So, I could hardly wait to share this How To with you today!
A few days ago, I posted about my album, A Year of Letters. Today, I am going to share the process of making this album from start to finish...
1. I bought the album at Value Village for only a few dollars. It measures 12 x 4 x 1 inches.
2. I started by taking off the metal brackets on the corners. It was tricky, as I did not want to dammage them in any way in order to reuse them.
3. I peeled off all of the outer vinyl, except for the inside since it was glued directly to the chipboard. It did not have any ridges or bumps, so I decided it was not worth trying to peel off.
4. The area on the spine was sealed along the folds...
5. ...but once I began peeling, it came off quite easily. It pulled out from under the posts as well.
6. I was left with two spaces along the sides. At this point, I wasn't sure how I was going to tackle this surprise!
7. The plan all along, was to use No.10 envelopes, which measure 9.5 in x 4 1/8 in. This presented a bit of a problem since my envelopes were wider than the album...but I love a challenge and the old brain kicked into high gear!
8. I came up with an idea to extend the width of the album to 4.5 in with pattered paper and sewing a stitch that would run outside of the edge of the album.
9. After folding over the edges of one sheet of patterned paper cut to size, I then cut another to fit just over it. At this point, I ran the paper through the sewing machine, but I was so involved and excited to sew, that I completely forgot to take a photo of this step. Sorry!
10. & 11. It worked brilliantly to sew the sides and one end, and then slip them on like a sleeve.
12. Now, I was left with the spine to deal with. I knew from experience, that covering the folds does not work well with paper, so I was on the hunt for something flexible.
13. I ended up choosing white duck tape! I simply cut a slice down the center of the tape and slipped it over the binding.
14. Being self-adhesive, it laid down nice and snug, sealing the paper sleeves I had just sewn.
15. I didn't like the look of the outer spine, though, so this took some creative thinking...
16. With my recent obsession for Baker's twine, I decided to sew it across the spine to cover all the bumps and ridges.
17. The inside of the spine ended up with little stitches on either side of the binding.
18. I had some adorable metal locks and keys in my stash (found at the dollar store), so I added one set to the top string before tying it off. I like how it dangles there and symbolizes a diary, since the book will contain private letters to the girls. The spine with the lock and key will be visible by the girls when set on a shelf and remind them of the contents.
19. Next, I re-attached the metal brackets on each corner. This was tricky because of them getting a little bent out of shape when I removed them. In the end, they look a little hammered, but only if you look up close. I am good with it.
20. I decorated the outside front cover with letters stickers and a butterfly from Martha Stewart.
21. Next, I had to ready my envelopes before inserting them in the album. Using my patterned paper (the Vintage Hip Collection by Making Memories - a few years old), I cut pieces just big enough to fold over one end of the envelope and extend it. I wanted to make the envelope appear longer since they measured only 9.5 in and the album was 12 in long. After measuring and cutting, I adhered these papers to the end of each envelope to secure it in place.
22. Again, I employed my trusty sewing machine and stitched down the edge of the patterned paper, securely attaching it to the envelope.
23. After punching holes to match the album, I inserted them into the album. The envelopes now fit nicely inside the edges of the album after my quick fix of extending the width.
24. Finally, I further embellished the front of each envelope with assorted stamps (numbers and months) and the butterfly again.
I am very pleased with the final result. I cannot wait to fill the envelopes each month with a personal letter to each of my girls, and then see their excitement in opening and reading them in December.
Now, back to the drawing board for album number 2...
Don't forget...
to check out my blog tomorrow and the BLOG HOP that I am participating in!!
