An Altered Wooden Photo Frame with 'Nightfall' and an Owl Shaped Mini Album with 'Harvest'

I have two projects for today's post.  One is this wooden photo frame that I altered with the 'Nightfall' collection by Authentique.  The second is a throwback project made with the 'Harvest' collection also by Authentique.

 The frame holds a 4" x 6" inch photo.  The photo frame was unfinished raw wood.  I painted it, adhered the designer paper to it, sanded it down & embellished it turning the frame into a super decorated Halloween frame.

The picture is of my son from 2015.  He was a scarecrow that year & it was a year that I actually made his costume instead of purchasing it.  A personal accomplishment.  :-)

The 'Nightfall One' paper from the collection provided the perfect background to my frame.  It was a quick way to transform a plain frame & I only had to add a couple of more embellishments to finalize the project.  

I added three 'streamers' tucked in within the Halloween spray.  They are 12" inch strips cut from the coordinating solids measuring approximately 1/4" of an inch in width.  I simply curled them with my scissors & hot glued them within the Halloween spray.

The frame is sealed with a glittered specialty finish by Martha Stewart.  I've had this type of medium in my stash for a long time & have used it to seal on various projects.  I like the fact that it seals but also provides a shimmery effect to your project which you can see in the photo above.

The orange glittered border seen around the photo opening was created by adhering double sided tape (1/8" inch).  Once the tape was applied, I sprinkled the orange glitter on top & pressed down.  The glitter adheres to the tape creating an even border along the edge.

Here are the steps I took to create my photo frame.

I painted the entire back & sides of the frame (not shown here) as well as the front border of the frame with black acrylic paint.  Once the paint dried I traced the design of the frame (including the oval opening where my photo will be placed) onto my designer paper with a pencil.  Then with scissors I cut the design out.  

Next I adhered the designer paper to my frame with Decoupage adhesive & ensured the paper thoroughly adhered to my frame--especially the edges.

Next comes the sanding.  I sand all the edges of my frame to give the edges a nice finished look.  For this process I use a couple of sanding tools shown here.  You can probably use nail files for this process if you don't have craft ones on hand--I don't see why these wouldn't do the job as well.  

This is probably what takes the longest when creating this sort of project since you have to go around all the edges--including the photo opening--with the sanding tools & remove any & all excess paper as you sand.

Once the sanding was done, I applied the specialty finish shown here.  I let that dry & the last step I did prior to embellishing the frame was to ink all along the edges of my frame with black distress ink in order to make the edges stand out.

My second project is this owl shaped mini album made with the 'Harvest' collection.  This collection came out a few years back for Autumn.  I created this mini many moons ago but had simply never shared it.  I decided it was time to share.  :-)

The base of the mini was made with the use of a Sizzix Owl Bigz die (Item# A10165).  Mini measures approximately 4 3/8" x 3 1/2" inches which is what the owl design measures once cut.  

The album consists of 6 pages & the pages are adhered to the spine with hinges.  This mini can stand on it's own & be displayed on any shelf, table or desk.

Mini is held closed with a piece of jute string.

I have not yet embellished the pages.  I did leave about a 1/4" inch gusset in between each page which will allow for some dimension to be added to the pages of the mini.  Even though this mini is small, you can still do a lot with it.  It depends on how creative you want to get.  You can add pockets, mini frames, belly bands, tuck spots, envelopes & other bits & bobs in addition to the small photos in order to embellish the pages.  It's a work in progress.  :-)  Mini album will eventually be available for sale in my Etsy shop, The Midnight Kraft Desk.  Feel free to subscribe to my shop's FB page in order to stay up to date on the latest items added to my shop.

I hope this project inspires some of you to use your dies in new ways.

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Embellishments - Authentique, Dies - Sizzix, Flowers - The Midnight Kraft Desk, Other - Mulberry Paper Flowers, Mini Pine Cone, Fabric Flowers, Jute String

Thanks for stopping by!

'Escape' Layout - CSI Guest Detective and Sponsor

Today I'm quickly sharing this layout that I created when I guest designed for Color...Stories...Inspiration or CSI in August.  I was also happy to be one of the sponsors donating a $25 gift voucher to my online Etsy shop, The Midnight Kraft Desk for the month of August.

As you can see I'm a bit behind in posting this--we'll blame 'life' itself  as getting in the way as usual eh?  :-)

Here is the case file that we had to solve along with the inspirational photo which helps determine the overall look & feel of your project.  If you have the time, I definitely recommend playing along with CSI.  I always have so much fun whenever I get the opportunity to participate in one of their challenges.  The cases are monthly & there's always many fabulous prizes for several lucky winners!

I was able to create a good ol' fashioned layout which I haven't had the chance to in ages.  As you can see, I tried to incorporate all of the colors from the case file.  My layout is based on our most recent family vacation to the Caribbean.

The pink fabric star flower seen here is from my own stash.  I have these plus flowers in additional colors available for sale in my Etsy shop The Midnight Kraft Desk.

Here are more detailed closeups.

The background of my layout was a plain piece of textured white card stock.  To this, I added several strips of leftover designer paper that I had in my stash along with several strips of washi tape in order to create the striped layered background.

I've hidden journaling on my layout as well.  My journaling is the flower tag seen in the photo above.  I made the tag by adhering the flower image (which was actually a sticker) to a piece of leftover white card stock.  I then hand wrote my journaling on the back of this tag & tucked it behind the photos.  It's kept in place with the arrow paper clip.

I also tried to add several travel themed embellishments, bits & bobs such as camera images, the passport acetate embellishment & words such as 'Destination' & the title of the layout which was 'Escape'.

Supplies: Paper - American Crafts (Amy Tangerine), Foam Stickers - American Crafts (Amy Tangerine) Card Stock - American Crafts, Pink Fabric Star Flower - The Midnight Kraft Desk, Other - Washi Tape, Paper Flowers

Thanks for stopping by!

A 'Party' Multi Accordion Mini Album

 

In continuing with my 'mini album kick'--today I'm sharing yet another mini album.  A few months ago I ran into a video on YouTube that showed how this style of mini is made.  I found this style of album to be an efficient way of storing multiple photos about an event such as a birthday party.   So with that idea in mind, I've used the 'Party' collection to make what I'm calling a multi-accordion mini album.

Mini album is available for sale in my Etsy shop 'The Midnight Kraft Desk'.  Feel free to stop by if interested.

You can find the video I used as a guide for making this mini here.  Unfortunately for those that stink in math (this includes me)--the video provides all the measurements in centimeters.  As mentioned, I used the video as a guide since my final design is different from the one in the video & I translated all of my measurements into inches.  This was a lot of trial & error for me.  Refer to the 'stink in math' sentence from before.  I went through several prototypes as I figured out my final design & got my math right.  In doing so though--I also figured out that you can adapt this type of mini into different sizes which is awesome!  I'm currently working on one that has eight photo placeholders on three accordion rows that will hold 3" x 3" inch photos.

 

When closed, the mini measures 10 1/4" x 3 1/4" inches & as shown in the video that I referenced, I'm using a sliding belly band as the closure for the mini.

 

The mini has covers made out of medium weight chipboard.

 

When the mini is opened, it extends into this accordion wonderland that can hold multiple photos and even journaling.  This mini has five rows with six photo place holders on each row; meaning that this mini can hold up to 30 photos.  The mini was designed to hold small photos.  Each photo placeholder measures 2" x 3" inches.   

The other cool thing about this mini is that the design allows it to stand & be displayed on any shelf, table, desk etc...

 

On the back cover, I added a tag that can be used to store journaling, dates or thoughts.

Below is a video showcasing this mini.  When open, it spreads out fairly large & it was difficult to take photos of it.  So a video was the best way that I could show how this mini works.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Paper - Authentique Party Collection, Embellishments - Authentique Party Detail Stickers, Other - Medium Weight Chipboard, Fabric Flowers

PageMaps Teamup - Frontier Layout

 

Authentique is teaming up with PageMaps for the month of July!  For my PageMaps project--I jumped at the chance to work with a 12x12 sketch.  I hadn't done a layout in a very long time & was looking forward to working on one again.  Layouts were the very first thing I started working with when I began dabbling in scrapbooking--so it was nice to go back to good ol' fashioned 12x12 layouts.

For this past Father's Day, I took several pictures of the two most important guys in my life--my husband & son.  I gave them the matching t-shirts seen in the photos as a Father's Day gift & then went on a photo shoot roll!  :-)  I loved many of the pictures I took--these two are just a few of my faves.  I used Authentique's 'Frontier' collection for my layout.  I felt that the masculine theme & colors from the 'Frontier' collection complimented my photos perfectly.

 

Here's the PageMaps sketch that my layout is based on.  I especially enjoyed the elements shown underneath the photos because these could be just about any sort of embellishment.  I ended up using a combination of hexagon, stars & circle shapes.

Here's a close up of my embellishment cluster with all the different shapes.  In addition to the shapes, I further decorated these embellishments by adding sequins, mini spiral paper clips & black ink splatters.

In this pocket I stored several tags made from the leftover scraps plus two journaling cards where I plan to add dates, thoughts & memories about this day from my point of view.

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Sketch - PageMaps, Punches - Fiskars, Dies - Tim Holtz, Other - Sequins, Mini Spiral Paper Clips

Thanks for stopping by!

A 'Freedom' Start Effect Card

 

In going through my usual strolls on Pinterest I came upon this unusual, yet eye-catching card design. From what I've seen, it's called a 'Star Effect Card'. It's a standing card that can be displayed on a desk or shelf & has a 'star' design which is where I'm assuming it got it's name from.

Card is available for sale in my Etsy shop--The Midnight Kraft Desk.  Feel free to visit if interested.

I've used papers from Authentique's 'Freedom' collection to make the card.

This card was made for Authentique to commemorate Memorial day; however the design of this card would fit in nicely with the upcoming 4th of July holiday as well.  I followed a really great tutorial I found on YouTube for making the card. You can find the tutorial here.

Card measures approximately 5" x 5" inches when standing & can fold flat. It fits into a 6" x 6" inch envelope for mailing.

 

Memorial Day is a time to reflect & be thankful for all the men & women that sacrificed so much for this country. Being a second generation immigrant; I feel nothing but grateful for what this country has given me. Thanks to the opportunities this country offers, I've been able to become the first person in my family to earn a college degree. Not only do I have a Bachelors degree but pursued my education further & I also have a Masters. These opportunities would've exist if it weren't for all those men & women that fought for our freedom.

My parents who are first generation immigrants are now American citizens & they often tell me how even though it wasn't easy for them; they're still grateful for being able to work & earn a living. They became more than what they imagined they could be when they made the decision to relocate back in the early 70's.

 

The two pieces that criss cross in the front of the card can be removed--so one can write a sentiment inside the card if desired.

 

I opted to add a very small pocket inside the card where one can write a small sentiment. 

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Other - Mini Gold Pocket

A 'Refreshed' Honeycomb Mini Album

 

Here in the North East it's finally starting to feel like Spring.  Well sort of.  We've had a rough start to Spring meaning that the Snow Miser just didn't want to let go this year.  I'm a fan of Spring & Fall.  I love those nice, perfect, not-so-cold & not-so-hot days.  However, this year we sort of went from cold right into just plain hot!  This is where the 'sort of' comes in.  So in honor of the Spring that we didn't really have--I made this honeycomb shaped mini album with the 'Refreshed' collection by Authentique.  If there's one thing we DID have this Spring--besides cooler than normal weather--was rain!

Mini album is for sale in my Etsy shop The Midnight Kraft Desk.  If interested, feel free to visit my shop here.

So during one of my many Pinterest 'stalking' sessions--I ran across this photo.  The author called it a 'Bee Book' & it contains the poem The Bee Boy’s Song written by Rudyard Kipling in 1906.  If interested you can read the entire post here.

When I saw this photo I figured why not turn this into a mini album.  It'd make for a really cute, simple & unique way of storing Spring themed photos.  So that's what I did.  :-)

 

I refer to my version of this project as the 'honeycomb' mini album.  I've used the Nestabilities Hexagon Etched die set by Spellbinders to cut out the base of the mini. 

 

In order to turn this into a mini, I've added gussets to each 'page'.  Each page has a 1/4" inch gusset except for the very top page which needs a wider gusset since it covers the entire thickness of the album.  So the top page has a 3/8" inch gusset.

 

Each page folds out & eventually turns into one big 'honeycomb' design.  I've also added pockets to the mini.  Two are horizontal pockets & two are vertical. Each pocket has it's own honeycomb shaped tag for journaling purposes.

The closure of the mini was made by adhering a small strip of white card stock on the page beneath the top page.  This strips serves as a 'notch' where the top page tucks into.  I can't say I'm 100% pleased with this type of closure.  I think next time I'm just going to keep it simpler & just use magnets as the closure.

 

Here's a photo of the mini when completely open.

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Embellishments - Authentique, Dies - Spellbinders, Other - Glitter Washi Tape 

Find below a video showcasing this mini.  It's easier to display in a video versus photos.  

Enjoy & happy Spring!

An 'Accolade' Criss Cross Accordion Pocket Mini Album With Tutorial

 

Am back today with a much promised tutorial for Authentique.  I was finally able to put together the tutorial for creating the 'criss cross' accordion pockets originally seen in my 'Jubilee' mini album shown here.

For this tutorial, I've used the 'Accolade' collection by Authentique which is a graduation themed paper collection.  I myself am a fan of graduation themed projects.   I love the overall sense of accomplishment one receives when finally earning that degree.  It's rewarding at all levels; rewarding for the one who's graduating & rewarding for their loves ones who can witness such a fabulous & enriching life achievement.

This mini album is available for sale in my Etsy shop, The Kraft Nook.  If interested, feel free to visit my small shop here.

I kept the front of the mini to what I consider to be 'gender neutral'.  I chose instead to decorate it with a cut apart from the collection that consisted of a saying that I felt went well with the overall theme of this mini.

 

With this mini I did include a closure.  I felt that the 'Jubilee' mini needed a closure since the tags tend to fall out from the right end of the mini album if handled a certain way.  So I added a simple ribbon closure.  This keeps everything stored inside the mini right where they belong! 

 

This mini measures 6 1'4" x 4 1/4" inches & has a 1" inch spine.  Both covers & spine are made out of medium weight chipboard.  

 

The inside of the mini has seven 'criss cross' accordion pockets that hold seven large tags.  Each large tag measures 6" x 3 3/4" inches.  I've also included several cut aparts from the collection.  Since the pockets are accordion style, they do expand & allow for extra items to be stored inside them.  Each pocket can hold photos, inserts & other memorabilia in addition to the large tag. 

The pockets measure 4" inches wide--in addition to the large tags, you can store free standing 4" x 6", 3" x 5" inch & wallet sized photos.   Only the 4" x 6" inch photos would probably need to be trimmed by an 1/8" of an inch to comfortably fit into the pockets.    

 

Find below two videos.  One is an overview of the mini & the second video is the tutorial showing how the 'criss cross' pockets are made.

Supplies: Paper - Authentique, Dies - Impression Obsession, Other - Glitter Washi Tape, Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by & enjoy!