Suzanne here, featuring the Off to School line by Fancy Pants. I think I am just about finished with my stash from this school collection! It was instantly one of my favorite collections, and I knew I wanted to create a mini album for my daughter. My oldest daughter is entering Seventh grade this year! This is going to be a very special year for her, and I wanted a quick way to help her document some of the special moments.
So today, I will be sharing a few steps in my process for creating the cover of this album. I am a big fan of mini albums, and if given a broad assignment, more than likely I will be creating a mini! My first step in the mini album process is creating the cover. This is my absolute favorite thing to do! I know some like to work in the inside first, but my cover inspires the inside.
ABC Mini Album
This is the cover of the album. I used 8 x 8 chipboard sheets that I found recently in my scrapbooking stash for this mini album. After creating this book, I realize that this just might be my favorite size.
Detail of the ruler, and fun School themed chipboard elements included in this collection!
Fancy Pants supplies:
Off To School: Patterned Paper
Off To School: Chipboard Elements
Off To School: Journaling Spots
Off To School: Rubons
Other supplies:
Twine
String
Ruler
Silver Brads
Embossing Folders
Paper Sacks
Here are a few things you will need to get started:
8x8 Blank Chipboard Sheets
exacto knife
Pencil
8 inch ruler: I simply purchase this ruler at my office supply store, and then went into Lowes. They were very helpful, and trimmed my ruler free of charge! (Yes, they did ask why I wanted it cut down to size!)
Here, I covered the cover with the No.2 pencils patterned paper.
Next, you are going to need a corner chomper, and a 4 3/4 x 6 inches piece of chipboard. Grab your pencil, and doodle a roof to a school house!
I am definitely not an artist, however, this will be just fine. Do not worry about imperfections, because we are going to hide them with paper. This is only to give our school house some dimension.
Next, go ahead and cut onto the paper of your choice. I use the solid side of the Back Cover patterned paper. Tip: Use repositional adhesive, so you can remove it from the chipboard. We need to score the paper without the chipboard on the back.
With an exacto knife, I cut around the school house shape. I did use a sanding block for some of the edges. I also corner rounded the bottom of the house.
The next step is to score every 1/2 inch on the school house shape. I simply used my scoring pad, but a metal ruler would work, too.
Here is a peek of the cover being assembled with some of the chipboard elements, and the chipboard school house:
For the door, I used a 2 x 2 white square of cardstock. I scored it down the middle, and used part of a rubon from this collection for windows. Two tiny silver brads serve as the door knobs. As you can see, I am simply layering items, and trying to determine what looks right to me. I did make changes in the final design. I included a diecut number seven to represent the grade year, and did change out the color of the bottom journaling spot. I ran it through my computer to include my daughter's name, and the upcoming school year. Finally, for the roof top, I used an oversized diecut photo corner. My chimney is 1 x 2 1/2. I did add some stitching to both elements. I chose the color black for both elements, because it reminded me of a traditional school house. However, brown will work just as well.
Now, here is a peek of some of a few inside pages:
I thought it would be fun to include an actual paper sack in the album. I did run it through an embossing folder to give it added texture. One of my go to techniques are the embossing folders. They are so easy to use, and add instant character to your papercrafts! Gabriela can now use this fun papersack, for extra photos, or it would be a great spot for journaling. I think I may add a special letter to her, written by me.
I also included a mini paper sack that I embellished with patterned paper, and string. I used one of the Off to School rubons for the top, and it is secured with a velcro enclosure. Perfect for tucking in a wallet size photo, or more special journaling.
There you have it! A fun filled mini album perfect for all the school photos I hope to capture, of my not so "little" girl! Thank you for stopping by, and cannot wait to see what you create with the Off To School Collection!
REALMENTE MUY LIIIIIIINDO!!!
Posted by: ELIZABETH | August 22, 2011 at 08:21 AM
I love it!!!
Posted by: martha g | August 22, 2011 at 08:22 AM
I have tons of these chipboard albums Now i know what i can use them for.Thanks for some inspiring ideas.
Posted by: Lori Lange | August 22, 2011 at 08:50 AM
Suzanne, this is just fabulous! You are amazing!
Posted by: Lisa Tenney | August 22, 2011 at 09:09 AM
This turned out super cute Suzanne!
Posted by: Guiseppa Gubler | August 22, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Fantastic mini, Suzanne! I love it! :)
Posted by: Deanna M | August 22, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Gorgeous album, Suzanne! Love the composition and details.
Posted by: NancyD | August 22, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Absolutely love this!!! I am hoping to make one soon! :o)
Posted by: Jenni Shamblin | August 22, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Fantastic project Suzanne...amazing Back-to-School detailing!
Posted by: Kim Watson | August 23, 2011 at 11:53 AM
This is awesome! I love this Suzanne and I love Fancy Pants!
Posted by: Lee-Anne | August 23, 2011 at 12:50 PM
OH my goodness!! Suzanne, I just love this!! I love your work so much!! I can't wait to get this collection!!
Posted by: Amy H | August 24, 2011 at 09:00 AM
What a wonderful album!
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