We are honored to share the work of one of the very talented "Gypsy Girls", Paula Cheney, with you here today in the CLASSroom. The details that Paula includes in her work puts them over-the-top! I think it was my Excel spreadsheet that we had a good laugh over when we attended Ranger University a couple of years ago now that brought us together - we both love a good spreadsheet - ha! ha! I love a wonderful sense of humor and to mix it up with sheer artistic talent... you have described Paula to a "t"! I am very lucky to be able to have Paula as a friend.
You can find Paula at the blog she shares with Debbie (who is also amazingly talented and a very special lady!) titled "One Lucky Day." Their blog is filled with shabby, vintage beauties --- you will be able to spend hours going over the beautiful projects they share there. Paula can currently be found as the Creative Coordinator for Tim Holtz Brands and teaching here in the U.S. and abroad. If you ever have an opportunity to take one of Paula's classes you must! You will learn so much and laugh - a wonderful combination! I would appreciate if you would head over to Paula's blog now and help us thank her for sharing her talents with us here in the CLASSroom today. Please leave your comment on her post about being a guest here. As our way of thanking you for taking the time to do so you will have a chance to win some of the fabulous products she used in this post! You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture.
Thank you Paula for sharing your chic album with us here in the CLASSroom today! -Ellen
Envelopes
Cut out 5 envelopes using the Sizzix Alterations Pocket Envelope die and Manila Cardstock from Ranger. Do not fold.
Use Distress Stain Tumbled Glass and Mustard Seed to color the envelopes by squeezing Distress Stain onto a craft mat (use more blue than yellow). Spritz with water from a Mini mister.
Swipe envelope into the stain. Dry with heat tool.
Swipe again, dry again. Repeat as necessary.
Shake Brushed Pewter Distress stain to mix, then squeeze out a small amount onto craft sheet. Repeat pervious steps until each envelope has a bit of metallic shimmer.
Using Archival Ink in Aquamarine, stamp random text onto envelopes. No acrylic block needed!
Stamp Butterflies with Archival Ink in Sap Green.
Cut out the Sizzix Alterations Inside Out Alphabet. Create one word for each of the 5 envelopes and adhere with Collage Glue stick.
Add Vial Labels and chitchat words to describe each main word. Stitch to the envelope if desired.
Adhere 1/8” Wonder Tape to the bottom and side of envelope.
Close envelope so both flaps are out. The bottom of the envelope should be sealed just above the small flap.
Set finished envelopes aside while we make the cover.
Cover
Cut two pieces of Sticky Back Canvas 3 x 11”.
Color the canvas with Tumbled Glass Distress Stain in the same method used previously. Dry with Heat Tool.
Peel off the backing and stick the two pieces back to back.
Stitch around the canvas with sewing machine.
Repeat butterflies on one side of canvas with Sap Green Archival Ink.
Stitching the book
Line up the first envelope at the left end of the canvas piece. Stitch to canvas along the small flap.
Repeat stitching the envelopes onto the canvas cover about 1/8” apart.
Trim away threads.
View of album spine.
Cut 30” of Crinkle Ribbon.
Color the Crinkle Ribbon with Distress Stains Frayed Burlap, Tumbled Glass and Mustard Seed.
Spritz with mini mister, then pounce the 3 colors at random onto ribbon. Spray again to make the colors bleed then dry with Heat Tool.
Once dry, wrap ribbon around the book and secure to the TOP of the cover with Glossy Accents.
NOTE: make sure Glossy Accents is UNDER the Ornate Plate.
Cut a piece of paper from an old book.
Add Chitchat words and secure to the Ornate plate.
Add Ornate Plate over ribbon on cover. Secure with brads.
Create small journaling cards for each envelope from manila cardstock.
Round corners.
Stamp with butterflies and Aquamarine Archival Ink.
Add to each envelope.
Completed mini album cover!
Inside Pages
