A 'Tricky' Tri-Fold Halloween Mini Album

 

For this Halloween project, I decided to go back to an oldie but goodie.  A tri-fold mini!  I've been making these on & off for several years now.  They are quick & easy to make & are really cute & unique keepsakes.  They can also hold several photos all depending on how one decides to use the mini.

Mini is for sale in my Etsy shop The Kraft Nook.

With Halloween just around the corner, I made this Halloween themed tri-fold mini with Authentique's 'Tricky' collection.

The mini measures 9 1/4" x 3 1/4" inches and has chipboard covers. This time around, I decided to use an elastic ribbon belly band as the closure for the mini.  For my older tri-fold minis, I've used basic ribbon--but this time I decided to use something different & even easier to take on & off.

This style of minis consist of three different rows with a total of twelve 3"x 3" inch panels in the front & twelve more in the back.  However, only ten of these panels can be used to store photos in the front & four can be used on the back.  This is because of how the mini is adhered to the covers.

 

I've included a pocket in the back of the mini with a journaling card which is actually one of the cut aparts from the 'Tricky' collection that I've trimmed down to size.

The embellishments for this type of mini need to have very little dimension since this is a flat mini with no gussets.  I've added a couple of Halloween themed stickers to decorate the mini.

Supplies Used:  Paper - Authentique, Dies - Sizzix Tim Holtz, Other - Chipboard, Fabric Flowers, Elastic Ribbon

 Below is my tutorial for this tri-fold mini.  It was made a couple of years ago--but the steps haven't changed.  This is the sort of project that doesn't seem to go out of style.  Enjoy!

 

'Bewitched' Fold Out Tag Mini Album With Tutorial

As promised in a previous post--today I'm bringing to you a second Fold Out Tag Mini Album but this one comes along with a tutorial!  For this mini I've used the papers from the fabulous 'Bewitched' collection.  

I absolutely love Halloween!  I dare to say that I may even enjoy it a tad more than Christmas.  Gasp!  I would have to say that it's because of the Season that it falls in which is Autumn--hands down my fave Season of the year.  I love those crisp mornings, the beautiful colors of the leaves & you have to admit that that morning coffee tastes a whole lot better in Autumn!

This mini is slightly bigger than my first one made with the 'Beginnings' collection.  That is because I used a die to make the paper bags that compose the pages of the mini.  This mini is fairly versatile & can be customized based on the size of paper bags used as the pages.  I talk more about this in the video tutorial (which I feel I talked too much about) but I was trying to be as thorough as I could be while still getting through the tutorial itself.

Just like the 'Beginnings' mini--I've used a belly band as a closure & there are 6 pages.

For this mini I decided to add one extra detail to it which are little pockets to every other page in the mini.  I just wanted additional spots for tucking mini tags & little knick knacks.

Finished mini measures 2 3/4" x 4 3/4" inches and the spine measures 1" inch.

Each paper bag holds one tag.  I've left the tags blank because they are to be primarily used for storing photos.  This mini can hold up to 12 slightly cropped wallet photos.  Standard wallet photos measure 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".  The photos would fit perfectly on the 3 1/2" side but they would need to be cropped about 1/4" of an inch on the 2 1/2" inch side to comfortably fit onto the pull out tags. 

Just like the 'Beginning's mini--this mini can be viewed by flipping the pages like a book or they can be pulled out into a version of a cascading mini album.

Album is for sale in my Etsy shop The Kraft Nook!

 

Supplies Used: Bewitched 6x6 Bundle, Bewitched Detail Stickers, Die - Sizzix Pocket Die, Other - Tulle, Mini Pine Cone, Chipboard Embellishments

Here's a brief video showcasing the mini.

Below you will find the tutorial.  These minis are quick to make, are versatile & make for great gifts and/or keepsakes.  Enjoy!

'Beginnings' Fold Out Tag Mini Album

I don't know about most of you but I'm one of those that just never has enough time in the day for everything that I need or 'want' to do.  I'm always in a time crunch.  I love to craft & literally make time to do that--sometimes crafting late into the night which is really the only 'me' time that I have.  I'll be feeling it the next day in the office though.  :-)

Because of this, I'm always on the look out for quick projects.  This is one such project.  It doesn't hurt that I'm also a fan of small projects--meaning in size.  I love mini albums--but am definitely more prone to creating minis for wallet sized photos or even smaller.

This mini comes together quickly & makes for a cute way of storing slightly cropped wallet sized photos.  I've used papers from the 'Beginnings' collection.

 

The mini measures 4 1/4" x 2 3/4" inches with a 1" inch spine.  The pages are made out of  small 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" inch kraft bags that I bought at my local craft store. So essentially the pages to this mini are already made.  However, if you have the time, you can certainly create your own mini bags & you can also make this mini larger--so it's versatile.

It's held closed with a belly band that I've embellished with flowers & a mini flocked teddy bear.

I've decorated the kraft bags with the designer paper from the 'Beginnings' collection.  The mini can open up like a book & each 'page' can be flipped through as shown in these photos.

 

Or it can be pulled out as shown here into a version of a cascading mini.  I've adhered two magnets to the very last page that holds the pages in place until you're ready to expand the mini out.  There's a total of 6 pages.

Each paper bag has a tag inside that's meant for storing photos.  I've added green & yellow tulle to further decorate each tag.

I've kept the tags blank in order to provide more room for the photos.  I didn't really create a front cover for the mini--it only has a back cover.  The cover of the mini is the first paper bag. 

I plan on providing a brief tutorial on how I put this mini together soon.  It's really easy & fast--which is what I'm always on the lookout for.

 

Supplies Used: Beginnings 12x12 Collection Kit, Beginnings Detail Stickers, Other - Tulle, Mini Flocked Teddy Bear, Kraft Mini Paper Bags

Thanks for stopping by!

Altered Jumbo Wooden Clothespins

 

Today I bring a Pinterest inspired project with one of Authentique's latest collections--'Beginnings'.  I found this collection to be especially versatile because the colors in the collection can be used for either a boy or girl.  They are are neutral colors such as pastel greens & yellows with just hints of blue & pink. 

So when I saw this large wooden clothespins being altered as photo holders on Pinterest, I thought 'what a great idea!'  I've seen these oversized clothespins at my local craft store for ages & never really thought on how they could be used.  So as soon as I saw this idea on Pinterest I ran down to my craft store & bought three of them.  The best part is that they're only $1.00!  What a great bargain!

 This is what the clothespins look like prior to altering them.  They're just plain oversized...well, clothespins!  They measure approximately 6" inches in height & just a tad under 1 1/2" inches in width.  The best part is that they can stand & display the photos on any shelf or desk.  Love it!

 

You can actually pull the pins apart from the metal hinge which works out perfectly for painting purposes.  So in doing so, I was able to paint the pins both on the outside & inside.  I painted each wooden pin with acrylic paint.  I used Americana acrylic paint--Lemonade.

 

Once they dried (TIP: I use a heat gun to speed up the drying process because I'm very impatient!) It was time to embellish them which is the best part. 

 

I used a variety of different stickers from the sticker sheet that comes with the 'Beginnings' collection along with a few other bits & bobs from my own stash such as the mini flocked teddy bears, glitter chipboard stars & other baby themed embellishments. 

 

I have to say that I loved how these turned out.  I then printed three different photos of my little guy & have these clothespin photo holders currently sitting in my craft room.  The best part is that you can change up the photos at any time.  These make for unique decorations and/or as quick & easy gifts!

I hope this inspired some of you to alter those jumbo wooden clothespins found in various craft stores--usually in $1.00 bins.  Enjoy!

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Embellishments - Authentique, Paint - Americana - Lemonade, Chipboard Stars - Freckled Fawn, Other: Jumbo Wooden Clothespins, Mini Flocked Teddy Bears

A 'Heroic' Star Shaped Mini Album with Shaker Cover

 For today's project, I have a star shaped mini album complete with a shaker cover!  I've been wanting to give a shaker anything a try for the longest time & I finally found the opportunity to do so with this project.

I've used the 'Heroic' collection by Authentique for this mini.  With it's patriotic images & color scheme, this collection is ideal for those 4th of July or patriotic themed projects.

Mini is available for purchase at my Etsy shop, The Kraft Nook.

My shaker is composed of several sequins in red, white & blue along with star shaped sequins & a dash of tinsel added to the mix.  The mini measures approximately 5" x 5" inches & is held together with a book ring.  I've added several pieces of ribbon, twine & tulle to decorate the book ring.

I've added two small kraft pockets that store two tags per pocket.  These tags can be used for journaling or for storing names, places & dates.

To create the base of the mini I've used a star die to cut out the pages from 110 lbs black card stock.  To create the shaker cover I've used the die to cut out a star from black foam.  This is the basic foam you can find at any craft store, usually in the crafts for kids section.  I found that this foam makes for a great shaker border since foam has a bit of dimension to it.  Dies don't seem to have a problem cutting through the foam.  At least, the die I had cut through the foam with no issues.

All of the red glitter circle photo mats are adhered to black foam in order to make them 'pop' off the page a bit & add some dimension to the mini.  These circles can be used to store/display pictures measuring up to 2 1/4" inches in diameter.

The inspiration for this mini came from a YouTube video that I found by Tanya Pyshchyk:
https://youtu.be/FPrp1Ni-96s

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Embellishments - Authentique, Star Die - Diemond Dies, Flowers - Petaloo, Star Spray - Petaloo, Other - Small Kraft Bags, Tulle, Ribbon, Foam, Red Glitter Card Stock, Book Ring, Sequins

Below you'll find a brief video showcasing the mini.  I hope this inspires some of you to create some patriotic themed projects for this upcoming 4th of July.  Enjoy!

Springtime Easter/Spring Tri-Fold Mini Album

Hello once again fellow scrappers!  Today's post is a project that I made about a year ago & have never posted.  Now that we're in Spring & with Easter just around the corner, I felt that the time had come for me to finally post this project.

It's a small Easter themed tri-fold mini album made with Authentique's 'Springtime' collection.

The mini has several pockets & tags that can be used to store photos and/or journaling.

Mini measures 6" inches in height by 4 1/4" inches in width. The inside is composed of a 3 part fold out that can hold up to 6 photos measuring approximately 5" x 3 1/4" inches. The base of the mini--including covers--is made out of white card stock.

What I found really cute about this collection were the bunny images & the pastel color scheme.  It all just came together so well.  The bunny images were so adorable & made for such an eye catching way to decorate this mini.

 On the cover, I've used a mini flocked bunny, a couple of flowers, a bit of bling & two mini Easter eggs

I have this mini available for sale in my Etsy shop, The Kraft Nook.  If interested, you can visit my Etsy shop here.

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Flowers - Prima, The Kreative Korner,  Punch - Martha Stewart, Other: Mini Flocked Bunny, Mini Eggs, Bling Swirl, Ribbon

I followed a tutorial by papercrafter45 on YouTube in order to make this mini.  Her tutorial was for an insert that can be used inside a larger mini album.  But I thought it was cute just by itself & made for a quick project & small keepsake mini.  If interested in the tutorial, you can find it here.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

'Beloved' & 'Eastertime' Pop Up (Twist and Fold) Mini Albums With Tutorial

Hello again fellow scrappers!  Today's project is one that is my fave by far.  While browsing through YouTube, Pinterest & other online sites I noticed several tutorials & images for the 'Pop Up' cards--I've also seen them called 'Pop & Twist' cards.  However, I'm not a card maker, so even though I thought the idea was original & unique--I didn't give it much thought.

Then I came across a fabulous tutorial by a fellow crafter named Alagaina.  Alagaina lives in Spain & has a YouTube channel full of fabulous tutorials, project shares & ideas.  She was clever enough to take the 'Pop Up' card technique & use it to create a mini album.  At this point I was hooked & had to try it!

I absolutely LOVED it!  It's such a creative twist to the 'Pop Up' card technique & you end up with a unique keepsake for yourself or for someone else.  I believe that these mini albums make for fabulous gifts as well.

So for my first 'Pop Up' mini album, I used one of Authentique's latest Valentine themed paper collections called 'Beloved'.

The mini measures 4" x 6" inches when closed & it has three different pop up panels.  For both of my minis I've used an elastic ribbon as a 'belly band' for the closure.

How you decorate the inside is really up to you.  You can make pockets, belly bands, adhere envelopes, add a flip page etc...or just simply leave them blank.

Here's a second 'Pop Up' mini album made with Authentique's 'Eastertime' collection. 

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Flowers - I Am Roses, Prima, Petaloo, Other - Mini Flocked Bunny, Shimmery Elastic Ribbon, Washi Tape

Both of these mini albums are currently available for sale in my Etsy shop 'The Kraft Nook'.  If interested, feel free to stop by my shop here.

As previously mentioned, I followed Alagaina's tutorial which is in Spanish to make these mini albums.  When my mini album was shared on Authentique's social media, it caught the eye of many people & the requests for a tutorial started flooding in.

Even though Alagaina does provide her measurements in both inches & centimeters, we still had many requests to have the tutorial in English.  So I reached out to Alagaina & asked for her permission to translate her tutorial into English.  She graciously gave me permission to do so.

Below you'll find the link to my translation of Alagaina's 'Pop Up Mini Album' tutorial.  In the description box below my tutorial in YouTube, you can also find links to Alagaina's YouTube channel & to her original 'Pop Up Mini Album' tutorial.

Enjoy!