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My very first mini album...well....not so mini 25th Wedding Anniversay Pressie

My very first mini album...well....not so mini 25th Wedding Anniversay Pressie

From these.....

To this..
This is my very first album so please be gentle!!  It is my Uncle and Aunts 25th wedding anniversary today and all those years ago I was their 6 year old flower girl and having seen the photos last night, I havent changed a bit!!  They had a big party last night to celebrate in their massive barn at their beautiful house in Wicklow.  They didn't want gifts but there was no way I could turn up empty handed.  They love taking photos so I thought I could making a journalling photo album so they could have a memory album of their anniversary.  

I wanted to keep this quite plain and not too bulky an album as I wanted it to be a "working" album as such.  I think sometimes its very easy to get carried away and add too much embellishments to an album which makes it difficult to then use even though they are beautiful pieces of artwork.  But as it was my Uncle and Aunts 25th Wedding Anniversary I knew they would want to put photos of the party in it and I wanted them to have space to write in it too, because no doubt there would be funny instances to write in it, for example.....a re-enactment of the dirty dancing finale scene!  It came to the big jump which subsequently pulled down ALL the lights in the barn!!

WHAT I USED AND DID

These albums are usually called mini Albums I suppose but its not that mini really.  I used manilla envelopes that I bought in the pound shop which were brilliant to use.  I just sealed the envelope and cut them open at the side so I could place journalling/photo tags in. 

To make the envelopes a bit sturdier I simply glued plain card onto each one back and front.  The papers I used are from the K&Co collection that I bought from Crafts Super Store.  Most definitely the best and biggest collection of 12x12 papers Ive bought (other than Tim Holtz;s papers.....yummy!) but then I don't actually have much paper!  Such a bargain too, £19.99 for 360 12x12 papers!!  Here's the link, (Link no longer working)

So here's a photo of the pages and the tags which were also double sided.  I didn't embellish the tags as they would be too bulky for the pockets and I wanted them plain for journalling or photos.  I also used my Tim Holtz Tiny tabs and tags die for the tabs on the tags and you will see some of the small tags throughout the album.  I used papermania Kraft cardstock for the tabs, tags and inside covers of the album which is amazing card stock.  Incredible quality and only £4.49 for 20 12x12 sheets, you can find it here Sadly link is no longer in service)

The pages

The pages with the tags inserted into the pockets

Other side of the tags
I made the album cover myself with 2mm mount board and I bought binder spines/rings from ebay.  The binder rings are so difficult to find unless you buy the Tim Holtz ones.  But I personally find those too expensive for getting only 2 in a pack so I had to buy in bulk!!  So the least I could buy was 100.  I now have 100 1 inch binder ring spines now so I may sell some from my blog here if anyone needs them, just email me on my contact button at the top and I'll see what I can sort out with you.  Even I dont think I would go through 100!!

I just decorate the outside simply.  Used all my own handmade flowers on the outside and throughout the album.  I think I'd get a hell of a lot of stick if I used bought flowers!!

I'll just show you the photos now as they are pretty self explanatory.

My handmade flowers and lace flower

Inside cover and first page

First page

My lolliop flower (tutorial on my blog)

2nd and 3rd pages

Handmade flower and used ribbon to make a photo frame

3rd page space for photo and journal pocket (MS punch)

4th page, individual photo mats, peel off edges

5th page. Lollipop flower and ribbon frame with journalling tag
Tim Holtz stamp on the tag

6th page, my handmade lace and fabric flower with pearl string frame

My flower

Page 7, I used the tags as photo grames but can be used as journalling spots

Page 8, kept this plain for photos or writing. Tim Holtz tags die and stamps

Tim Holtz tags die and stamps, photo mats or journalling tags

Page 9, made another little photo mat or journal page to slip into the spine panel

Another of my handmade flowers

Page 10, just used paper and peel offs to make photo frames or journalling spots
Page 11.  Handmade rose and ribbon frame and a wee tag with a
See D's heart stamp

Page 12.  Just a plain page with a tag

Side profile with tags sticking out

Above profile

JUST A QUICK NOTE BEFORE I GO...... When making these albums you must remember when making your covers width, to allow for the binder rings.  What I mean is when you are measuring the front and back cover, add an inch more than the size of you envelopes as once you put them in the ring binder you are essentially adding on the width of the rings too to the width size of your album.  I very nearly had a disaster at one point where the pages where poking out a mile from the side of the album.  Luckily I spotted it and rectified the mistake, but it did mean chopping off some of the pretty cream side panels I'd made so my Martha Stewart punched cream card stock isn't as lovely looking as it once was!!

Any questions, as usual ask whatever you like.  I'm very happy to help.  Hope everyone has a fabulous crafty bank holiday Monday.

Ps.  If anyone is finding it difficult to get their hands on the 1" binder ring spines (which obviously have the 2 rings on them) or just doesn't want to have to spend silly money on them, as I said I bought 100 of them.  So I am willing to sell some on if you need some. They are almost 5" in length and very sturdy.  So give me a shout on my "contact me" button at the top righthand side of my blog and I'll get back to you asap.  Sorry but I can only post to UK and Ireland only.  The postage would be too expensive beyond that as they are an awkward thing to post because of their shape.  I will have to work out the best way to package them myself.....hmmmm??!!

Loops xx

I am in no way linked to or affiliated with any of the companies or products I used or mentioned.  The products I use and companies I have given links to are merely products and companies I personally like to use.

Would you like to buy me a coffee?  Here is the link to my Ko-Fi page.  Thanks ever so much xx

Comments

  1. Gorgeous Lee-I have always wanted to make one of these and I will be popping along and having a peek at your instructions-thank you!!! Is the K&CO paper good? I was going to buy but then saw some bad reviews so I didnt :-/ Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my blog, you always make my day :-) Happy Bank Holiday! Elaine-xxx-

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  2. Morning Lee
    this is Stunning, Love it I got a packet of K&Co papers if i told you how much i paid for them you will be shocked, Love everything you done with this album and the flowers are amazing as always they will love it, its perfect, Lovely Gift they can treasure,Your work is amazing..
    Hope you Have a good day

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  3. Beautiful Lee. I bet your Aunt and Uncle will be so pleased with it!! (PS - thanks for the comment on my blog x)

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  4. Gorgeous! I'm loving your handmade flowers!
    Thanks for visiting my blog today!
    :-)

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  5. stunning lee,gorgous,gorgous,love your flowers as always,your aunt & uncle will treasure this album.well done beautiful work. sue xx

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  6. OMW...this is so beautiful Lee...Such a gorgeous keepsake and I bet your Uncle and Aunt just loved it hun...

    have a lovely evening...hugs Vicky xx

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  7. I have a huge pad of those papers! hmmm maybe this can go on my 'to do' list, thanks for the inspiration =)
    kim
    x

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  8. It is a beautiful album :) I love how the envelopes don't look like envelopes anymore and the photo/journalling tags idea :)

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  9. Wow just love the look. Very well thought out. Love the papers too and all the bits and bobs you used. You are so clever Lee xx

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  10. Amazing love your project a real stunner
    Hugs Louise xx

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  11. Hi Lee, wow! this is absolutely stunning hun. I love the gorgeous papers and fab details, especially those beautiful flowers. Your Aunt & Uncle will cherish it.

    Donna x

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  12. what a stunning present, I bet your Aunt and Ubcle were delighted! a fantastic reminder of the big day/night lol
    Tilly

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  13. This is wonderful lee such amazing work and fabulous details hugs Rebekah xx

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  14. wow wow wow Lee this is an amazing piece of work...they will treasure it for many years to come and another fantastic tutorial
    Mina xxx

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  15. lee - this is just gorgeous!!
    bet it went down a treat!!!
    how do you affix the binder rings to the cover???
    also wondering how you stuck the pearl strings down? i've got some but have only used once from memory!!
    kathleen mc xx

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  16. Wow! This is gorgeous Lee! Love how you've used the manilla envelopes...yours are much cooler looking over there than here! Such a thoughtful gift and I'm sure your Aunt and Uncle will treasure it!
    It sounds like the party was lots of fun, too! :)

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  17. Lee you say I am creative oh boy this is creative!!!!! This album is Fabulous and wow you sure did an awesome job on this!!!!! Wow I absolutely love this project!!!! You are a talented lady for sure!!!!!!! Love it!!!!!

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  18. Such a fabulous piece of work for them to treasure!

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  19. wow this is fantastic lee.such beautiful colours and details ;D

    xx coops xx

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  20. Hi Lee,another STUNNING and imaginative creation i really love it.Must have taken you ages,it's really Beautiful.xx

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  21. Hi lee thanks so much for stopping by my blog and wow so glad I popped by this is just stunning you have put so much time and effect it in it shows how talented you are!!!! from diva

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  22. wow how absolutely lovely ... you must have had great fun doing it ... I made my Mum a 80th birthday book/card ~ loved doing it and when I had finished it I was really lost ... it felt like when you finish a good book ... I am sure Paddy and Jennifer will treasure it ... well done and happy crafting ... love sandy xx

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  23. This is a wonderful creation hun xxx

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  24. It is amazing to see how you turn those envelope into a beautiful album, lots of your beautiful handmade flowers, what a treat!!!!

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  25. What a work of {he}art! I love this project - what an amazing album and keepsake you have created for your dear Aunty and Uncle! I love all the layouts - and the awesome way to make the pages with the envelopes and how you covered it with the gorgeous DP! Its presents like this that really mean the most - you are simply the awesomest to create such an amazing gift for your aunt/uncle!
    Sending you big hugs!
    Sankari :)

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  26. What a gorgeous gift! I'm sure your Uncle and Aunt are going to LOVE it!
    Sylvia xx

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  27. I am sure your Aunt and Uncle will adore this gorgeous creation. I also love the beautiful box in the post below.

    Just wanted to thank you so much for your visits to me, they are so appreciated and I am just sorry I can't spend more time front of the screen so I could visit more often - c'est la vie.

    B x

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  28. Fab blog Lee, you've been working hard again :)
    Thanks for teaching me how to get this comment thing to work :) Maddy x

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  29. wow absolutely stunning bet they where chuffed to bits a really stunning keepsake one to treasure.
    Chris x

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  30. Oh my goodness Lee, this is stunning. I wouldn't have known where to start..... but I do now!! Thanks for the link to those fab papers.
    Take Care Debs xx

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  31. Stunning album - I'm sure your Aunt and Uncle will treasure it for many years to come. What a wonderful keepsake.
    xxx

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  32. A beautiful keepsake. I am enjoying looking at your lovely blog.

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  33. Lee, you are a natural scrapbooker, this project is awesome!! your aunt and uncle will be blown away by your stunning creativity!! Fi x (late leapblogging)

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  34. Wow! What a gorgeous gift, I'm sure your aunt and uncle will love filling it up and it will always be treasured. Stunning work. :) x

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Helloooooo! Anybody out there??!! Hey....there you are! Thanks for leaving a comment and stopping by my Blog. Lee x