The Making of a Mini Book

I got started on this mini book late last week. Well, actually, the week before. I'd been on Donna Downey's blog and she posted a video about making album pages using newspaper. So I got out the old newspapers and my glue stick and started on the pages. After tearing and gluing and inking up my fingers something awful, I had about six pages. I let them dry and then I used one layer of acrylic paint and I let that dry. That's when I took a break.

What to do w/these messy pages ... I finally jotted down some items that I could include in an "All About Me" album. I've been wanting to make more mini books ... why not now?

Well, I've made much progress, but it's an interesting process for me. The very reason why I like to make cards - I feel that I can do nothing else until this album is complete. Bummer for me especially since I had to order a wallet-sized picture of my Jeep; that would be a 'special' order ... maybe it will arrive in the mail tomorrow.

Meanwhile ... here's a look at the cover. Love this. Oh another thing, I decided that I would only use scraps and other embellishments that were laying around and/or had never been used before. I like the collage/eclectic look too.

Thanks for looking ... here's what I used:

base: cardboard
patterned paper: K&Co. Basic Grey, craft supply
chipboard elements: American Crafts
twine: Darice
flower: Prima
letter stickers: American Crafts and Paper Studio
button and bling: unknown
stamp: Inkadinkadoo
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
other: Fiskars Texture Plates

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much!

I'm manufacturing cards like my life depends on it! It is my therapy. So much fun.

I like the colors on this set; again using my fav cardstock. And I have adopted this design as my fav. It's really easy to use the design when mass producing. I also like the design because that is not a lot of bulkiness so it should not need additional postage when mailing.

Here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co./Amy Butler and My Mind's Eye
stamp: Hero Arts
ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger
scalloped circle die: Quickutz
circle punch: EK Success
other: Fiskars Threading Water Punch

It's the same thing, only different

So I've fallen in love w/my this little design. It's so simple and easy to put a card together. When I use the monogram I have the Photoshop template to work with or I can easily stamp a sentiment. I can use the Cuttlebug or not.

So here is a set of cards that I made for my girlfriends birthday. Now, if you ask "Did she get them on her birthday?" the answer is no. I will be hand delivering these babies.

Oh, but let me also say that I did not use ribbon or any foam adhesive (to give it some dimension) because I went to the post office the other day and they charged me 62 cents for postage on one of my cards. The reasoning: it's non-bendable - not because of the weight. What?
Here's what I used:
cardstock: craft supply and Die Cuts With A View (DCWV)
patterned paper: My Mind's Eye
sentiment created using Adobe Photoshop CS3
scalloped circle die cut: Quickutz
scalloped edge: Fiskars Threading Water Punch

12 = a Dozen ... cards

I made a nice like pack of monogram note cards for my friend. She's been really busy, but has taken the time to do some kinds things for me. She loves to send out notes, this is perfect for her.

Here's what I used:
monogram: created using Adobe Photoshop CS3
cardstock: craft supply
patterned paper: K&Co.
ribbon: Michaels and others
scalloped circle: QuicKutz
circle punch: EK Success
scalloped edge: Fiskars Threading Water punch
embossing: Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots embossing folder

Papertrey's May Blog Hop

Papertrey's Monthly Blog Hop's are so much fun. I usually troll the web for ideas and inspiration anyway, but I love this concept.

So, count me in! I think I actually started on my cards in the 4 p.m. hour.

Oh, the challenge was to use scoring on the projects - well, challenge indeed, since I do not own a Scor-Pal or Scor It. The scoring is faint, but it is there. I have three cards to share - TFL:

Briefly here's what I worked with:
cardstock: Bazzill
patterned paper: Papertrey Ink
flower punch: EK success
ribbon: Michaels
stamps: Hero Arts
ink: VersaMagic and VersaMark
dry embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder
embossing powder: Ranger and Joann
bling: craft supply
scalloped edge: Fiskars Threading Water Punch

Enjoy hopping around ... crafters!


UPDATE: I made this card too and added it at the last minute; though there is no scoring on this one.

My Wish List

So I've been crafting and crafting and having a good time. However, I have made some time to browse the web and see all the new goodies or goodies that I just don't have. Thus, my list of things that I don't have, that I want and I want them soon:

• Nestabilities basic and scalloped ovals: I want to use these nested, of course, but I like the idea of stamping sentiments in the center UPDATE: purchased the basic set on 4.25
  
• I love the Cuttlebug embossing folders and although I have several I do not have the much coveted Swiss Dots of the Swirls = must haves UPDATE: purchased both on 4.25
  
• Fiskars Treading Water border punch is just a really cool item. I like scalloped edges, but this has a twist w/a hole in it as well - check the visual on this one
• Papertrey Ink's ribbon is gorgeous and elegant and it, too, is a must have
• The Papertrey Ink Polka Dot Stamp Set (acrylic) is awesome. I saw an example where the dots were heat embossed; lovely
  
• The Scor-Pal seems kinda cool ... I've seen some projects that were completed using this tool and I like the results UPDATE: I'm now leaning toward the large Scor It, after consulting with three different people who own a Scor It.
  

I think when all is said and done, this list alone will set me back by nearly $200 ... whoa!

Ready ... Set ... Submit!

Here's a card that I conjured up for a submission to Cards Mag.

To me it seems like a lot is going on ... but I like that. The card 4 x 4 3/4, which is an unusual size, but I halfed a 4 x 9 1/2 card. Good stuff.

Also, my brother gave me the low down on adding a watermark to my pix. Cool.

card base: K & Co.

cardstock: K & Co. and craft supply

epoxy sticker: Colorbok

metal word: Making Memories

rick rack: Creative Impressions

Flower and heart die cut: Quickutz

corner punch: Fiskars

embossing: Cuttlebug

stamp: Anita's

ink: Tim Holtz/Ranger

New Scrapbooking Store near Cambridge, Ohio

Well folks ... I am on a mission to get some of my cards published in a national magazine. I have my eye on Cards, but there is also Paper Trends. In the future, I hope to submit to Take Ten and eventually Paper Crafts and
Creating Keepsakes. I subscribe to most of those and/or read them frequently.

Meanwhile, I will be teaching some card classes in the near future. There is a new scrapbooking store in Cambridge, Ohio. I will be teaching a class there in late September.

Expression Connection
60151 Vahala Lane; Byesville, Ohio
740.439.9890
Hours: Monday thru Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, 12 noon - 5 p.m

The card posted is one that is a part of the class kit. I will probably teach at least one card class per month. Additionally, I will be teaching a Holiday card class in New Concord in November.

That's it for now ... I only spent $30 on crafting supplies today ... but it's only Thursday and I will be in a big city this weekend. Wish me luck!