Tutorial: DIY Mini-Handbag Albums Remixed

 

These little albums are fun and easy to make.  They are also cute as a bug's ear.  They fit perfectly in a purse, and would make a great gift filled with pictures for family or friends.  The idea for this project is not mine.  I saw a DIY scrap booking segment on HGTV a few years back.  I don't really remember the segment, but I must of thought the project was worthy because I went to the website and downloaded the project sheet.  During my studio (I use that term loosely!) move and purge, I came across the instructions.   The original instructions definitely needed an update.  I decided to do a remix tutorial.  I hope remixing doesn't break any unwritten blog laws, or breach proper blog etiquette.   I know that this idea is not mine.  Really. I do.  

Before I get started on the nitty-gritty of this project, I want to be perfectly clear: the idea in this tutorial is not mine.  Did I already say that?  The original idea belongs to Alanna George of Colorbok.  She is much more clever than I am.  I've simply: 1) Modified the design to make it easier to construct; 2) Updated the materials to reflect what is on the market today; and, 3) Created a new envelope design since the .pdf template will no longer download to my computer.  That said, here we go...

 

DIY Mini-Handbag Albums: You Go Girl Style

Supplies:

1. 1 sheet of 12x12 double-sided scrap booking card stock

2. 1 Velcro sticky dot

3. paper adhesive

4. embellishments of your choosing (I used paper I punched with a craft punch and foam sticky dots.)

5. photo mounting corners

6. cutting tool, ruler, and something to score paper with (I use a knitting needle.  If you can't knit, you need to use these needles for something!!)

 

Directions:

For Album:

1. Cut a piece from your 12 x 12 card-stock that measures 11 1/2" x 3 5/8".

2. Measure over 2 1/2" on the short side of the paper and score using your scoring tool. (Ima Dork alert: Ignore the placement of my ruler.  The measurement truly is 2 1/2 ''.)                

3. Fold paper on the score line.  Accordion fold the remaining width of the paper. After four accordion folds, you will have a tab left over. The tab will "wrap" around the front of the album. 

4. Open up the accordion folds.  Place four photo mounting corners on a wallet size photo.  Center photo on one of the album "pages".  Press down at corners.  Repeat with three more photos. The photos can also be directly adhered to the album "pages".  I used photo corners so that the photos could be changed and updated without ruining the photos or the album.

Tah-dah. Album is done!

For band to keep album shut:

1.  Cut a 3/4" x 6 1/4" strip of paper. 

2. Wrap the strip around the album, but not too tight.  (Refer to the next picture for a visual.  I put the paper clip on so that I could take the picture without showing my poorly manicured finger friends. The paper clip is not necessary for construction of the album.)

3. Mark a spot where you want the ends to intersect. 

4. At the mark, cut half-way through the band on the top side of one end and on the bottom side of the other end.  Slide ends together at slits.

5. Another option is to simple glue the ends together, but I like how this looks. 

6. Slide band around outside of the album. (Refer to photo below.)

7. Embellish if desired.  (I used a circle that I punched out of paper and a foam sticky dot.)

For mini-envelope box to store album in: 

1. Cut a rectangle that measures 5 3/4" x 7 1/4". 

2. Measure in 1" on both of the long sides of the rectangle and score with a scoring tool.  Measure down 2 1/2" from the top of the rectangle and score.  Measure up 2 1/8" from the bottom of the rectangle and score.  Cut out the rectangles that you created in the corners.  Below is a diagram of the scoring (blue lines) and cutting (red rectangles) that needs to be done.  There is also a picture of my project.  It is hard to see the score lines on the project.   

3. Measure out 1/4" from previous score lines and score again on all four sides.  Trim the top corners of the side flaps of the envelope. Also trim one corner off the fold-over flap on top.  Use the corner you cut off the top flap as a template to cut the corner off the other side.  Again, I have a diagram that shows the scoring (red lines) and cutting (green triangles) that needs to be done. I also have a picture of my project with the cuts and score lines completed. 

4. Fold on all scored lines. 

5. Glue at side flaps. (I used sticky dots.  I'm addicted to these things, but any kind of paper adhesive will do.)     

6. Position the "fuzzy" side of the Velcro dot on the flap.   

7. Place the "gripper" side of the Velcro dot on the "fuzzy" dot you just stuck down.  Carefully fold top flap into position so that the "gripper" dot sticks in the right spot on the envelope.  (Ima Dork alert: No picture. Sorry.)

8. Place album in envelope.  

Viola!  You're done.  Thing of beauty. Joy forever.

This project has reminded me of how much fun it can be to craft with paper.   I do find it amusing that I couldn't resist the paper that looked like Amy Butler fabric.  I also recognize that I MUST NOT START STASHING PAPER!!!!!

I like this project.  The end result is super cute.    I hope you like it, too.  Many thanks to Marie, my blog friend that inspired me to remix this project. 

Enjoy~

Cassie

Oh.  One more thing.  These little albums (without the mini-box envelope) also fit perfectly in Heather Bailey's gift boxes.  I won't remix her tutorial.  I know where to draw the line.  Heather's is perfect just the way it is...

Comments

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

Super cute! Love that paper you used :)

[Thimbleanna]

Very Cute Ms. Go Girl! Although, I must admit to being a little obsessed with trying to open that album up a little wider to get a better view of ALL those cute little girls!!!

[Gemma]

Another string to your bow - paper crafting! I love paper crafting and don't do anywhere near enough of it. I made a whole stash of cards (a long time ago) and tried to sell them at a car boot sale - I think they were a bit classy for the rest of the items on the stall! Your mini-photo album makes a great gift - hmmm... guess what I might be buying next time I'm at my local crafty shop?? Thank you again for your wonderful tutorials!
Toodlepip! x

[Melissa]

Another beautiful tutorial you have done for all. Thank you!

[lovely Mrs E]

Great ideas! I'm so glad I discovered your blog. Can't wait to make this for Mother's Day.

[Realestate]

Happy New Year! The author write more I liked it.

[Sharon Colosi]

Love it!

[Kathy]

Fairly simple, but does it ever fantastic. I particularly like your idea of photo corners so you can change up the pics on a regular basis.
Thanks so much for the great Tutorial.