Mini Album December Challenge

When I saw the mini album tutorial that Astrid had over on the Mini Album December Makers Challenge, I knew I wanted to try it.

I used a sheet of 12x12 paper from my stash as just a practice one, but I was happy with the results, so I decided to finish it off.

Here it is closed;

And this is what I put inside;

This will make a fabulous gift for someone!  I'm not sure who yet, but I will use it.

This will make a fabulous gift for someone!  I'm not sure who yet, but I will use it :)

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I also made this one. It isn't a sheet album, I made this one out of separate cardboard pages. I like this style also. It is currently empty, but I have no doubt it will come in handy.

I had fun -- have you ever made an album?

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Thanks for stopping by~

New Mini Album Challenge

There's a new challenge in blogland Mini Album Makers Challenge, that started this month.  While I absolutely adore created albums [what some crafters create is so amazing!], I often wonder what do you do with them?  That said, I made an album today that I have been wanting to make, and fortunately, this challenge motivated me to actually do it.

Here is my finished album. Clean and simple, and SO PERFECT for what I needed it for!

You all know [by now], that I have been having a super fun time buying dies at Ali Express.  Well, they have been multiplying, and needed a home.  Today, they finally have one!

I started with 110 black cardstock cut to 7" by 4.5", I rounded the corners, and then taped the pages together using scor tape.  I lined the pages with different papers I had for color. I finished off the inside middle with another piece of black card stock, again secured with scor tape, and finished off the outside spine the same way.  Using some bags I had, I adhered them to the inside pages, and  placed my die on a piece of cardboard, and inserted into the bag. To finish off my album, I made a velcro type closing.

I completely LOVE this album.  The size is perfect for storing between my shelves, and is within reaching distance of my desk. Perfect for what I needed, and so convenient.  Yeah, a success. :)

Thanks Challenge!  This is going to be fun to see what gets created every month.

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Thanks for stopping by~

A Couple of ABC Projects

I love making ABC [anything but a card] projects.  They do take time to create, so I don't do them that often.  However, in keeping with my 2015 Goal, Make It Work I made the following projects.

Let's start with a couple of basics.

I am sure you have all read how a lot of stampers use Neenah 110# weight paper.  I myself use this paper.  HOWEVER, recently I was informed by a fellow stamper [Kimberly - thanks] about Reflections 110# weight from MICHAELS!!  Yep, folks I am here to tell you this paper ROCKS!!  I love using this weight of paper for my card bases.  (It makes them feel like a quality card).  I used a 50% off coupon so a ream, 250 sheets, cut in half = 500 card bases, I purchased for only $7.00.  Seven bucks that's it! Take it one step further, take your ream to Office Depot and they will cut it for you for about $1.  Card bases all ready to go!  Awesome.  On a side note, this weight of paper is fabulous for die cutting too - nice and thick cuts.

Okay, on to my first project.  Sitting in front of my computer, I am always needing paper to write notes, whether it is challenges I want to play in, or bills I want to pay.  It seems there is never a tablet convenient.  Well, I have solved my problem.

I scored on 3 cases of copier paper from Office Depot for $26.00 over the holidays. [cha-ching]  Since I have an abundant amount of copy paper now, I cut a stack of copy paper into note size squares, and made a 4" box to hold them in.  Perfect - this box now sits by my computer, and I have note paper to use!  If I run out, I will just cut more note sheets and fill up the box again.  So convenient~

Last week, I got an email from Ellen Hutson's Classroom, with Julia Stainton's awesome mini album that she made.  I'll be honest, I popped over to buy the adorable little file folders and that fun Tim Holtz Binder Punch that Julia used - then, my 2015 motto ran through my head; Make It Work. So, I did!

I pulled out my PTI Desktop File dies and went to work.  I cut out 4 of each die and then I stamped each page using various PTI images, and finally sponged the edges with Distress Tea Dye ink.  I punched a hole using my crop-a-dile and put the pages on a key ring.

I decorated the front cover the same way [stamped and distressed], and added some chipboard I found in my drawer.

I am using this book for techniques that I like to do [but always forget about].

I am writing down the technique, including a sample, [if I have room] on the pages, and now, all my favorite techniques are in a convenient book!  The whole point to this is that I Made It Work by using what I had, to make a project using items I almost bought. 
Bottom line, I just saved $12.00 plus shipping!  Works for me.

I am liking my motto!

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Thanks for stopping by~ If you have a question, please leave an email so I can answer you :)