Christmas Mini Albums

Creating a mini album is a fun and personalized way to showcase photos, memorabilia, or memories. Mini albums are compact, versatile, and can be themed around events like vacations, birthdays, weddings, or daily life. Here’s a guide to making a beautiful mini album:

Supplies Needed:

1. Chipboard or Cardstock: For the album cover and pages.

2. Patterned or Scrapbook Paper: For backgrounds and decoration.

3. Photos and Memorabilia: Any small photos, ticket stubs, or notes you'd like to include.

4. Adhesive: Double-sided tape, glue stick, or adhesive runner.

5. Decorations: Stickers, washi tape, stamps, die cuts, or embellishments.

6. Binding Material: Options include book rings, ribbon, or a small binder.

7. Scissors and Paper Trimmer: For precise cutting.

8. Pens or Markers: For journaling and adding captions.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose a Theme and Layout Style

Decide on a theme, like a vacation album, family memories, or a specific holiday. This helps guide your color scheme, decoration style, and layout.

Pick a layout style. Common options are:

Accordion Fold: Pages unfold in a continuous strip, making it great for storytelling.

Pocket Pages: Create small pockets on each page for inserting photos, notes, or keepsakes. There are endless possibilities with this style. You can try library pockets, corner clusters, hidden slots. Plan your page carefully so that you know which pockets you want and where.

Flipbook Style: Each page flips independently, similar to a traditional photo album. This option is great for adding pull out pages with tabs that can hold additional pictures or memorabilia.

2. Prepare the Cover

Cut two pieces of chipboard or sturdy cardstock (cereal boxes are great to cut covers from) for the front and back cover, typically 4" x 6" or 5" x 7" to keep it small and portable.

Decorate the cover with patterned paper, stickers, or a title that reflects the theme. For durability, consider laminating the cover or adding a protective layer like Mod Podge. You could also switch out the design paper for fabric or faux leather.

3. Create and Decorate the Pages

Cut pages from cardstock or patterned paper to fit inside the cover, slightly smaller than the cover dimensions. If you are creating interactive flaps, folds or pockets I recommend connecting theme using a hinge method that won't be seen once decorative paper is added.

Decorate each page with background paper, leaving space for photos, journaling, and decorations.

Include a mix of page types:

Photo Pages: Glue down photos or use small frames or mats.

Journaling Pages: Add blank or lined spaces for writing thoughts or stories.

Interactive Elements: Add flaps, fold-outs, or hidden pockets for a fun, interactive experience.

4. Add Photos and Memorabilia

Arrange photos on each page, trimming them down if needed. For a cohesive look, try using a similar color filter or photo shape (square, rectangle, etc.) throughout.

Layer ticket stubs, receipts, notes, or other flat keepsakes with the photos. Use pockets or envelopes if you want to store multiple items.

5. Embellish the Pages

Add stickers, washi tape, stamps, or die cuts that match the theme. Stickers with phrases like “memories,” “family,” or “adventure” add a storytelling element.

Use washi tape as decorative borders, frames for photos, or to secure small items.

6. Journal and Add Captions

Write captions to describe each photo or moment. Add the date and location to create a record of the event.

Incorporate handwritten notes, quotes, or memories to add a personal touch. You could also use small journaling cards or tags for a more organized look.

7. Bind the Album

Book Rings: Punch holes in the cover and pages and secure them with book rings, allowing the pages to flip easily.

Ribbon Binding: Punch two or more holes on the left side and tie the album together with ribbon, creating a soft, decorative spine.

Accordion Fold Binding: If using an accordion style, simply fold all pages into a continuous strip and attach one end to the cover.

8. Add Finishing Touches

For extra flair, add a charm or tassel to the binding.

Include a closing mechanism, like a ribbon wrap or an elastic band, to keep the mini album securely closed.

Project Ideas:

Travel Memory Book: Create pages with maps, ticket stubs, and photos from your trips.

Seasonal Mini Album: Make an album to celebrate a specific season, like fall or winter, featuring seasonal colors, quotes, and photos.

Special Occasion Album: Capture memories from birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or family reunions.

Inspirational Book: Fill pages with favorite quotes, affirmations, and small photos or doodles to inspire you.

Additional Tips:

Choose Colors Wisely: Use a limited color palette to create a cohesive look.

Use Layering: Layer photos, frames, and decorations (including acetate or vellum)  for depth and interest.

Experiment with Texture: Add fabric, lace, or small buttons to introduce different textures.

Store Carefully: Place your mini album in a small box or on a shelf to keep it protected.

Mini albums are fantastic keepsakes and make wonderful gifts. They’re also a great project for all crafting skill levels!

Colouring For Adults

This year has brought about some interesting trends in the papercrafting industry. People have moved on from Smash Books and Project Life to simpler forms of expression like adult colouring and paper doll making. Its incredible the amount of interest that these new colouring books have stirred up. I was at a show on Friday and all the vendors were discussing this new fad.  Its really not a new fad though when you think about it. Stamping and scrapbooking have allowed people the guilt free opportunity to colour for a very long time. Why now are the colouring books specific to adults flying off the shelves? Its actually quite simple. We are all stressed. Not necessarily the depression, anxiety invoking type, sometimes its just our daily pace that causes our body or more importantly our brain to feel overworked. When we colour our mind is forced to focus on the small decisions required to complete the picture. The selection of colours, the type of medium to use, which picture to colour, all of these small decisions relieve our brain of having to tackle the larger issues in our life. Its like a mini vacation for our mind. Adult colouring books are being recommended by art therapists because of the therapeutic value they provide.People that were ruminating over health issues or personal problems felt immediate relief from just sitting down and colouring. It certainly does not have to be any particular book. Choose a book or even print off a free page that is the most detailed that you are feeling confident in tackling. For me, colouring the Prima Doll stamps provides me with the same calming effect as colouring the more detailed books. Find something that is of interest to you and give it a try. They are also great gifts for just about everyone on your Christmas list.




Try Adult Colouring with some of these free printable pages. Follow my board as I will be pinning new pages as I find them. Follow My Grandma's Teacups's board Colouring For Adults on Pinterest. Or purchase from Amazon

Sparkling Poinsettia Mixed Media Canvas

Its time for Christmas gift projects at the library already. Whoosh where did the time go? This year I really wanted to do some type of mixed media project but as we are limited to 2 hours for the class I was a bit stumped. Luckily I spoke to Vicki Gee at a crop last month and she helped me work the details out in my head.

This is the project we will be creating December 3rd at the Tyendinaga Public Library.

Materials Used:

• blank canvas
• Heartfelt Creation Sparkling Poinsettia Dies and Stamps
• Tattered Rose and Ground Espresso Distress Ink
• Sharpie (gold)
• Just Believe Paper 
• Glitter Washi
• Lots and Lots of Mod Podge (matte)

Fabscraps High Tea Paper Collection: Teapot Mini Album

The second mini that I created with the paper was actually the one I started with. I loved the whole idea of the teapot shape and the cute embellishments. Somewhere though along the way I lost my mojo on this project. Luckily I have great inspiration on tap from the Facebook Group 4 Gs (Girls, Grins, Glitter and Glue)  They came up with some brilliant additions to finish this project off.

Here is where it sits now:

Don't mind the shaky hands. I have an anxiety disorder and sometimes I am a bit shaky. Also I saw on a video by Crafter 45 once that people are distracted by wounds that are unexplained. The scratches are from my big sucky King Shepherd Titan who thinks he is a lap dog. At 120lbs I beg to to differ with him.

My Grandma's Teacups: Being A Little Wish-y Washi

Delight! My order came in yesterday and inside a very small inconspicuous box was a wonder of washi that I spent much to long drooling over. I can't believe how excited this pretty tape makes me. Its like each little roll holds the promise of a great crafting project just waiting to be explored. I know this is far from the last order I will be receiving as I think this just might be my new favourite embellishment. I think it is perfect for the Bible Journaling that I am hoping to start soon.

Check out my haul:

These are all from the company called Love My Tapes and I think I am in trouble because there are over 100 designs available.

This is not like the washi I have purchased before that feels flimsy and fragile. This tape has a real depth to it. I feel like it will hold up to my plans for using it in my planner and bible journal. The colours are very vibrant. (My photography does not do it justice).

I will post some pictures once my new planner arrives. I am still waiting for the journalling bible I want to be released.

Here is sneak peek at the planner I have ordered:

Don't forget to follow my on Pinterest as I explore all the wonderful uses for all the Washi I am wishing for.

Follow My Grandma's Teacups's board Wonderful Washi on Pinterest. Follow My Grandma's Teacups's board Bible Journaling on Pinterest. Follow My Grandma's Teacups's board Planner Printables on Pinterest.

My Grandma's Teacups: Washi Wonder

I have a small confession to make. I never got the whole Washi Fever everyone seemed to on this past year. It seemed every papercrafting company and craft direct sales line was toting a boatload of washi tape in every width, colour and pattern imaginable. I did not get it....its paper on masking tape right? I was mildly intrigued when I started to see videos pop up on YouTube with people making their own washi tape using markers and inks on medical tape.I even went so far as to purchase a few rolls of it from the dollar store, but alas I have a couple of rough and tumble boys that required it before I got a chance to alter it.

I have always loved planners and as I watched all the instagram and Pinterest posts go by I noticed a new trend. Washi Tape seemed to have taken over the monthly and weekly calendars of all my friends.

It did not stop there. I started noticing it in home decorating posts and party favours. How did this simple combination of scrapbook design and tape gain such notoriety???? The short answer is...because it's so simple. Without getting out your scissors, paper or glue you can personalize everything from planners to light switches. Now a $1 notebook from the dollar tree can be customized to look like the high end journals from Indego and Chapters.

So this is my official surrender. I am jumping in. My next order that should come in next week will include a large assortment of Washi Tape. I have no definite plans for it yet, but you can be sure that I will be scouring the pages of Pinterest for ideas. Be sure to watch out for my next haul video (hopefully on Periscope) to see what I have to work with.

Leave a comment with your favourite use for Washi Tape, or post a link to a picture of your Washi Stash. Be sure to follow my Wonderful Washi Board on Pinterest to get some inspiration on how to use this sticky wonder tape.




Follow My Grandma's Teacups's board Wonderful Washi on Pinterest.

My Grandma's Teacups: Sneak peek at some of my favourite Christmas collections

I have officially caught my first really bad cold of the season. It has been a good excuse to cozy up with the September New Goods Catalogue and preview the new lines available for Christmas crafting. I know you don't want to think about Christmas yet, but if you are planning on creating homemade cards or papercrafts its time to start thinking about supplies.

Fabscraps: Christmas Joy Collection

Fabscraps has become one of my favourite paper suppliers. I love the vintage feel and muted colours in this collection. I can see some lovely cards being created with this paper.

Graphic 45: Twas The Night Before Christmas

This collection from Graphic 45 was previously released but I am glad to see it make a comeback. It features all the traditional colours and themes that I remember of Christmas' in my childhood. I have purchased the stamps and paper for a mini album I want to make before Christmas. If you are looking for a more Victorian feel for your crafts, the new "A Christmas Carol" line is already available.

Kaisercraft: Yuletide Collection

My Minds Eye: Joyous Collection

This may be one of my favourite collections this season. I love the oodles of goodies that you can get to coordinate with the paper line. It takes the guesswork out of matching up colours in embellishments.

Don't forget the trim and twine to finish off your projects. Maya Road makes beautiful twine.

My Grandma's Teacups: 5 Ways You Never Thought To Use Your Embossing Folders

As a crafter I try to make sure that I invest in products that I will be able to get a lot of mileage from. That is why I tend to to shy away from buying oodles of premade embellishments, single purpose tools and basically anything that I am not going to be able to use for many years. There is nothing worse than buyers remorse after purchasing a really cool crafting supply only to see it languish on your workbench waiting for a purpose.

 One of the most versatile papercrafting tools that you can get are embossing folders. You can buy the expensive sizzix or cuttlebug folders (and I have many times) but if you want to build a large selection Darice makes a huge collection of folders that are just as good (and about 1/3) of the price). The reason that I am so crazy about embossing folders is their versatility. You can do so much more than just dry emboss paper.

 

These are five of my favourite techniques.

1. Letterpress 
2. Wax Resist
3. Glitter
4. Foil
5. Double Emboss

Letterpress:

This technique involves inking directly on your folder and then embossing the paper. The inlaid areas become inked while the embossed areas remain untouched. You can also ink the alternate side for a reversed look.

This is a wonderful video that illustrates this technique well.

Letterpress with Stampin' Up! Embossing Folders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiGknbcPg8I

Sandi MacIver

Wax Resist:

With the use of some wax paper and an embossing folder you can create amazing patterns to use as resist (it does require an iron though) luckily for me I have one that I have rarely used :)

Wax Resist Techniques | docrafts Creativity TV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1WNkMtvLcY

docrafts

 Glitter

You can never have too many ways to apply your glitter. This is such a fun technique and it makes such an impact on cards. This has a big "WOW" factor.

Adding Glitter with an Embossing Folder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0rqoxGK1_A

Dreaming About Rubber Stamps

Foil

Whip out that Reynolds Wrap because you are going to think of at least 20 things you are going to want to make with this technique. It also looks amazing with alcohol inks applied to it.

Double Embossed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX417FIIKt8

sparklensprinkle

Double Emboss

This just takes your embossing up a notch. Be sure to use a juicy Versamark pad for this so that you get a really good application.

Double Embossed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX417FIIKt8

sparklensprinkle

My Grandma's Teacups: Graphic 45 By The Sea Layouts

As I was organizing my studio (ok, I lost some stamps and was just moving piles of paper around), I came across our club layout from August. I wanted to be sure that I shared it with you because if you have not worked with this line yet drop everything and go get some before it retires. It is very vintage and classy in true Graphic 45 style. I did find the colours a bit 4th of July but it was fun to work with as a beachy backdrop to some of the summer pictures I snapped of the kids.

The collection was challenging to work with from a design perspective because even the "solids and stripes" type patterns were very busy. The images were so cute though that it was definitely worth the effort.

The layouts are from the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and I think that they were a perfect match for the playfulness of this line.

Scrapbooking

My Grandma's Teacups: Copic Club #2

Have you been practicing with your Copic markers this week? I hope you are following along with our club as we explore the wonder of working with alcohol markers.

Our club met last Thursday for our second session working with Copic markers. One of our members was truant last time (something about an ear infection...geeesh...no dedication) so we did a quick recap of the types of Copic markers available and the Copic Colour Code. If you missed my post with reference to the Copic Colour Code you better take a quick peek Here. 

We attempted two new techniques in this session:

#1 Colouring and shading using only one marker

#2 Transferring ink from a dark marker to a lighter one before colouring

The first technique just requires that you lay down you base layer of ink and then go over the areas that should have a shadow several times. Its important to let the image dry between layers. You can achieve a very nice look using this technique and it is great for all of us that are just beginning to collect markers. 

The second technique was a bit harder to get the hang of. The process itself was easy, simply touch the darker markers nib against the lighter colour nib and colour, but it took some practice to get the colours that we were after. I think at the end of the day we decided it was easier to do the 3 marker technique we originally learned as the effect was quite similar.

Next Copic Club we are going to be working on FUR!!!! Lets hope I can find my Popcorn Bear stamps by then.

Hope you are enjoying playing along with our Copic Club.

Copic Markers

My Grandma's Teacups: Copics Club Session 1

Our first Copic club was in August and we had so so much fun practicing colouring random stamped images. We began with an overview of the copic colour code. Bet you didn't know there was a code did you? Well, there is, and once you understand it you will be able to follow the rules or throw caution to the wind and create beautiful pieces of art.

So what is the Copic Colour System?

The Copic Colour System identifies and labels each Copic Colour based on the color’s individual: Colour Family, Saturation Number & Brightness Number.

• The Colour Family indicates what sort of color, i.e. red, blue-green, orange, etc.

• The Saturation Number indicates how “rich” or how “dull” the colour will appear (higher number = more dull)

• The Brightness Number indicates how “dark” the color will appear (Higher number = darker)

Is that all clear as mud? Well as you practice with your markers it will start to make sense. You will recall in one of the earlier posts that I suggested you buy your markers in groups of three. Therefore you would look for 3 markers with the same Colour Family, Saturation Number and Brightness numbers within 2-3 levels of each other. This will give you  a base colour and then two shades for adding shadows and detail.

We started with the Copic Skin Tone Doodle Pack as I tend to have allot of stamps of children that we will be using. These doodle packs make choosing coordinating colours a breeze.

We focused on the three marker technique using the lightest colour as the base and then building the shadows from there. It takes some practice to lay down a perfect base without streaks. Small circles allow you to keep working on the wet edge. We found flicking the darker colours made it easier to place the shadows.

This is a great time to start your copic binder. Print off a free template from the web and practice different colour combinations to see which colour tones you like the best.

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supply: Alcohol Markers and Prima Stamps = New Summer Hobby

As I told you I have been enjoying my free time at the camp with my family. This year the children are just that little bit older and I am finding that I spend much of my time on my deck overseeing the activities of the kidlets and their friends and less time actually being right on top of them supervising. It has been a strange shift. I have been monitoring the activities of wee ones for so long I don't remember what it is like to just sit and relax. I have to admit, I am enjoying it.

I promised my hubby to limit the amount of craft material that I take to the trailer this year. Last year he would arrive for a relaxing weekend only to find his side of the bed had been taken over by my cricut and loads of paper. This year I stick to one 12x12 thirty-one bag which holds my marker bag, stamp block bag, paper and stamps. The stamps I have been carrying all summer are my Julie Nutting Paper Doll Stamps. I was talking to Julie a couple of weeks ago about the possibility of joining us here on the blog, but lucky for us she is busy with getting the new designs out. Its ok Julie, we love your work!

If you have not tried using alcohol markers for your stamped images yet, you are in for a treat. Alcohol markers are very pricey so if your budget does not allow you to go out and buy a collection there are some great alternative. Bic makes a great line of alcohol markers that work really well. You won't get the colour variety of some of the big lines but it is a great place to start. If you are ok with slowly building your collection, try to purchase your markers in 3s. You always want to have a light , medium and dark for each colour. I started with flesh tones as I am a huge fan of Magnolia Stamps and now all the Prima Paper Dolls stamps. By using the alcohol markers to define the skin tone I am able to use other mediums to colour the clothing and accessories.

These are a few of the designs I have been working on:

Bridesmaids Prom Queen First Day of School

Prima Doll Paper Piecing Prima Doll Paper Piecing Prima Doll Paper Piecing Prima Doll Paper Piecing Prima Doll Paper Piecing

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies: Vintage Inspired Scrapbook Layout

I think sometimes as scrapbookers we get caught up in adding as many sparkles, bling and embellies as we can to make our layouts pop. This layout was a nice reminder that sometimes the KISS principle is the way to go. Mr. McWilliams my highschool art teacher always preached the principle of Keep It Simple Sweetheart. This beautiful paper from Fabscraps lends itself perfectly to a simple design. We used a little bit of distress ink and a few flat backed pearls to create what I think turned out to be a beautifully elegant layout.

We used Fabscraps Secret Garden 2 (1) , American Crafts Smooth Brown Sugar Cardstock (1) American Crafts Smooth Leaf Cardstock (1)American Crafts Smooth Denim (1) Close To My Heart as the base but any sturdy cardstock would be fine.  I used my cricut to cut out the damask pattern as well at the flowers, wheelbarrow, vines and tags. The ink that we used to distress the paper was Tim Holtz Vintage Photo as well as Close To My Heart Smokey Plum for the flowers.

If you are interested in obtaining a kit to make this please visit my ebay shop
My Grandma's Teacups Crafts

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies: 6 Sensational Gifts For Teachers

Another Pinterest inspired post I know, but have you seen the cute ideas for teacher's gifts? There is still time to whip up these super cute gifts to thank your child's teacher for helping your child learn and grow. These gifts are really easy, super cheap but big on the Wow factor sure to make any teacher feel appreciated.







Crayon Candy Dish by Two Sisters Crafting

Thank You For Helping Me Grow Plant

Mason Jar Sippy Cup by Pretty Providence

Gardening Gift by Skiptomylou

DIY Gumball Machine by Gingersnap Crafts

Personalised Clipboard by Courtney @ Diamond in the Stuff

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies: Father's Day Inspiration 2

We all have those special men in our lives that require a card at Father's Day. Though our macaroni necklaces may have seemed cute when we were 5, there may be more appropriate tokens of affection for those of us that have grown up.

Here is my list of inspiring Father's Day cards from around the web. Be sure to click the links to get all the how-to info directly from the creators themselves.

Father's Day Train Card by Barb Mann

Nautical theme by Odette

Retro Cars by Marian

Gone Fishin by Nelia

Cricut Card


















I hope this roundup gave you some ideas for all the father figures in your life. If like me, your father's day message needs special delivery to get to its recipient....here is a little inspiration for your heaven sent wishes.

Wishing you all a wonderful Father's Day!

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies: Club Layout: Once Upon A Springtime

We had such a blast last night working with the beautiful Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Collectors Edition. It was so hard deciding which paper to cut as both sides were so pretty. Even after completing 2 full two page layouts we each have enough paper left to complete several more projects.

 We fussy cut the fairies and popped them up at different levels to make them look like they are flying right off the page. Just a little bit of glitter on their wings and these fairies seemed to come to life. We fussy cut the book pages and folded the second copy in half along the spine and popped up one side giving it the illusion that the pages were turning.
We fussy cut as many of the characters as we could
in order to add lots of dimension to the pages. I think this could possibly the project that I uses the most pop dots on ever. It was so worth the investment.

I know this layout seems a little plain but I cant wait to add my own pictures to it and really make it pop. These illustrations are incredible and will be a delightful addition to my kids books.

Do yourself a favour and get this paper pack before its gone again. It is pure joy to work with.

I am taking my family on a little mini vacation this week so it will be quiet here on the blog. Hoping that you all have a safe and fun holiday weekend.

My Grandma's Teacups Scrapbooking and Craft Supplies: TIANYANG Dies: Layout #5

This is my favourite layout that I created with the dies I received from TIANYANG. 

This window die is beautiful and the the flowers are just so versatile I can see the possibilities for so many cards and layouts. The stamped images were done using my Close To My Heart acrylic stamps and the freehand drawing was done using ShinHan markers.