared my pieces to mount to my black accordion album base. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE clear acetate and that's what tops this off.  I layer clear acetate on top, the photo in the middle and the Kamalaht on the bottom. 

I attach the clear acetate to my photograph with eyelets.  And then I adhere the photograph to the Kamalaht.  It's a little touch that makes a BIG impact and really POLISHES your final piece. NOTICE that I only used 3 eyelets to attach my photo.  I LOVE working with odd numbers.  It adds much more interest.

Something else I do to POLISH my finished pieces ... after I staple ...

I take my little hammer and tap the back of the staple down to flatten it.  This also helps to avoid snags and catching little fingers.

Another neat alternative for POLISHING your black accordion base is to emboss on it!  I used an emboss pad, emboss powder and a heat tool with a favorite stamp to get this fabulous and savvy look.  This is the front ...

and this is a snapshot of the back ...

For the front of Boys accordion album I used the 'K' from my Kamalaht stickers and a piece of gray ribbon from Amberley Grace.  I attached this to the front.  Because this is for my Boy ... I want to keep it really clean and simple.  I plan on journaling on several pieces of Kamalaht as well as the Kamalaht die cuts and adding them to this album so I want to keep the overall look very simple ... it fits Kevin's personality better.  (In case someone see's it!).

The next step was to create a BAND for this album.  It's the same band I designed for the Toodle Loo Mini Album.  Very easy to make.  The only difference is ... on this band I cut my paper 2" wide and then scored it down the middle.  I applied adhesive and folded it in half lengthwise before I constructed the band and scored it.  This just gave it more support.

Typically, I would never use the same paper for the band and the initial.  In this case, because it's a book of encouragement for my Boy, I don't mind so much.  He doesn't worry about stuff like that as much as I do.  So the band stays.

Here's a look at the back ...

Doesn't that look GREAT!  It truly does look quite savvy and is quite masculine at the same time.

At the bottom of this tutorial I have included a supply list of the items I used to complete my accordion mini album.  I hope this project inspires you and maybe even encourages you to make one for someone you love today!  Enjoy!    

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

My Supply List for this Project:

1. Mischelle's Supply Kit
2. Kamalaht SWIC  V830
3. Amelia Hardware  B117
4. Artsy Elements  T2622
5. More Abundance  T2775
6. Black Cardstock  V215
7. Bone Folder  F213
8. Noir Ink  TT220
9. Stipple Brush  F112
10. Extra Jumbo Circle Punch  D72

Tutti Frutti Mini Memories Pocket Album

This savvy little mini album is simple, smart, sophisticated and FAST!  You are going to LOVE it!  And, best of all, from START to FINISH you can have a COMPLETE album in LESS than 1 HOUR!

I designed this mini album because I needed something to showcase my Easter photos in.  Of course, I choose one of my FAVORITE paper collections ... TUTTI FRUTTI!  After all, it SCREAMS Spring & Easter.

So, let's get started.

First, I constructed the INSERT pages of my mini album.  I took 2 sheets of my Tutti Frutti paper and cut each to 8 x 9.  Then I scored each sheet using my Scor-Pal. 

On the diagram below the BLACK lines indicate the first set of score marks I made.  The PURPLE line indicates the score I made after I had scored and folded the BLACK score lines, however, you can score all lines at this point if you wish.

This is what my paper looked like after scoring on the BLACK lines.  (As indicated in the diagram above).

 

Then I folded in the sides like this ...

Did you notice (ABOVE) that I cut each corner diagonally.  Then, with my adhesive, I attached the folds to the BOTTOM half of the paper.  NOTE ... I ONLY attached the FOLDS on the BOTTOM at this point!

Now my 1/2" folds on BOTTOM are secured to the BOTTOM half of the paper.  Now, I am going to use my adhesive and apply it to the TOP 1/2" folds.  (I'm going to put my adhesive on the colored 1/2" piece of paper and NOT the white).  Then I'll fold the TOP half onto the BOTTOM half of paper.  It will only be attached at the sides.

CONSTRUCTION ALTERATION TIP

Here is an alternate way to construct your INSERT pages.  On one HALF of the page you can trim off the 1/2" on each side and then tape down the 1/2" FLAP to the TOP page.  (I trimmed off the 1/2" AFTER I scored it).  Either way works GREAT!  You decide what you like best.

This is what may INSERT page looks like now.  Looking at this it APPEARS like the ends each have a spine.  They don't.  It's purely an optical illusion!

Next, I score my INSERT page down the center and fold it in half.

Then I punched slots using my circle punch.  To make it easier for myself ... I punch these from 'behind' and use the lines on the punch to line up my paper.  I do this on each pocket to try and keep my mini album consistent and POLISHED.

After punching out each slot ... I decided to add a little more POLISH.  I took my scissors and trimmed the 'sharp' edges into CURVES ... just to soften the overall look of my mini album.

Next, I set aside my INSERT pages and began construction on my mini album COVER. 

For my COVER I used a piece of 4 x 8 Premium White Cardstock and a piece of 4 x 8 Clear Acetate.  I scored each piece in HALF as shown below.

Next, I punched a hole in my CLEAR ACETATE with my Crop-a-dile.  Notice that I fold the edges together and made ONE punch.  This way I don't have to worry about one side being off center.  Both sides are PERFECTLY even and POLISHED.

After that I attached two ORANGE eyelets from our Mia's Cottage Collection.

Then I strung through a piece of ORANGE ribbon, again, from our GORGEOUS Mia's Cottage Collection.

I set this piece aside for a moment and attached TWO pieces of patterned paper to the WHITE COVER of my mini album.  Both of these pieces are from the TOP sheet that comes in our CLASSIC Soar With It Collections.  I keep all of these little pieces so I found TWO that matched, trimmed and then attached them to my mini album COVER.  They make such a GREAT front and back!

Next, I assembled all of my mini album COMPONENTS in order and prepared to STAPLE them into place.

From FRONT to BACK ... this is the order ... Insert Page, Insert Page, WHITE Cover, CLEAR Acetate Cover.

And then I STAPLED my mini album together.

POLISHING Tips

Typically, I try to center my STAPLE between the edge and the ribbon and then the NEXT STAPLE between the ribbon and the other edge.

Make certain that the FINISHED edge of the STAPLE is on the OUTSIDE of your mini album.

Also ... not all STAPLERS work!  Make sure you have a STAPLER with a LONG neck! 

After STAPLING my mini album together it looked like this from the OUTSIDE ...

And this from the INSIDE ...

Here's a snapshot of the FINISHED construction ...

To EMBELLISH my mini album I used our PREMIUM White Cardstock.  (My FAVORITE Cardstock!).  I wanted to make INSERT pieces for the POCKETS I had created.  I cut my cardstock 3-1/2 x 3-3/4.  I embellished with RIBBON (the PURPLE in Juliette and Winchester go FABULOUSLY with this collection!), photographs and the cardstock STICKERS in my Tutti Frutti Collection.

This little mini album is so much FUN to make and it's FAST!  If you don't typically incorporate CLEAR Acetate into your projects ... I encourage you to start!  I know you will be amazed with the POLISH you can ONLY get by incorporating this product.  I promise ... it will take your projects from GREAT to SIMPLY STUNNING before your very eyes! 

I hope you ENJOY making this savvy little mini album as much as I did!

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

My Supply List for this Project:

1. Tutti Frutti SWIC  V826
2. Clear Acetate  F47
3. Premium White Cardstock  V222
4. Scor-Pal  F358
5. Extra Jumbo Circle Punch  D72
6. Crop-A-Dile  K100
7. Mia's Cottage Hardware  B118
8. Mia's Cottage Ribbon  B218
9. Juliette Ribbon  B221
10. Winchester Ribbon  B216
11. Miss Moxie Ribbon  B219
12. Paper Trimmer
13. Tombow Adhesive  D91
14. Sanding Block  F103
15. Stapler
16. Scissors

Tutti Frutti Flip Flop Mini Album

I hope you 'FLIP' over this darling little mini album!  This is so unexpected and FUN ... I just LOVE it! 

I hadn't planned on designing a FLIP FLOP Mini Album until I spotted these felt FLIP FLOPS in our local craft store.  I was walking down the isle admiring all of the home decor that matched our Tutti Frutti Collection and then I saw these!  They were so cute and for $2.67 a pair ... SOLD!  I had to get me some! 

You will see here that I have actually combined two pair of FLIP FLOPS to make my mini album ... but we'll talk more about that later.

This project really is FUN but do plan on more than an hour to complete your own mini album.  This one took me about 2 - 2  1/2 hours from start to finish.  (Including time to round up photos and think of things to say).

This is so EASY to do ... let's get started!

First, I needed to make a pattern so I traced around the FLIP FLOP.  I did this on a scrap piece of cardstock and then cut it out.

Then I marked on my pattern where I was going to leave the 'scored and folded' edge.

 

 

Next, with my Scor-Pal I scored my patterned paper in half and then traced on my FLIP FLOP pattern with a pencil.  NOTE where the 'scored and folded' edge is on the paper.

Trace your pattern onto your paper and then cut out.  This is what your paper will look like when you open it.

After I cut out each piece I knew that when I put them 'back to back' you would see my imperfect cutting.  So I stippled purple ink around the back of each FLIP FLOP.  This helps to POLISH the look of the finished album.  I had started out sponging my ink and then for some reason grabbed a stipple brush.  Look at the difference ...

Ok.  So it's not that big of a deal to the outcome of this project, but, isn't that interesting!  This die-hard sponge girl is buying more stipple brushes!

After I traced and cut out all of my pieces I put them into the order I wanted.  As shown below ... I always matched up the RIGHT side of one pattern to the LEFT side of the next. 

The LEFT side of Pattern A will be attached directly to my FLIP FLOP and not another sheet of paper.  Eventually, the RIGHT side of a pattern will be attached directly to the bottom of my FLIP FLOP and not attached to another sheet of paper.

   

Next, I needed to connect each piece.  I used a sewing machine for this step, however, you can easily attach your pieces with adhesive.

Here is a snapshot of 3 pieces attached to each other with adhesive ...

 

After I attached my pieces together I embellished them with photos and journaling. 

Then I took a scrap piece of Tutti Frutti and constructed a spine to POLISH the binding of my album.  I folded a piece of Tutti Frutti in half giving me extra strength to support my book.  I attached this to the outside flaps of my album with adhesive. 

   

Next I attached the top of the FLIP FLOP to my album using adhesive.

Before I attached the bottom FLIP FLOP I had to do a little modifying.  You see ... I actually used 2 pair of FLIP FLOPS to make this album.  For this album I used the 2 LEFT feet.  (Now I can make another album using the 2 RIGHT feet). 

Then I applied my adhesive ...

And attached the bottom of my album.

I used clips to hold things securely in place while it dried.

And after everything dried ... I had a DARLING little mini album!

You can check out the inside of my Tutti Frutti FLIP FLOP Mini Album located in my Photo Album. 

This VERY unexpected little album really took me outside my box! 

• I haven't 'cut out' photos like I did since probably college. 
• I've never journaled like this before ... the words themselves and the cutting the words out like I did ... it was TOTALLY FUN!  I WILL do it again! 
• Of course, I sanded the edges of my photos!  (I just can't help myself).

Sophie saw the FLIP FLOP album tonight and gave me ONE thumb up.  I would have gotten TWO, however, she didn't like one of the photos I used of her.  I CAN live with that!

I hope you are inspired to try a project like this.  I encourage you to think outside your box and do something you normally wouldn't.  It's SIMPLY FUN!

Our Tutti Frutti Collection SCREAMS happiness and it is a perfect match to all of the great summer gadgets (like these FLIP FLOPS) in the craft stores this year.  This is a great collection to pick up if you have Spring Fever and are itching to try something new!

And remember, if you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

My Supply List for this Project:

1. Tutti Frutti SWIC  V826
2. French Lilac Palette Ink  TT202
3. Stipple Brush  (Size 4)  F112
4. Scor-Pal  F358
5. Tombow Adhesive  D91
6. Sanding Block  F103
7. Purple Memory Marker (from set 1) F156
8. Quick Dry Tacky Glue
9. FLIP FLOPS - 2 pair
10. Sewing Machine
11. Clips (for holding while glue dries)
12. Scissors

Toodle Loo Tri-Fold Mini Album

This is the mini-album featured on the cover of our March 2008 Homepage.

The concept for this album came from a contest entry we received from Rita Wetzel.  (Enjoy Rita Wetzel's Uptown Girl Tri-Fold Mini Album in my Photo Album).  I've had this little album stashed away for some time ... knowing that it would inspire me to make my own version some day ... and that's exactly what I've done here!  So let's get started!   

This Mini Album is so simple to make ... (it took me less than one hour) ... that's right!  LESS THAN ONE HOUR and I had a simple, smart, sophisticated and COMPLETED album ready to add to my collection or give to my beautiful niece, Megan, as a gift. 

The most time consuming part of this project is picking out which paper collection you want to use and then choosing which photos to include!  Because I like to keep it simple ... I used our Toodle Loo Collection ... WOW!  That was smart!  I didn't have to think about which products would coordinate and that saved me valuable time as well!

To GET STARTED making your own Toodle Loo Tri-Fold Mini Album you need a 4" x 12" piece of Toodle Loo Cardstock ~ this is for your Mini Album Cover.  (At the bottom of this tutorial I have included a supply list of the items I used to complete my Tri-Fold Mini Album).  Score your cardstock as shown in the sketch I created below.   

Rita designed her Mini Album using a piece of BLACK cardstock that was 8.5" x 11".  Here are the approximate measurements for her Mini Album Cover.  (I say approximate because depending on WHAT you put in your album ... you may need to make some minor adjustments to your Mini Album Cover).

TIP: I used my ruler and pencil to mark the 4 score lines and then used my Scor-Pal to score my cardstock.

POLISH:  Don't forget to erase your pencil marks!

Next I used my VersaMark Pad and my favorite swirl stamp to stamp images onto my Mini Album Cover.  You can stamp randomly on your cover or strategically place the images.  This is one of my favorite techniques for adding simple elegance and depth to any project I make.  I did this on both sides of my cover.

After stamping my images I folded my Album Covers into place.

I've noticed on a couple of my Album Covers that I measured and scored just a little off and the right hand flap of my Album is a little too long.  I simply trim off a sliver of the flap and then it folds in perfectly!

Next I lay my 3x3 Page protector in place and mark where I need to punch holes.

After I've punched my holes I'm ready to attach the Paper Protectors to my Album, however, before I do that I want to POLISH it up a bit.  So I use a strip of paper (1/2" x 2  1/2") from my Toodle Loo cut-sheet or I use one of the 'Color Chip Strips' located in the bottom left hand corner of each piece of Toodle Loo Cardstock.  Here is the image from my completed album:

For this tutorial, my assistant, (my 8-year-old daughter Sophie) wants me to use a piece from the Toodle Loo cut-sheet.  We are going to show you an optional way to attach the Page Protectors to your Mini Album.  (BELOW)

IF you chose to use EYELETS instead of BRADS ... set two eyelets on the back of the Album Cover right after you punch the holes.  You WILL NOT set your eyelets through all of the Page Protectors!  You will only set these on the back of the Album.  Make sure the 'finished' side of the eyelet is on the back of your Album!

THEN ... attach (1) the strip of paper (2) to ONE Paper Protector (3) using two more white eyelets.  Finally, put the remaining four Page Protectors under the embellished one and attach them to your Mini Album with ribbon.

I then flip the Page Protector over and using my Crop-A-Dile I punch two holes through my 1/2" x 2  1/2" piece of paper.

We are going to attach our 5 Page Protectors to this Mini Album using BRADS!  Not just any brads either ... these brads are all about the BLING!  Because I don't have anything in my Page Protectors yet ... I want to make sure that I leave some 'breathing room'.  So I use my bone folder to add some bulk and then insert my brad and attach the Page Protects to the Mini Album. 

Repeat this step when attaching your second brad also!

After attaching my brads I realized I had a minor problem.  On my original Mini Album I used eyelets, inserted and tied ribbon ... and that was how I bound my Page Protectors to my Album.  It was very clean and POLISHED.  This is the back of my original Album ...

This is the back of my Mini Album with BLINGY brads ...

Oh my gosh!  It's okay though.  I have a solution.  I pulled two die-cut tags from my Toodle Loo tag sheet and attached them together with the small green eyelet from my Toodle Loo Hardware.  Then I grabbed a roll of Wonder Tape and taped up the back of the tags.  I covered the back of the tags really well because of the location I'll be placing them on my Mini Album.  This will give them the strength they need to endure!

I then attached my tags to the back of my Album.  Isn't this a GREAT solution! 

   

After you finish embellishing your Mini Album you may wish to make a 'band' to go around it.  This is a simple touch that adds so much POLISH to your finished project!

Here are some snapshots of the band I created for my Mini Album.

I believe that the band is easier to create after you have completed your project.  Once you begin adding pages and embellishments your Mini Album will grow!

I wanted a little more DRAMA with the presentation of this album so I chose to design a wider band.  I started with a 2" x 12" strip of Toodle Loo paper. 

I begin by laying my paper on the finished album and then I 'measure my way' around the album.

I get my measurement and then score the line using my Scor-Pal.

I continue to work my way around.

I score every line as I go ...

And pretty soon I have my band!

Then I smoother it with double stick tape and stick it together!  Add some ribbon, a tag and it's finished!

Here are some other things I did that really added POLISH to my completed Mini Album:

I embossed the saying on the cover of the band, as well as, the 'things I love about you' on the inside album flap.

I DRESSED UP my details!  Adding a touch of Scrappers Floss really makes the ribbon POP!

Using my BLACK Gel Pen I added depth and playfulness.

For a FUN twist ... I placed some of my embellishments on the OUTSIDE of the Page Protectors!  Isn't this one GREAT!  The circle cut strip in Toodle Loo coordinates with a clever lever punch so this was incredibly SIMPLE!  I added the eyelet for even more interest.

I LOVE this tag!  Anytime I can write someone's name on something I do!  People (especially little ones) never get tired of see their name!  This tag is also on the outside of the Page Protector.

For the final page in my Mini Album I didn't mount my photograph on the standard 3" x 3" piece of cardstock as I did on the other pages.  I had a strip of 1 3/8" x 3" piece of cardstock and used it as the base for my photograph.  I love the 'airy-ness' it adds to this layout.  And if you didn't already notice ... I love to add interest to my photographs by gently sanding the edges of them!  LOVE THIS!  You can see the back of this project in my Toodle Loo ... Photo Album.

An EASY way to add POLISH is simply to trim or sand off the little tick marks that hold die cuts in the die cut sheet!

What a darling little Mini Album to make for someone special this Easter!  I hope you enjoy this project as much as I do!  Be sure to check out my Photo Album to see my finished Toodle Loo Tri-Fold Mini Album, as well as, the album that inspired me ~ Rita Wetzels Uptown Girl Tri-Fold Mini Album. 

At the bottom of this tutorial I have included a supply list of the items I used to complete my Tri-Fold Mini Album. 

If you need to replenish your supplies, have questions with a product, technique or are interested in one of the products I've used here please contact your ANGEL and she'll be happy to assist you!  If you don't have an Angel yet ... click on SHOP NOW on our homepage and find one in your area today!

My Supply List for this Project:

1. Mischelle's Supply Kit
2. V834  Toodle Loo
3. B113  Toodle Loo Hardware
4. B212  Toodle Loo Ribbon
5. B313  Toodle Loo Cardstock
6. T2804 Fancy Curls Stamp Set
7. T2877 Life Thoughts
8. T2893 This Boy
9. S775  Emboss Pad
10. S771  Black Emboss Powder
11. F163  Marvy Heat Tool
12. K100  Crop-A-Dile
13. K409  3" x 3" Page Protectors (I used 5)
14. F42   Classic Gelly Pens (Black)
15. D89   Circle Pop It! Pop Dots
16. F907  Lavender Scrappers Floss
17. F917  White Scrappers Floss
18. F241  Wonder Tape (For my alternate album with the brads)
19. D303  Brights Square Crystal Brads (For my alternate album with the brads)