This one is a 6"x8" mini and I'm loving this size! It's not too big, but still allows plenty of space for larger photos. I stitched the pages in this one and I think it worked pretty well with the style of the papers. It's not something I plan on doing too much in future albums since it doesn't "go" with everything (I'm thinking not so much for travel themed), but it's definitely something I can see adding to more vintage style albums.
I've been enjoying my eBay selling experience so far. If nothing else, it helps to keep me motivated to try new things and create more. I have certain listing expectations to meet with the group I've joined, so in order to meet those "deadlines", I've done a blueprint of sorts for several albums in a row and then mixed it up some if I've found I'm getting a little bored with the same thing. It's hard striking a balance between producing minis for inspiration on here and YouTube and still listing them frequently enough on eBay that I don't get the boot! I've been doing a little soul-searching about this over the past few weeks and I've decided to take a step back and just do what I love. I may not create them as quickly, but I won't risk burn-out either. I've poured my heart and soul into each one of these, but in order to continue that, I've got to branch out and make each one a truly unique piece from the next.
So, I'm looking forward to spending some time over the Holidays digging through my stash and finally playing with some collections that I've been saving and saving and saving...
Wowza. With all that said, (this isn't much of an advertisement for my current listing) if you're interested, here's a link to it:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121036654492?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649
I've had a few requests for PDF tutorials and I'm trying to gauge interest in this. Drop me a line or leave a comment if this is something you'd be interested in. I had planned on moving in this direction for my Etsy shop and had a whole tutorial done up for my First Noel mini, but had no requests on that one. Too funny! I took it as a sign that it wasn't the direction to take right now, or maybe there just wasn't that much interest in that particular album. At any rate, I'd love some feedback on this idea
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and I hope you get lots of crafty time!
I would love a tutorial on your First Noel mini! It was beautiful!! Let me know if you end up listing the tutorial on etsy!
ReplyDeleteThanks LeeAnn! Good to know! I think I'll go ahead and get it put together since I still have all the notes and photos. I'll put a new post on here when I've started listing them in my Etsy shop. Shouldn't take me more than a week or so.
ReplyDeleteSounds great! Looking forward to it! Merry Christmas!
DeletePersonally I'd appreciate any tutorial but specifically travel minis and graphic 45 birdsong. I am particularly interested in your creative process, how you plan, organize and pull things together to make the mini. You mentioned hoarding stuff to use in future projects. Does that mean you buy things because you like them and have no sense of purpose for them until later? What also are your favourite tools, supplies, etc. what do you like about doing minis and your basic thinking/philosophy about them. I really like your style. Simple but beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response Nancy! I'm a BIG fan of travel albums myself! Maybe I can answer some of those questions in future posts. I'm not exactly sure sometimes how my brain works:) In answer to the "hoarding" question, I'll be sure to stop using a word that doesn't apply to my situation. I only buy what I like and I always have an idea in mind when I purchase things as to how I'm going to use it. That said, there simply isn't enough time in the day to create all of the ideas that I have in my head. So, over the years, I've accumulated a good bit of supplies and I'd like to finally start using some of my most favorite collections. In certain situations though, I have been known to buy a lot of a particular collection (Graphic45) and "hoard" it as they are one of my favorites and I've actually run out of discontinued collections before halfway through a project.
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting to see if you had put the tutorial up also!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have a lot of patterns here I have purchased Im still not that confident in it, I like to put my own stamp on it as well, I would love to use the 7.50 x 5.50 envelopes and cards to make it but unfortunatly there is no such thing here in Australia so I have to make my own from Scratch, such a Pain!!!!Oh well thats the way it is!
I have the idea in my head though what I need to do !
I have learned the binding method, pockets,slides,flaps, inserts I should just go do it huh? scaredy cat I am! lol
Maybe after Christmas I think, too much on right now
Deni, I'm working away on the tutorial and should have it up in the next week or so. I like to build my pages with cardstock so I can make them whatever size I want and add all the flaps, etc. Hopefully it will be helpful for those like you who can't easily get the envelopes and such! Sounds like you're all set to dive right in so you just have to go for it and have fun!
DeleteI just love your design and embellishments. I have been wanting to learn how to make these types of albums but not sure where to look. I tried bidding on your item on ebay but stopped after it hit 175.00 !!!!!!! I think that tells you how nice this album really is. I would like to try a small version but not sure who sells the paper? Thanks so much for the beauty of your ideas and the inspiration it has given to me! Hugs, Lisa
ReplyDeleteLisa, thank you for your sweet comments! That was an exciting auction last night and thanks so much for your interest in my album! You may be able to still find the paper at Michael's. It's their Recollections brand exclusive to that store. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteYes please offer tutorials. I just love looking at your work but find myself wishing that I could try some of them myself. As a military wife currently living in Japan I don't have access to classes and scrapbook stores so the blogs and YouTube are all I have to keep me inspired and in the loop, lol. I would definitely be interested in purchasing your tutorials.
ReplyDelete-Felicia
Thank you Felicia! And thanks so much for you and your family's service to our country!! You have the hardest job out there:)
DeleteYou are so sweet...I just noticed that you have a tutorial for your First Noel mini. I would LOVE to purchase that tutorial if possible. I would also Love, Love, Love to purchase a tutorial on your Botanical Noel mini. They are both so amazing. Can you tell me what card stock you used for both albums? The colors matched so well they are both just lovely. I will leave you my email so that you can contact me if you are still willing to sell those tutorials. Thanks a bunch.
Delete-Felicia
Felicia_HawksCheer@msn.com
I was so thrilled for you Cathy what your gorgeous album sold for!!!
ReplyDeleteGood on ya!!!! Fabulous work!
Thanks Deni! It was definitely an exciting end to that auction!!
DeleteI would love to see a tutorial, should you put one out! I just found your blow, and it's very inspiring to me. I decided to make my own cards this year (must have lost my mind!), and it was very neat to see what someone else did with this collection. Absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHuh. blog, not blow. Sorry!
DeleteI just adore these paper from Michaels I asked my daughter to go take a look and see if she could buy some for me but I think they were all out!
ReplyDeleteShame....
love the cardinal!You make these albums beautifully!
I would LOVE a tutorial on this - I would buy it.
ReplyDelete