Construction of a Mini

Hi everyone!  Thanks for the advice on yesterday's post!  I know we've all been there.  I imagine that can be said for any hobby.

Today I wanted to share a small mini with you that I made.

Construction:

I love it when companies make those 12x12 papers with 4 6x6 designs on them!  I think they are perfect for mini albums.  We R Memory Keepers does that.  My album today uses their Down The Boardwalk collection.

First I started with one of those papers to make my inside pages.  I knew I wanted them to be smaller than the 6x6 and I really wanted to make them shaped.  I used the perfect beach day die cut as inspiration and template for my inside pages.

I took the die cut and place it over each design and drew my template for my pages.  I wanted to keep the inside uncut as it would be the middle of my mini, where the fold was.

Typically I would draw with a pencil and then erase, but since I was doing this for a tutorial I used the black sharpie to make it more visible.  However, I highly suggest you use pencil.  :)

So my paper ended up looking like this:

Then I cut it out.

Next I took another one of those fun papers with 4 different designs to make my cover.  I started by cutting it and using 2 designs for the cover and back, keeping them 6x6.  (But I later cut them down some).

Then I just ran it all through my sewing machine to create my book.  

I also knew I wanted to use that fantastic die cut in my mini too, so I adhered it down as the center of the album.  :)

So here's my mini:

Completed Album

After this point, it didn't take long to add my photos, journaling and embellishments.  Here's my completed album:

That lace serves two purposes.  It adds to the design of the album and it keeps the album shut.  So you just untie it to open the album.

What do you think?  It's actually a very simple mini album.  Surprisingly, I didn't have too many pictures from my cruise, so I used what I had.  It was one of the most relaxing things I have ever done!  I can't wait to go on my next cruise.  :)

Thanks for stopping in today!  I hope you have a terrific day!!!