Handmade Mini Scrapbook Albums for Mother's Day

I was interested in using my lovely paper collection for handmade gifts, so look what I came up with! Three wonderful mini albums! Check these out:
Album 1

Album 2

Album 3

 

Wouldn't these albums make great Mother's Day Gifts?

Shadow Box Card

I wanted to make an unusual card for my friend's birthday and found this style card on line at:
http://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/how-t-make-a-shadow-box-card-video-tutorial/

Here are direction:

Cut 2 pieces of cardstock 4" x 7'

Cut a 2 1/2" circle from the middle of one of the 4" x 7" pieces

Stamp an image on watercolor paper

Cut 2 1/2" circle from the stamped image

Color the image

Use whatever color method, for this I used my new inktense pencils by Derwent.

Score both 4" x 7" pieces of cardstock at 1" and 1/2" from both sides (in that order)
                      Should be like this 1"/1/2"/4"/1/2"/1"

Glue circle image to middle of the uncut piece

Glue both 4" x 7" pieces together and embellish

Fold on score lines

Two flowers were made using the Cuttlebug Quill Kits, Recollections Silver glue and Flower Soft was also used to finish off this card.

Window with Folded Valance Card

As I promised, I found and ordered another set of window frame dies to use in my Cuttlebug. These new dies come in 2 sizes and cut a one piece window. This cut includes both window panes and top and bottom moldings.

The dies are made by Poppystamps, Inc. and I found them for sale at oozak.com.

These 100% steel craft dies are called Small Madison Window and Grand Madison Window. The only difference in these 2 great dies is the size. Today I am using the smaller of the two on a card base of 4" x 5 1/2".

As I normally do, I measure the area to cut in the card base. I use the art Impressions kids to judge where their feet hit the edge of the card base. I trace the window in place and then cut the area out slightly larger than the frame. The next step is to glue both windows in place back to back. The last step is to embellish the window card inside and out!

Cut two windows with die using the Cuttlebug

Trace window for placement

Cut window a bit larger than frame

Cut out valance

Score valance for folds

Line valance on the opposite side to show through window

Glue pieces in place on card front

Cut garden pieces using Cricut  and Cuttlebug

Generally I have put the folded valence (measures 2 1/2 x 3 1/2") on the front of the card, with one of the little kids peering into the card. A garden grows on the inside below the window frame. But recently I got the Sizzix brick embossing folder and wanted to pair it with a wood frame window on the outside of the card. The folded valance works on the inside with the little kid looking outside to the garden growing against the water colored (Tombow markers with water brush) bricks. I'm really liking this look...don't you?

By the way, all but two of the cards using this window die and valance have been sold!

Cottage Cutz Window Frame Card

This is the third in my series of posts on Cottage Cutz window dies. This one is called Window and Flower Pot (4x4). This die like the other two cuts each piece separately. You can use it in your Cuttlebug or other cutting device over and over cutting many colors and pattern papers. I've enhanced mine still further with the use of various pieces from my stash.

I really love how the Art Impression stamped kids look peering out from these windows.

Just like when using the other window designs from Cottage Cutz, after cutting the window frame, you must judge where to cut the card base. You use the frame and the Art Impressions kid to adjust and trace the inside of the frame height from the bottom of the card. Slightly enlarge this square and cut it out.

Glue the window frames on both the inside and outside of the card.

Then begin to decorate. The curtains are cut twice and glued back to back before applying to the window frame inside the card.

These card can be used for birthdays and other times too!

Here are some results:

I have found some more window dies, when they come I will be sure to show you the possibilities!