TAC Savvy Projects for People on the Go

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!

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

Kevin's Door Hanger

YES, Kevin has a Door Hanger!  The cat is out of the bag.  However, his is MUCH different than Sophie's ... as you can see.  I had quite a few issues with Kevin's Door Hanger.  #1 ... he's 13.  I can't just hang anything on his door.  (Especially if I made it).  So ... I went into his room and looked for ANYTHING I could use.  I found this empty cologne box and snagged it.  With a few savvy modifications it would work!

The first thing I had to do was attach a photo of Kevin.  This is one of his favorite's and I thought it would work great on this box.  (Kevin and Lauren Baugrud rode the Flow Rider on the Liberty of the Seas during TAC's Rewards Cruise ... at the end of this post check out more photos of Kevin and Lauren on the Flow Rider)!

I attached pewter eyelets to the sides of the box and added jute to hang it.

I had attached snaps to hold down the cover ... doesn't work well.  They won't stay in place even with super strong adhesive. I would fix it, however, I'm in the process of redesigning Kevin's Door Hanger.  He needs a larger one! 

And this is Kevin's Door Hanger!  Quite simple ... less than 15 minutes to create. 

Now ... I'm going to shamelessly share some really AWESOME photos of Kevin and Lauren on the Flow Rider.  The Angel Company rented the Flow Rider on two separate evenings and everyone in our group had the opportunity to take private lessons.  Kevin and Lauren blew everyone away!  They are naturals!  Both evenings were INCREDIBLE and something I'm sure these kids (and all of us adults) will remember for the rest of their lives!  So much to be thankful for!

Kevin & Lauren preparing to do somersaults!

Maybe just Kev ...

Poor Lauren ... Kevin CONSTANTLY sprayed water in her face!

Lauren did the 360's REALLY well!  360's, Barrel Rolls, Superman, Somersaults, Surfing ... just to name the tricks I can remember.  These two kids learned SOOOO many tricks in such a small amount of time.  Most important ... it was the trip of a lifetime!  Many wonderful memories were made!

Lauren Baugrud, Kevin & Kara Baugrud ... the finale! 

Sands of Time 'YOU ROCK' Basket

So how INCREDIBLE is this!  I HAD to Show and Tell!  Julie Griffith sent these baskets to our staff at The Angel Company and we are in awe every time we walk by one!  Isn't this GORGEOUS!  (This project features our Sands of Time Collection).

And check out these little bags inside the basket filled with ROCKS (melt in your mouth chocolates disguised as rocks). 

Check out even more details ... did you notice the scallop edging?!

Topping it all off is a beautiful gift tag ...

Of course ... it opens!

What a simply FABULOUS gift giving idea that I HAD to pass along!  I hope you enjoy!

And thank you Julie for thinking of us!  You are so kind!

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!

Tutti Frutti 'You've Got Mail' Door Hanger

This is a FUN way to INSPIRE, ENCOURAGE and CHEER ON the little ones in our lives! 

I've been wanting to design this project for sometime, however, the little notes I wanted to create weren't what I was looking for.  Well, today that changed!  We received SOTM (Stamp of the Month) samples for our April SOTM from Meri McLaughlin AND instantly I knew how I could POLISH my notes for my Door Hanger Mailbox!  (And ... I'll give you a sneak peek at two of Meri's samples for our April SOTM).

So, let's get STARTED!

Since this Door Hanger is designed to be a MAILBOX ... the first thing I need to do is construct a little box to hold mail.  I cut a piece of purple cardstock 3" x 8.5".  I then scored (using my Scor-Pal) at 3", 4", 7" and 8".  Add adhesive to the 1/2" flap and adhere.  How SIMPLE is this! 

This is what my box looks like lying on it's side ...

The next thing I do is construct the bottom of my box.  I used a scrap piece of my purple cardstock and cut it just a notch smaller than 3" x 2".  (Cut it a notch smaller on the 3" side).

TIP:  What's a NOTCH in Mischelle language?  I've noted 1 & 2 notches from 7".

Then I scored the bottom at 1/2" on each side.  It goes 1/2", 1", 1/2" as shown below.

I applied adhesive to the flaps one side at a time.  I attached my first flap to my base and then the second. 

Now my MAILBOX is complete!  It looks like this with the bottom side UP.

Ok, I set the MAILBOX to the side.

NOW I set ORANGE eyelets through my two Sheer Square Scallop Coasters.  I used the holes already in the Coasters and then I align them like this.  NOTICE that the good side of BOTH eyelets face the front.  Since this is a Door Hanger ... I want the nice sides to face out! 

   

Next, I attach my MAILBOX to the BACK Sheer Coaster. 

TIP:  I think it's easiest to lay the sheer down flat and place the MAILBOX on top of it.

 

Then I attached my other Sheer Coaster to the front of my MAILBOX.

I cut a 3" x 3" piece of PURPLE cardstock and attached it to the front of my MAILBOX.  This 'hides' my adhesive!

Then I layered on a 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" piece of Tutti Frutti Patterned Paper.

On the back I attached my 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" piece of Tutti Frutti Patterned Paper also (to hide the adhesive).  NOTE:  I didn't layer on a piece of PURPLE cardstock.  Only the patterned paper.

Here is what my MAILBOX looks like from the side ...

Next, I attached RIBBON. 

TIP:  Our PURPLE RIBBON in both Winchester and Juliette match perfectly!

Isn't that EASY!  It took me less than 30 MINUTES to construct my MAILBOX DOOR HANGER from start to finish! 

The next thing I wanted to do was make up a batch of note cards to keep on hand.  Thanks to Meri McLaughlin ... this was a SNAP!  Meri sent these darling Matchbook Cards in to TAC for our April SOTM samples.  Well, I had to borrow a couple to feature with this project because they are my inspiration for my own note cards! 

   

Meri's cards measure approximately 3" x 5-1/2".  However, you can easily tweak these and make lots of FUN sizes!

I started in my SCRAP PILE and pulled out pieces that lent themselves to this project.  It was EASIEST for me to fold in my flap, first.

Next ...

And then I scored it with my bone folder ...

Staple the bottom flap and you have a matchbook note card.  Here are some other GREAT options for binding your matchbook flap ...

I enlarged the center of a flower with my Crop-o-dile ...

And then used an eyelet to attach it  ...

This one utilizes only eyelets ...

And here is one stapled.

And for some SPARKLE I free handed Stickles on the cover and attached a flower with a BLING, BLING brad ...

So how cute is this!  This project is kid tested and approved!  Sophie ABSOLUTELY LOVES it!

From start to finish this SIMPLY Savvy Project takes LESS THAN 1 HOUR to make!  And, I had so much FUN making it!  And YES!  That REALLY is my Sophie with about 13 inches LESS hair!

I hope you enjoy this SIMPLE project, and, find it INSPIRING!

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. Mischelle's Supply Kit
2. Tutti Frutti SWIC  V826
3. Purples Cardstock  V56
4. Sheer Square Scallop Coasters  E102
5. Assorted Bitty Florals  D437
6. Scor-Pal  F358
7. Classic Gel Pens  F42
8. 1/4" Wonder Tape  F241
9. Pop Dots  D89
10. Juliette Ribbon B221
11. Brights Square Brads  D303
12. Mia's Cottage Hardware  B118
13. Crystal Stickles  F516