Serious Play

Mini Album :: 11 Miles

So, I have been working on a little mini album called 11 Miles.

 

If you have been following my story you will know that I have spent the last 13 weeks in training for my first half marathon coming this weekend on May 20th. My training schedule dictates that I run shorter distances (3 - 6 miles) during the week and then on the weekends I do longer runs. Over time, I have built up my distance from 8 miles all the way up to 12.

This little mini album documents a significant weekend run for me. This was the run that convinced me that I can actually accomplish this race. This was the run that showed me that I needed to rely on some form of energy during the race (Shot Blocks). This was the run that taught me not to start out too fast or I will fizzle out significantly in the end. This was the run that was in my favourite place right now.

I had taken quite a few Instagram pictures to document my 11 mile run. Since they told a complete story, I decided to use them to create a new mini album. You can read more about this weekend here.

 

To make the album I trimmed and sewed two pieces of patterned paper to form the cover...

 

 

I used kraft paper for the interior pages...

 

I used a triangle template by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer and OA Sprinklers in the blue colour. I had to let each of the pages dry in between, so this step took quite a long time...

 

I stamped various arrow designs in a dark grey colour and the lettering in pink with uppercase letter stamps...

 

I then went back on each page to add the white paint splatters. This step also took quite a while to allow for drying time...

 

I printed out my Instagram photos to measure 2x2 inches and adhered them to each page...

 

I like the repetition.

I like the simplicity.

I like that it tells a story.

I like the large lettering on each page.

I like the colour palette.

I like the arrow designs.

I am pleased with the outcome and can imagine that this will be an album that I return to over and over to relive the experience and recall the day.

 

When was the last time you documented an experience in a mini album?

 

 

 

Half Marathon Mini Album :: Pt 2

So, I have been adding to my mini album each week as I document my training progress for the half-marathon.

 

You can view Part 1 of this little mini album here.

 

Week 6 consisted of running on the treadmill out at our condo (watching the snow fall outside) and then running the Glenmore Reservoir by myself for my long run...

 

 

Week 7 started out with beautiful weather. On one of my shorter runs I felt so good that I decided to follow up with sprints up and down my street. But by the weekend it was freezing and I was not about to run outdoors.

I googled to find out what was the longest indoor track in my city and ended up running there. It was only marginally better than running on the treadmill at home. By the end of the run I felt a bit like a hamster and my ankle hurt so badly I could barely walk for 4 days...

 

Week 8 I had a much more successful experience for my 11 mile run. The weekend was so gorgeous so we head out Canmore again. I ran while the rest of my family rode bikes on the paths.

This is the first time I truly felt like I could complete this race coming up.

 

 

Week 9 started out rainy so I was on the dreaded treadmill again. But by the weekend, it was alot more mild. My cousin came down to run with me and we completed 12 miles in 2:10...

 

And now, only 3 more weeks to go...

 

 

 

 

 

Half Marathon Mini Album

So, I made a little album / journal to document the training for my first half marathon.

 

I gathered several paper shopping bags (Aerie, Banana Republic, American Eagle), opened them up and trimmed them to use as my inside pages. All together I had 8 pieces of recycled paper that measured approx. 7x11in. To get the tattered edges, I tore the papers along my metal ruler rather than trim them with my paper cutter.

 

Folded in half, I layered two pages at a time and sewed them onto some thin, flexible cardboard that I had saved from some packaging. I simply sewed up the center fold line to attach the pages to the cardboard spine. This gave me a total of 16 pages in the album.

I didn't worry too much about where the shopping bag logos would end up on my pages. I figured that I will work with whatever I get on that day.

 

 

With 8 pieces of paper, folded in half and layered two at a time, I ended up with four 'signatures'. So, instead of sewing eight lines on the spine, I only had four. I tried to sew them as close together as possible. 

 

Once the journal was together, I decorated the cover with stuff I had on hand.

 

 

Inside, I just started telling my story. Using my good ole library date stamp, I am keeping track of the entries. Essentially, I am recording one week at a time on a two-page spread.

 

Week 1 found me starting out slowly on my treadmill in the garage at night after work...

 

 

Week 2 had me asking a lot of questions about gear and stretching and doubting myself just a tad...

 

 

Week 3 I had a lot of encouragement from my cousin...

 

 

Week 4 I bought new shoes and ran a few times outside. What a difference...

 

Week 5 ended with a 9 mile run around the reservoir and renewed faith that I can do this...

 

 

I am so glad I thought to document this journey. At this point I am not sure if this race is a one-time thing or not. I can see how running gets in one's blood though.

 

I will keep you updated on my progress and definitely share more pages of this journal in the next few weeks...

 

 

 

Notes From Home Mini Album

So, I could not send my daughter off to Cuba without making her something!

 

The week leading up to her departure, I was working on a little album full of notes for Ashley so that while she is away, she can read notes from those who love her back home.

I assembled 14 envelopes to match the number of days that she will be away. I used the machine that we have at school to punch and bind them all with a front and back cover. I am not sure what the name of the machine is, but you may recognize the little plastic spiral from your own children's school writing projects.

 

Over a couple of days, I put some thoughts together for Ashley. Some were words of encouragement, some were challenges, some were things to take note of while in Cuba, some were areas that she could grow in while on her trip. 

I printed out these ideas on cardstock and trimmed them to 4x4.

 

I also gathered a quote for each day, which I hand-wrote on the back of each note. Some were about travel, journey, courage, work, growth, etc.

 

Then I slipped one note card in each envelope, stamped it, added a punched scalloped circle and the date. The idea is that she will open one envelope a day.

There are a few surprises for her too. I was able to gather notes from other family members who love her...her dad, grandma and papa, her sister, one from a friend at school. I know that she was expecting notes from me, but I am almost positive that she will be surprised and blessed to read notes from everyone else too!

 

On the back of each envelope I stamped a little saying with word stamps that I have collected from Michaels.

 

I know that the long, hot days of digging and assembling this playground will wear on Ashley, as this is not just a beach holiday, but a working holiday. I am hoping and praying that she stays strong in her spirit and body and that these little notes from home will be just what she needs each day.

 

I already miss her like crazy...

 

 

 

 

 

Starbucks Cup Mini Album

 

So, I finally have my completed Starbucks Cup Mini Album to share with you today!

 

When these adorable cups came out around Valentine's Day, I was enamoured. I knew that I wanted to make the cup into something for keeps. That is when the idea for a mini album hit me.

So I went to work, making this album and problem-solving along the way.

Before assembling the album, I had adhered vintage book papers to the pages and then painted over them with gesso to make them more faded.

 

NOTE:  If you are interested in learning how to make this mini album, you can visit my tutorial.

 

I began by sizing my photos in Photoshop to 3 x 2in and printing them at home on an 8.5 x 11in photo sheet.

I trimmed all my photos, leaving a thin white border on three sides and a wider border at the bottom to resemble a Polaroid photo.

Before adhering the photos, I embellished each page with washi tape, glitter hearts tape (from Michaels), and some gold glitter.

 

Originally, when I made the album, I did not have a specific purpose. Then, as my Mom's birthday approached, I decided this little album would be just perfect as a gift for her.

And I filled it with photos of all her family who love her dearly.

I really am pleased with how it turned out. I am going to make another one too, since I asked my family to save me their cups when they were finished with them. If you do not have this Valentine's Day cup, you could use a cup with the original Starbucks design, or any paper cup for that matter.

Again, if you are interested in learning how to make this mini album, you can visit my tutorial at Squidoo.

 

If you do make your own album, please let me know! I would love to hear what you do with it...

Sneak Peek :: Starbucks Love Mini

So, I couldn't wait to make this darling Starbucks Love cup into a mini album.

 

Today is just a sneak peak.

I used the cup as the cover of the album and embellished some fun pages for the inside.

I hope you join me next week for the tutorial and the completed album.

 

Oh, and ...

 

 

 

Canmore Condo | Part 2

So, I have a few more pages of this little mini album to share with you...

 

I always am enamoured when I catch the first sight of the mountains. Throughout the album I used various rolls of washi tape from Hambly as well as stamps and stickers from Amy Tangerine's line with American Crafts. I also used the red labels which I purchased at the dollar store.

 

On the right hand side of this spread I used a map to cover the printed words that are on the inside of the file folders. 

 

I also inked the edges of the file pages, as they are at varying lengths and it helped to define them.

 

I stamped various Amy Tangerine stamps on cream cardstock, cut them out and used them on various pages as embellishments.

 

More pages coming...

 

 

 

 

 

Canmore Condo | Part 1

So, I have been working on the pages for my File Folder Album.

 

I found a number of flyers and magazines from which I took a collection of words, maps and articles to help tell my story.

 

This entire article explained the Solara Resort & Spa better than I could have, so I simply clipped it out and adhered it into my album. I had to do a bit of work to fit the pieces that I wanted, but I like how it came out.

 

Here, I started by dripping some October Afternoon Sprinklers (Miss Mary Mack) in random places over the page. Then, I stamped the title and a few stamps from Amy Tangerine in my colour palette. Finally, I wrote the story of how we acquired our condo in Canmore. On the facing page, I adhered a map of the town, a silver star to indicate where our condo is located, an arrow made from washi tape, and our new address printed across the bottom.

And then I ran out of good natural light, so I will share more pics tomorrow...

 

 

 

 

File Folder Album

So, I created an album using file folders.

 

I am always looking at ways to make a new album from scratch and this idea came to me while browsing through the school supply room!

1. The front cover already decorated with Amy Tangerine papers, stickers and stamps.

2. A view of the printed part of the file folders showing on the ends.

3. I began with 4 regular letter-sized file folders.

4. I cut them in half on the paper cutter. I actually cut them just off centre in order to preserve the natural curve of the folders. 

5. This yielded 4 pieces of each of the two shapes resulting in a total of 8 pieces for my album.

6. After cutting, I was left with some funky peaks on the edges of both piles.

7. First, I took the right hand pile of folders and clipped the drastic swoop to make a right angle.

8. Then I used my corner rounder punch to make a smooth uniform curved corner on each of the folders.

9. Next, I took the left hand pile of folders and clipped the drastic swoop to make a right angle.

10. And once again, used my corner rounder punch to make a nice corner.

11. The finished right hand pile...notice that there were two corners to round on each file here.

12. The finished left hand pile...only one corner to round on each file here.

 

13. Next, I alternated a file from each pile. The files that have the printing on them stick out just a little farther so that they are visible along the right hand side of the album.

14. Notice that the height of the folders ends up different as well since I did not cut them exactly in half. I think this gives the album character. Of course, if you wanted uniformity, you could cut them exact, but then you would have to work with the corners a little differently than I did.

15. There are a number of ways you could choose to bind this album. I chose to use the coptic stitch, which I did in a yellow baker's twine. Using a Bind-It-All, binder rings or an accordion fold to create a spine would work just as well.

16. A view of the inside pages using the coptic stitch. I treated each file as a 'signature' when binding.

17. Another view of the coptic stitch. I chose this method because I like how the 'pages' (folders) stay flat when opened.

18. A finished view of the stitching along the spine of the album.

 

I had so much fun creating this album that I will probably make more! As well, I cannot wait to fill this album with a most fabulous story that will be documented in its pages!

I will share completed pages throughout the week...

 

 

 

30 Day Photo Challenge | Pt.4

So, I am finally posting the completion of the 30 Day Photo Challenge that I took in August.

 

I found out about the 30 Day Challenge on a blog called Oh So Lovely via Amy Tangerine. This project took place over the month of August 2011. Basically, there was a specific photo that I was challenged to take each day. Some days it came easy and some days I had to get creative, but that is what I loved about this challenge. 

If you happened to miss the first few posts for this summer project of mine, you can visit them below:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

 

And the finale, Part 4 follows...

Day 27.  after dark: a shot of the downtown lights in my great city, Calgary

Day 28.  daily routine:  brushing my teeth in my bathroom

 

Day 29.  purchased:  an unsweetened Refresh tea latte from Starbucks

Day 30:  in motion:  streaking lights while driving down the street

 

Final Thoughts:

• I absolutely loved shooting the daily challenges
• it was a manageable project given that there was only one shot required per day
• it was the perfect way to document my August, seeing how I would not have otherwise been documenting it (all of our holidays were over by then)
• I will definitely be doing this project again
• having the album completed ahead of time made it easy to just adhere in the daily photo
• letting the pictures be the documentation kept the 'to do' each day very minimal
• challenging myself to get a specific shot took some thought but I was up for the challenge and it stretched me a little (this was a good thing)
• I further challenged myself to shoot with a variety of means that I had (Canon DSLR, Instax Mini, TTV camera, Poladroid) which gave further visual interest to my completed album
• I used number stickers that I had purchased at a dollar store and ran out of 1s and 2s before the project ended, so I simply used the negative of the number sticker and filled it in with a Sharpie marker

 

I am thinking of creating my own 30 Day Photo Challenge.

If you would be interested in following along with me, kindly leave a comment below expressing your interest.