Sweet Sentiments
Spring has sprung and Easter is almost here, so I am sharing a Graphic 45 "Sweet Sentiments" album originally published in a Somerset Magazine Gallery, but the instructions were not published. The size is a 8"x 8" (there are three of each double-sided printed page in this size G45 paper pad) and I used all three layers of the cover print, two layers of which are 3D fussy cutting. All has been protected and encased in a shadow box top using "plastic paper" from Bazzill. I hope you find this project timely and the opportunity to pull from your beautiful G45 stash to complete - most of all enjoy the process!
ALBUM BASE is a Graphic 45 kraftboard Easel Album 8"x 8" with six cardstock pages. At the opening of the metal spiral binding, use needle nose pliers to carefully spread and remove the pages to set aside and decorate - see photo below. Keep this spiral to replace and hold the album back together when complete. NOTE, a handmade chipboard/cover cardstock book could also be made to fit this project, using a hinge/pocket spine for pages - adapt accordingly for your supplies.
Once separated, use a craft knife to cut down either side of the "easel folded bottom" to remove from the covers - see photo below. Use a piece of washi tape on the raw cut edges to seal. Choose a complimentary acrylic paint color to paint the front & back covers AS WELL AS the edges of each of the six cardstock pages as shown, on both sides - is not necessary to completely paint, as the printed papers will cover most of the surface areas - dry.
When the cover is dry, add a 8" piece of inked seam binding to both front and back, edges to be sealed under the cover papers - I knotted ends of both pieces to tie close the album NOTE today I would instead add pieces of 1" double-faced satin ribbon before applying papers - your choice.
COVER "construction" begins with one of the three cover prints applied flat on top of a painted cover piece, glue to the center area a inked white paper doily with the center cut away. The two matching cover prints are then trimmed apart in sections, fussy cut, shaped and applied to the flat print using 1/4" sponge squares and in some cases, just plain paper glue. NOT ALL areas use all three prints, most have only two layers and I used the third print to cut the smallest flowers for additional "fill". Look for ways to tuck some elements under others to appear 3D. Allow any glued areas to dry, then apply a bit of Stickles Diamond to cupid image wings and butterflies, just for punch and fun!
Once you have completed the 3D layers, cut four strips of heavyweight chipboard 8"x 1/2" to fit the sides of cover print. Cover one 1/2" side of these chipboard pieces with paper strips on the inside, then glue "standing up" onto the cover to simulate a frame - NOTE - I glue these pieces on one at a time and hold until they set OR you could apply using a hot glue gun. Once the frame is secured, glue on additional paper strips 8" x 1" to the outside of the frame and wrap upward, keeping at least 1/4" to fold over the top.
PLASTIC PAPER is 12"x 12" and sold by Bazzill, now owned by American Crafts - a wonderful lightweight clear top that I often use. I did search and learn that it is still available, you might find it in your area at a independent craft store, or you may write/email them for purchasing information. Measure and cut the plastic paper piece to fit into and on top of the chipboard strips - it should lay flat on them - after testing size, apply glue to the top edge of the chipboard frame and drop on the plastic paper - allow to dry. Once the plastic top has dried in place, wrap the remaining paper strips over and onto the top, clip corners to form a frame closure, then use either a good glue or 1/4"ScorTape to secure.
PAPER CUTS: PAGES of printed papers are cut 7 1/2"x 8" to allow for wire binding,
POCKETS are 8" x 4 1/2" border punched, NOT folded under but applied straight to page edges,
TAGS are solid cardstocks 6 1/2"x 4" with a mat of 3"x 5" + inked reinforcements
PHOTO panels 6"x 6 1/2" ad 4 1/2"x 6 1/2" - some with sized solid mats,
COVER panels inside front and back 6"x 6" border punched,
EMBELLISHMENTS are cut from a pre-printed paper in pad, some with decorative edge scissors,
SEAM BINDING tag ties are six at 4", inked, dried, and knotted on ends,
then all of these pieces are inked with combinations of inks.
Use the photos below (shown as two page spreads, front to back in album) to guide placement and completion of the six page inserts:
When pages are completed, line them up, reinsert the wire spiral binding, then using the needle nose pliers, recoil and close the gap back to original size so the pages will not fall out.
SUPPLIES - project specific:
Graphic 45 "Sweet Sentiments" 8"x 8" paper collection pad
Graphic 45 Staple - 8"x 8" Easel Album with six spiral-bound cardstock pages
Solid cardstock - two 12"x 12" pieces each - robins egg blue, lavender, spring green, pink
Heavyweight Chipboard - four pieces 8"x 1/2" for album top frame
Ranger Distress Inks - Tattered Rose, Brushed Corduroy, Shaded Lilac and Peeled Paint.
Ranger Stickles - Diamond
White paper doily - 3 1/2" round
Acrylic Paint - color to coordinate with papers (I used green) + sponge applicator (to throw away)
Decorative Edge Scissors - small stamp and small scallop
White seam binding - 2 yards
Washi Tape - use a neutral color to be painted over
Needle Nose Pliers
Matte Reinforcements - to ink for tag tops
Border punches - vary from your personal stash -
BASIC SUPPLIES:
12" paper trimmer, craft scissors, fussy cutting scissors, craft knife, adhesives, 1/8" ScorTape
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