Happy New Year and welcome to my first CCC project for 2018, a 8"x 10"x 2 1/2" album using the beautiful "Homespun" paper collection from Blue Fern Studios along with a matching laser cut chipboard cover piece, self-adhesive chipboard embellishments, clear stamps and glitter embossing powder. This album is a delightful mix of cooking, sewing and floral vignette's, with added clear pocket pages for recipes or family keepsakes. I always find it easier to read through instructions first, copy & paste to print, gather my supplies, then proceed. Whatever your method, I hope you enjoy!
This album has fourteen 7 1/2"x 9 1/2" pages using 20 double sided 12"x 12" printed papers; eight 12"x 12" solid color CCC Artisan Cardstock and four of the Echo Park 6"x 8" clear Pocket Pages - details of additional materials are listed in supplies at bottom of post and instructions.
CUTTING PRINTED PAPERS:
generally 12" x 12" paper collections include two of each piece so you have more than one way to maximize the graphic elements of the papers. Cut off the manufacturers word band, then look at the most prominent areas you wish to include and cut accordingly. FIRST pick out one each of any papers printed to be cut into embellishments and journal cards (photo above) - I use the other side of the second sheet of these papers for the outside OR inside covers, front and back, because the multi-print images will not be seen again. Next, choose and set aside the papers for the cover (usually your favorite from the collection), and any other papers to be cut larger than the single page size (as shown below), these larger pages use the full 12" width or height for "fold over" pocket pages that hold photo mats, journal cards, tags, etc. NOTE - the "ABC" pocket set (below right) has been cut from 2 sheets of paper, it then appears to join in the center.
Cut the 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" individual pages, without fold overs/pockets, following the example below of cutting two of the same page without disturbing the accompanying graphics:
"Scrap pieces" will be used as pockets, spine hinges, photo mats, journal cards, tags, page embellishments including decoupage (fussy cut) layers etc. as shown below:
Cut pre-printed cards (for plastic pocket pages); embellishments and photo/journal cards from scrap:
OTHER CUTS of PRINTED PAPERS:
COVER's (front & back, inside & out) - four pieces 7 1/2"x 9 1/2"
SPINE - 9 1/2"x 2 1/4"
SPINE HINGES - 1" x 9 1/2"
COVER POCKETS - inside front and back - 8" x 5"
PHOTO & JOURNAL CARDS - vary on design areas - use large "leftover" pieces (see above).
After cutting printed papers, INK edges of all (EXCEPT spine hinges), this includes hand cut embellishments and photo/journaling cards, with Ranger Distress Oxides, Peeled Paint and Worn Lipstick - set aside to dry
SOLID COLOR CARD STOCK - is what we use to cover the chipboard pieces to make a album or book base from scratch. Premium, heavyweight cardstock is a must, the textured varieties are best. CCC has wonderful Artisan Cardstock in its store in a variety of colors. If you have stash (like me), a similar color to match those in the printed papers will do fine as long as it is of the same quality.
CUTTING SOLID COLOR PAPERS:
COVERS front & back - two pieces 8 3/4"x 11 1/2"
SPINE outside - one piece 4 1/2"x 11 1/2"
SPINE inside - one piece 4"x 10"
PAGE ATTACHMENTS inside - two pieces 2 1/2"x 9 1/2"
PHOTO MATS/Journal Cards - 4"x 6" and 5"x 7"
It is not necessary to ink edges of darker color cardstock, however, I do touch the edged of the ivory pieces (including tags), to blend with the album.
COVER CONSTRUCTION -
the album base is heavyweight chipboard, two 8"x 10" for the cover front and back ; one 2 1/2"x 10" for the cover spine. Apply 1" ScorTape to the three chipboard pieces, then peel away tape backing, flip the chipboard piece over and adhere to the solid cardstock - NOTE - the two large cover pieces go all the way to one edge of the solid cardstock, the spine piece goes in the center - as shown below - you will still have three separate pieces. The Glitter Glue is also pictured as a reminder that you can use instead of the Scor Tape, however, I find that the tape works best
The inside cover spine that has been "taped" to the solid cardstock, gets a second strip of 1" ScorTape down either side, then trimmed if needed as shown below:
The two cover pieces have 1/2" ScorTape applied around the three outside edges, then tape backing peeled up to turn corners in and secure with a bone folder:
Then, remainder of tape backing is peeled away and sides are GENTLY eased up and over the chipboard with a bone folder to secure. Once the covers are "wrapped", the tape on solid cardstock sides of the spine piece is peeled away and the covers are positioned 1/8" AWAY from the spine chipboard - NOTE - you MUST leave this space between the cover pieces and the spine piece so the album will fold - it is generally between 1/8" to 1/4" (see photo below). Add a 1/2" piece of ScorTape to top and bottom of spine piece for later overlap.
NOTE - if you wish to add any holes for ribbon and charms to the outside of the album spine, this is the point at which to do that as we will be covering the inside spine next.
Now peel tape from the spine chipboard, center and apply the solid cardstock inside spine piece, smooth down, then GENTLY use the bond folder end to push the solid cardstock INTO the gap between the spine and cover pieces, creating a indentation so the album will open and close (photo on left). When both of the indentations are complete, use Glitter Glue to adhere cardstock to chipboard. To finish, peel tape backing from top and bottom of cardstock and smooth over to the inside of the album with bond folder. I did not add a panel of color cardstock to the chipboard as I will be covering it with printed paper, however, you should do so if you prefer.
ATTACHING RIBBONS - in order for the ends of the ribbons to be hidden, they have to be applied at this point - before the printed papers are adhered. Mark the inside center front and back of your cover and apply a piece of 1" ScorTape as shown. The ribbons I used are two 15" pieces of olive polyester - I would have preferred a pink double-faced satin, but could not find - pick your favorite. I am always asked how I keep the ribbon ends from raveling - TIP - designate a sharp pair of scissors for ribbons only, use then to cut the ribbon ends (I like pointed ends), then add a TOUCH of Glitter Glue to your finger tip and run the ribbon edge through it, just so the edge is secured - allow to dry - snip off any reveling and you should have a piece that will not ravel further. You do not need to apply glue to both ends as one will be covered by paper.
Peel tape backing off and attach the ribbon end to the chipboard, smooth down with bone folder then use regular (transparent) tape to cover as shown in photo:
You can now apply both the cover and spine cover printed papers with Glitter Glue and/or ScorTape. 
A 12" CREAM color doily has been trimmed and glued to the front of the album as shown above, as well as the "Home Sweet Home" chipboard element which was first painted with pink acrylic craft paint, dry, Worn Lipstick Distress Oxide Ink applied, then Pink Glitter Embossing Powder sprinkled on and heat set with heat gun. Finished piece is then glued onto piece of cover matching solid cardstock, trimmed, then Glitter Glued onto the album cover. The finishing touch was a trimmed house image from my scraps with inked edges, mounted to cover on foam squares.
PAGE ASSEMBLY - I assembled my pages using the "simple spine" technique to showcase both sides of these beautiful papers - HOWEVER - you can easily adapt page insertions using the hinge system(s) and/or any other method you prefer, including hinged pocket pages. PLEASE remember that this is YOUR album and you may adjust and adapt wherever you desire!
The "simple spine" technique uses 1" paper strips (use scraps from your paper cuts) - cut to length of the pages, then score in half and apply 3/8" Scor Tape to both sides at the edge - avoiding the middle fold, as shown below. Be sure to count both paper and plastic pocket pages so you have enough spine pieces. Before adding the pocket pages, TRIM the outside sealed edge (as shown below), this piece is unnecessary and creates a bump in the spine. Line up your pages in preferred order, then begin to assemble, back to front. Do not add a spine piece to either the front or back of first and last pages.
Spine pieces are placed between each paper and pocket page - peel the ScorTape paper backing off ONE SIDE AT A TIME, position and smooth down the page (both paper and plastic). As you continue to add pages, stack and line them up evenly before peeling the second piece of ScorTape, stick and smooth down, use binder clips if needed to help you secure everything in its proper place.
NOTE - the plastic pocket pages do not measure the same height as the paper pages, they are about 1/2" shorter on top and bottom - I made the mistake of clipping corners off the spine pieces of the pocket pages as I built the album - do NOT do that because the album tends not to lie flat and pull apart and that little bit of paper spine does not affect the overall look! Once all the pages are secured with spine strips, ink the top and bottom edges - we did not ink the spine edges before so they will still be white.
SECURING PAGES TO COVER - you should have two "page attachments" solid cardstock pieces, 2 1/2" x 9 1/2" to border punch each on one side. Use Glitter Glue to attach these at one inch to front and back page of assembled page stack, as shown below. Add one inch ScorTape to the unpunched side of the attachment pieces, peel off backing and secure to the cover(s) of the album. NOTE - I messed this up by gluing in the inside cover pieces, which you see peeled back to insert the pages (it was a mess to peel back and correct!) - the inside cover pieces should NOT be glued in until the pages and the ribbons are secured!
I made two small shaker jars from scraps, cut out the middle and tape a piece of acetate on the back, add strips of foam tape (shown in photo), glitter, punched paper piece - peel off foam tape backing and add a scrap of printed paper for backing. Use Glitter Glue on back to secure to album page.
I used Graphic 45 tags, border punched, stamped and inked, add solid color cardstock to the back of the diecut or punched ones, then add a 6" piece of pink or green seam binding to top of each.
PAGE PHOTOS - these will take you from the front to the back of the album, show you tabs, tags and placement of hand cut and chipboard sticker embellishments with some added foldouts or special features - enjoy the process and have fun!
Hand cut and chipboard sticker embellishments:
NOTE - right side page has paper images cut to overlap spine:
Left side foldout/pocket page (glued at top and bottom) with tabbed tags:
Corner mat/pocket on left; Pocket Page insertion front, with small card embellishment on right:
Pocket Page back with small card embellishment on left; small shaker on right:
Hand cut and chipboard embellishments on left:
Doily on left; hand cut embellishment to match page on right:
Mat with buttons on left; Pocket Page insertion front, on right with card and hand cut stamped scissor embellishment:
Pocket Page back, on left with hand cut embellishment; stamped & cut scissors on right:
The following two pages are those that blended the cross stitch alphabet - both are fold up paper pocket pages glued on each side, to hold assortment of the larger scrap card pieces:
Pocket Page front on right side:
Pocket Page back on left side with small card; stamped & cut sewing machine right with button and chipboard sticker embellishment:
Stamped, punched image on left, chipboard sticker frame on right:
Small shaker can on right:
Left hand cut scrap; Pocket Page front on right:
Pocket Page back with stamped embellishment directly on card; stamped, hand cut images on right:
Pocket (from fold out) with tags n left, mat, button and stamped thimble on right:
Here I have used a small card, glue only at the corner/outside to hold photo & journal mats:
Last page and inside back of album with pocket, tabs and mats:
SUPPLIES - available from Country Craft Creations
Blue Fern Studios "Homespun" paper collection, matching chipboard sticker embellishments, clear stamps and pink glitter embossing powder
Artisan Cardstock - Green, Ivory (Evergreen is darker than what I used from my stash)
Heavyweight Chipboard
Echo Park Pocket Pages for 4"x 6" cards
ScorTape - 3/8", 1/2", 1"
Art Glitter Glue
Ranger Distress Oxide Inks - Peeled Paint, Worn Lipstick
Ranger Ink Applicator and sponges
Seam Binding - One yard each of pink and medium green
Graphics 45 Tags - Regular Ivory 3 7/8"x 5 3/4" and Ivory with words 4 1/2"x 5"
Other supplies used:
Cream colored 12" doily
Acrylic craft paint - pink for cover chipboard embellishment
Ribbon 1 1/2" wide to match colors of paper - can be either double-faced satin or polyester
Anna Griffin sewing clear stamps
Clear Embossing Powder
Adhesive backed 1/4" foam squares
Border & Button punches by Martha Stewart
Glitter - light green and silver for shaker embellishments (could also use pink)
Acetate sheet - for shaker embellishments
Foam Tape - 1/2" wide to be cut for shaker embellishments
