Easy DIY Pocket Mini Book (Christmas Edition)

 Hi, it's Lisa here.

Today I'm sharing with you a super cute little tag mini book.

Mine is a Christmas version, but you can switch your papers and make one to suit what you need it for.

This is actually my first Christmas make of the year.

If you are a crafter, you do need to start early.

I love making gifts, so these can't be left until the last minute as we run out of time.

So I recommend starting earlier : )

It was these tags here that inspired this new project.

From  

49 & Market Vicki Boutin Mistletoe & Memories

 You can see the whole collection here.

And I have a video making this mini book if you'd like to see the step by steps here.

To start you need to create the little individual pockets.

These are the dimensions I use. And I like to create a sample first on printer paper so I don't ruin my precious scrapbooking papers whilst practicing. 

I cut 6 pieces from scrapbooking papers measuring 10x20cm.

And then fold along the lines shown here.

 

The pockets then get stuck in place using double sided sticky.

The tags cut and I've stapled fabric scraps on to each tag.

These Rosies Studio stickers are a perfect match and I've used these to decorate my pockets front and back.

And then once finished, I've stuck the pockets together using sticky tape which you can see in the video.

Using a hot glue gun I've added a bow and some trimmings to finish.

 I love how this has turned out.

And it came together so quickly.

Because you have the pockets you can also add extra pieces when you start adding your memories.

Extra photos, stories and memorabile can be popped in.

A great little project for yourself or a gift.

I hope you feel inspired to make one : )

Have fun.

Lisa x

Sizzix - Eileen Hull Collection - Colour Wheel, Swatch Cards and Rainbow Wheels

I recently purchased a set of Sizzix products designed by Elaine Hull from Papermaze. They included: A5 Clear Stamps Set 24PK - Swatch Cards, Thinlits 9PK Die Set - Rainbow Wheels and Layered Stencils 3PK - Colour Wheel. This collection together with my Distress Inks gave me a variety of possibilities. There are plenty of ideas on the Sizzix web site including links to some You Tube videos. 

Here is a selection of things I made using these new tools:



First of all I made a layout, based on an idea by Jess Jones of Sizzix and changed to meet my plans. 



I cut some scrap paper down to 11" x 11" and placed it in the centre of the 12" x 12" Smooth White Bazzill, I had selected for the layout. I used the smaller piece as a mask, and with a blending tool I inked Distress Inks around the edge of the layout in a rainbow sequence. I removed the mask and flicked some of the colours over the page.  

I stamped the above image onto watercolour paper, and  cut it out with the largest circle die. Then I used Distress Inks, watered down on the craft mat and painted the segments. 

With the stencils I created the colour wheel above onto watercolour paper, then covered it by cutting the overlay from white cardstock and sticking it in place over the top. I trimmed the stencilled wheel from under the die. I stamped the small wheel with 12 sections (also watercolour paper), and cut it out with the smallest circle die. I painted each section with more Distress Inks.  I cut three silver arrows using the dies, and attached them to the colour wheel centres, with small brads. 

I stamped the swatch card onto watercolour paper, and painted each panel as before, I stamped the 'colour swatch' phrase into place. I cut the card out with scissors. I also stamped three paintbrushes, painted them and cut them out. 

With a set of alphabet dies I cut my title from more watercolour paper, and painted each letter with a different colour of Distress Ink. All the elements and the photo were arranged onto the page and stuck in place. I added the date with some Doodlebug Designs Rubons. 

Next, I made a set of three Birthday cards using similar techniques to the layout, various card blanks and some scrap patterned papers. 

I decided as the small colour wheel has sixteen little pallets and the Distress Ink and Distress Watercolour Pencil tins each hold the same number of inks or pencils, that I would use the stamps and dies to organise and label my tins.

The pencil tins already have an acetate sheet to protect them, so I attached the colour wheels to this, so it shows through the lid. I wrote the initials of each colour over the inked colour. For the Distress Inks, I cut a piece of acetate to fit over the inks, and rounded the corners with a punch. I used this to attach the colour wheels.

I hope this has been useful and interesting. 
Thanks for looking.
Lynn x

Carta Bella Honeybee | Precious Moments | Rebecca Bee

 

Hello everyone! Rebecca Bee here. The weeks are whizzing by and I can't believe it's my turn again to share what I have been up to! The minute I saw the Carta Bella Honey Bee collection I knew it was for me, its SO GORGEOUS! I absolutely love it! 

The limited colour palette, the slightly vintage feel, the bee theme...its so beautiful and perfect to scrap a variety of photo themes. I absolutely adore any kind of ledger paper, so I was really attracted (like honey to the bee!) to the Bee Kind Layout paper. I used a craft knife to slice around the edge of the flowers so I could tuck my photos behind them. I them added some black ink splatters around the edge of where my photos would sit This helps bed the photos into the background paper and gives them somewhere to "sit".

I added some fussy cut honeycomb hexagons from the Honeycomb Clusters paper behind the photo and tucked some of the flower stickers from the Element Stickers sheet

I had some photos which were the perfect colour and theme for this collection- they were taken on a sunflower patch a couple of years ago. And you just know that we were intentionally wearing yellow and green because I knew I'd be scrapbooking these photos some day- you know how the mind of a scrapbooker works! 

Finally I finished the layout off with a perspex piece and some stamping to form my title. I really adore this gorgeous collection and can't wait to use it again! Until next time! Rebecca Bee aka @scrap_paper_uk

XOXO

Photoplay - Lucky Cat - Enjoy Every Moment

Hi there,

Claire here with my second layout using the Photoplay Lucky Cat collection.

Today, my layout is calm and serene as i'm scrapping photographs of one of our visits to a temple whilst in Japan.

In total contract to my first layout, I'm starting with my usual Premium White Cardstock. 

I took a circle template and brushed Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide across it to create a circle of pale blue ink to act as an anchor from which to build my design.

I added Bundled Sage Distress Oxide to a piece of the Lanterns paper (b side) to help the green pop and adhered this centrally across the circle. On top of that I layered the Lucky Cat paper which i'd cut into a fishtail.

Across the middle, I adhered three photos to the b side of the Cherry Blossoms paper, and raised on foam for extra depth between each paper layer.

I kept the embellishing simple, adding Element Stickers to each side of my photo strip.

I couldn't resist those gorgeous lanterns which I added to the top of the design, and finished with a final Sticker to create my title.

I hope you've enjoyed this calmer layout and the versatility of this collection.

I'll be back next month to share some more creative ideas, but until then, you can check out this collection in full here.

Claire xx

@scrappysoulmate

Gather Together - Simple Stories - Simple Vintage Autumn Breeze Collection

Hi everyone!

It’s Rebecca here, sharing my final layout for September. This month, I’ve been fully embracing the autumn vibes, crafting with the gorgeous Simple Vintage Autumn Breeze collection by Simple Stories. Packed with rich, traditional fall colours, it’s perfect for documenting everything from woodland walks to pumpkin picking adventures! You can find the full collection in the shop here.

To begin, I cut several strips from various patterned papers. I chose a wider strip to create a strong vertical base, then layered in some narrower horizontal strips to build depth. I distressed all the edges using the blade of my scissors—one of my go-to techniques for adding texture.

Next, I positioned my two circular photos slightly overlapping at the center of the page. I opted for two different sizes to keep things visually interesting. In the space beside them, I added my title using two of the Foam Stickers.

To extend the design diagonally across the page, I tucked two larger floral clusters from the Floral Bits & Pieces just beneath the photos so that only parts of them peeked out. I love how the bottom cluster blends seamlessly into the photo, especially with the little pumpkins—it feels like a natural extension!

With the main elements in place, I turned my attention to the smaller details. I scattered a few word and phrase stickers from the Elements Stickers sheet, staggering them in a way that echoes the title. I also added some foam sticker hearts for extra dimension.

The layout felt balanced, but I still wanted to add a little something more. Rather than piling on more embellishments, I chose a softer touch—subtle stenciling. Using a leafy stencil from my stash and Wild Honey Distress Ink, I applied the ink in soft circular motions with a blending brush for a delicate autumnal background.

To finish the page, I framed the entire layout with a darker patterned paper from the collection. This helped ground the design and balanced out the white space beautifully. As a final touch, I sprinkled a few sequins across the page to add just the right amount of sparkle.

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading! I’ll be back next month with a brand new collection—most likely something spooky and fun for Halloween!

Take care,
Rebecca xx

@preciouspagespapercraft

Simple Stories ~ Happy Travels ✈️ #2

Hi everyone, it’s Anna back with you today. I’m sharing my second layout using Simple Stories Happy Travels. 

You can find this collection in the shop here. 

To create this layout, I started with the b side of ‘Here & Now’ as my base. 

I then cut out a large circle from some white bazzill cardstock and a thinner boarder circle ‘Scenic Route’ 

I mounted my photo on to some coordinating cardstock from the matchmaker pack and double mounted on to the b side of journal elements. 

I cut out a journaling card from the journal elements and adhered it to the right of my photo. 

I then added various stickers from the element stickers and placed them in a cluster across the page. 

I fussy cut some clouds from ‘scenic route’ and adhered them to the top right of the circle. 

Thanks so much for looking! 

See you next month with a new collection. 

Anna 

@acraftylifewithanna

September Crop

 We are heading full steam towards this month's crop on Saturday, in our usual venue of Otley Village Hall.  This month's beautiful kit has been created by Janina...   

There will be the usual array of home-baked cakes, tea & coffee, plus punches and dies for you to use.  The crop starts at 10am and ends at 4pm, and you get a discount on any goodies you buy in the shop.  If you'd like to join us, just drop me a message!

Carta Bella It's Autumn - Autumn Colours

Hello, Karen here. 

Whilst visiting the website for Echo Park / Carta Bella recently I stumbled across their free downloadable PDF project instructions. These projects are created by the Echo Park Design Team and each PDF is a complete guide that includes a photo of a finished project, a detailed supply list of the Echo Park/Carta Bella products used, and step-by-step instructions. I decided to put one of these projects to the test, and I can't recommend them enough. So, if you're looking for more inspiration (than you can find on this blog!) be sure to check out their website for some free inspiration on how to use the collections stocked in the Papermaze shop.

The project I chose was designed for Carta Bella's "On The Farm" collection, but I decided to adapt it using the beautiful "It's Autumn" collection instead. I made a few small changes to the layout to suit the papers and embellishments I had.

I began by taking a sheet of white cardstock. After trimming it slightly, I adhered it to the B-side of the Multi Journaling Cards paper, creating a narrow border around the outside.

Using white thread, I machine-stitched a straight line around the inside edge of the white cardstock.

Towards the top of the layout I layered pieces of the Pumpkin to Talk About, Color of Fall Leaves and Fall Festivities papers. On top of the layered papers I added 3 photos which had been matted with white cardstock. I added 3D foam under the photos to add some dimension.

Beneath the layers of paper and photos, I added the title. The words were cut using my Silhouette machine with papers from the collection. To make the letters in the word 'Autumn' stand out, I created white mats for each one before sticking them to the page.

Journaling was printed onto white cardstock and after punching the left edge with a notebook border punch, the journaling block was tucked beneath the title.

I embellished the layout with stickers from the Element Stickers sheet and a few enamel dots.

This project came together so quickly and I'll definitely be taking advantage of the free project instructions on the Echo Park and Carta Bella websites again.

Until next time, Take Care.

Karen x x