My Mind's Eye Blog

Disney Album

Have you ever returned from a vacation with hundreds of photos?  I have, and those fabulous photos tend to sit on my digital card or hard drive - never to been seen by family members.

Supplies: Lost and Found Record It - Album Starter Kit and pocket pages;Record It-Here is Happy: Journaling Kit, 8x8 Word Art Pack, 6x6 pad, decorative tape, enamel dots; Chalk Studio II: Remember patterned paper, Word Soup patterned paper, smile patterned paper, 6x6 pad; Find Your Wings and Fly - Sky's the Limit and Up & Away - Alpha/Word stickers; Lost and Found 3 Ruby: decorative tape (gray); Misc: black pen, white letter stickers and chipboard, Mickey Mouse punches.

When I saw this new "Record It" album -  I knew it would be perfect for our 2006 vacation to Disneyland.  The "Here is Happy" Record It Journaling Kit had just the right coordinating colors and theme.  I was amazed that it has 108 cards in just one package!!

 

In fact, I cut out the back of the packaging to use as the "Here is Happy" title on my album cover - for the "Happiest Place on Earth".  I embellished it with decorative tapes and enamel dots. This album came together very easily, I loved simply sliding cards and photos into the pockets.  I even used two of the 8x10 word art prints for my pages.

 

I really liked the mixture of the various pocket page sizes and the heavy cardstock pages in the album. I used the 6x6 paper pad, a few solid pieces of paper,  and tiny alpha/letter stickers to complete the pages.

My favorite products in the Journaling Kit are the transparency cards in 3x4 and 4x6 sizes. They were so fun to layer over photos, or use on their own in a page protector.

Can you believe this album has 75 pages and 151 photos?!?!  My family has loved looking through this album and remembering our fun vacation 7 1/2 years ago.  

 

Yay - I finally got those pictures off that hard drive!! Can't wait to complete another one of these "Record It" albums!

 

Tamara

 

 

 

Charmed Album

Hi! Tina here today with another [email protected] Binder project, using one of the new Record It collections, Charmed.

I fell in love with the Record It collections when I created my first [email protected] Binder, A Day in the Life (of a dog), so I knew I had to create another when I saw the new collections.

The Charmed collection includes one of my favorite, go-to color combinations, gold, white, and black. I am seriously addicted to anything gold, and this was a perfect collection to fulfill my obsession.

 

Just like with my original binder, I embellished the 3x4 and 4x6 journal cards with glitter, tape, and digitally cut images from black cardstock.

The patterns on the journal cards were so fantastic, not much embellishing was needed.

And the Charmed enamel dots?? Oh my word...LOVE THESE! I used almost the entire pack in my binder.


Instead of embellishing all of the 6x8 paper inserts with product, I typed 2 favorite dog quotes. These are great for journaling and sharing your thoughts and wishes.

Lastly, I wanted to get my mixed media on, so I covered each chipboard insert with super heavy gesso, then painted them with water color paints and sprays. I really love how they compliment the colors of the collection, but added my own personal touch to the binder.

I can't wait to see what you create with the new Record It collections. Be sure and share your projects with us on Facebook. Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Home Is Where the Heart Is Mini

Good morning everyone! Stephanie here. Today I'm going to share the mini that I made for the MME booth at CHA!

I had so much fun playing around with the new “Record It” All Things Chalk collection!  I love the black and white colors!  They are so easy to dress up using fun photos and embellishments. 

For my mini album I chose the Heirloom [email protected] album from Lost and Found Record It . I decided to use black and white photos to coordinate with the collection.

I added pops of gold throughout my book for visual interest and to help off-set the black and white combo.  I started by spray painting the chipboard inserts that are included with the album with gold spray paint. I then used these as canvases for my photos and paper layers. 

To add a fun “peek-a-boo” element in my album, I used photos of various sizes to allow the reader to see through to the next page.  I added a few doilies, sequins and vellum here and there just to make it a little prettier!  Such a fun collection!!

Hope you enjoyed my album share! Have a wonderful day.

A Day in the Life (of a Dog) | February Edition

Hi!  Tina here today with my third and final installment in my 'A Day In The Life (of a dog) [email protected] Binder project.  

Today, I'll share the remaining photo pages, a couple more 'just because' pages, and the last of my embossed inserts.

Supplies: Lost and Found Record It- Antique: [email protected] Binder, Sticker Accessory Sheet, Chipboard Elements, Decorative Brads, Decorative Tape, Die Cut Embellishments, Enamel Dots, Layered Stickers, Alpha and Word Stickers,Journal Cards,Pockets; Misc: Adhesive - Tombow (tape runner), Scor Tape, Imaginese (foam tape) Twine: Michaels

I really enjoyed using the different Record It projects in my binder.  Stickers, Pockets, Ephemera pieces, Enamel Dots (which are to die for) and Journal Cards!  They can all be used in your binder and layer beautifully together.

I loved this project so much, I may just have to create another using the Record It, Heirloom collection.

Thank you for stopping by each month!  I'd love to see how you've created with your [email protected] Binder!  Please share your projects with us on our Facebook page!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

A Day in the Life (of a Dog) | January Edition

Hi!  Tina here today with my 2nd installment of my 'A Day In The Life (of a dog) [email protected] Binder project.  

Today, I'll like to share some additional photo pocket pages, more chipboard inserts,  and a fun confetti page.

 

Using the ephemera packet again, I embellished the journal cards to more super easy pocket pages.



For a fun touch, I used one of the large 6x8 pocket pages for a confetti filled, interactive page.  Using different sized stars and circle punches, I filled the pocket.  I also added glitter and sequins for a glitzy look.  I stitched the upper edge of the pocket down to keep all of the goodness inside.


Stay tuned next month for my final share of the inside of my binder!  :)

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

 

Mini Albums with Stephanie | December 2013 (part 2!) Edition

Hi!  Stephanie here with you today to share another fun mini this month!!  I really love the new mini album starter kits and wanted to use one for a "year-in-review" type of album.  Although I do Project Life throughout the year, I always love making a mini album or photo book to finish the year off.  I love that the books are usually smaller, easy to hold and are kid-friendly.

The Lost & Found Record It albums are the perfect size for this project!  And bonus...they include all of the page protectors, inserts and dividers that you need to put together an album.  The only thing else you need are your pictures, a few journaling cards and some embellishments!  So easy!

1. Gather your supplies

I decided to use the Lost & Found Record It album since I wanted to keep the outside of my book fairly neutral.  I debated painting the beautiful embossed front white, but in the end chose to go with a full photo collage.  I wanted the book to be jam-packed with photos and having a collage on the cover was the perfect starting point.  

I created my photo collage in PicMonkey.  You could easily create one in Photoshop, but I find PicMonkey to be so user friendly that I didn't want to bother with opening up my Photoshop program.  And best of all…PicMonkey is free!

To create a collage in PicMonkey, simply select "create a collage" from the main screen, upload your photos and drag and drop them onto your canvas.

Tip // If you are using PicMonkey, size your collage at 1800x2400 pixels.  That will ensure that you picture prints at the 6x8 size for the album page protectors without being blurry or pixelated.


Once you have added all of your photos, all you have to do now is save and print.  


2. Print your cover

Here is a look at my finished collage for my cover.  It is sized a little larger than the 6x8 size, so be sure to measure your cover and decide how large you photo should be prior to printing.


3. Attach your cover

Use strong adhesive or Modge Podge to attach your photo to the cover.  I printed mine on matte photo paper and adhered it with my tape runner.  

And now you are ready to start the inside!!



4. Print photos for the inside of your album

I created a few picture collages for both of my children, my husband and myself.  I wanted my book to be pretty picture heavy since I already have tons of journaling and thoughts recorded in my Project Life album.  I save all of my photos by month on my computer, so I went through each month and chose a few for the collages.  I also created these in PicMonkey!  In addition to the collages, I pulled out some 4x6 photos and square instagram photos from my picture pile to use in the album.


5. Create journaling and filler cards for your page protectors

Whenever I start a project like this, I always like to assemble my inserts and journaling cards prior to working on the album.  I find that the process runs much smoother (for me) if I have everything all ready to go.  I tend to get sidetracked easily if I have to run to my computer, to my typewriter, etc.  Having everything already made is a real plus!

For this book, I typed up highlights and memories from this year, 2013.  I created one for each of us, and also created a few filler cards.

And now for a look at my finished album!  I just love it and I hope you will too!!  

Grab a cup of coffee and settle in!  I've got lots of pictures to share!



I used one of the tabbed chipboard dividers as my opening page.  I added my photo on top of a doily and then the "happiness" sticker in in the middle.  It's the perfect title page!


I followed the same pattern for each person throughout my album to help keep it simple and easy, as you will see.  Each person has a photo collage or two in a 6x8 pocket, as well as two additional divided page protectors.  Making these decisions and setting up my book prior to beginning the project kept me from being indecisive as I added in my photos and journaling cards.
 

Like most parents probably do , I have way more photos of my children than I do myself or my husband.  To keep our photos simple, I printed out one larger photo onto a piece of 6x8 photo paper and then added it to the backside of the collage photo.  I actually really love the balance the white adds to the book.


The best thing about albums with page protectors is the "peek-a-boo" effect.  I love adding smaller photos, confetti and stickers to the plain pockets.  Don't feel like you have to fill up every single slot with a photo or journaling card.

To end the book, I added two photos of our family onto the chipboard divider.  Simple and perfect!

Quick tips //

1. Add stickers to the outside of the page protector.  It gives your book a little bit of texture and dimension without being too bulky!



2. Create confetti pockets to add a little color and fun to your pages.  



3. Use smaller pictures, embellishments or cards inside of your pockets to create a fun peek-a-boo effect.

And that's our 2013 all finished!!  
Thank you so much for joining me today!  As always, please let me know if you have any questions!

A Day in the Life (of a Dog) | December Edition

 

Hi!  Tina here today with my first installment in my A Day In The Life (of a dog) [email protected] Binder project.  

Before I start, I must say that this is probably one of my favorite project I've ever created and I never thought in a million years I would love creating a pocket style project.  I am completely obsessed and actually finished the entire binder in 1 day.  (but you have to wait until February to see the entire binder)! ;)

Today, I'll share a my title page, a few photo pages, a couple of my 'just because' pages.  :)

The Lost & Found, Record It collection is so perfect for this type of project.

The ephemera packet and Journal Cards make creating super easy and super quick! 

 

You can add little embellishments to each journal card to make them unique or use them as they are for really fast scrapbooking!

For the chipboard inserts, I didn't want to add any paper embellishments to the dividers, so instead, I added my own touch by embellishing each of them with my favorite stencils and embossing/modeling paste.  It really adds a unique, fun touch to the album.

Stay tuned next month for my next share on the inside of my binder!  :)

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

December Album with Valerie

Hey! Valerie here with you today. It's the week before Christmas already….how did that happen? How's your December documenting going? Back in November I shared with you the cover for my album using the Record It Antique [email protected] album.  Now I'm back to share a few of my inside pages. 

 

Supplies: Lost & Found Record It collection: Antique enamel dots, Antique decorative tape, Antique 6x6 paper pad, Antique Record It! cards, Heirloom alpha & word stickers, Heirloom pockets. Mistletoe Magic collection: "Snow Flakes" paper, "Countdown" paper, "Trees" paper, stickers, decorative brads, chipboard elements, enamel dots, & decorative tape. Vintage Christmas collection: chipboard.Cut & Paste collection: Charm "Sweet" tiny word stickers, adorns "loved" clear stamps. The Sweetest Thing collection: Honey "One of a Kind" paper, Bluebell "Bright" tiny word stickers. Other: Merry & Bright cut file (Hello Forever), American Craft Thickers, vellum, wood veneer (Studio Calico), shipping tag, window envelope (Maya Road), small green alpha stickers (Jillibean Soup), gold sequins, doily, white & gold tiny alpha (Dear Lizzy), slide frame (Crate Paper), metal number (Tim Holtz), grungeboard 3 (Tim Holtz), Cameo (fonts: Cartwheel).

 

I chose to mix and match supplies from a few different My Mind's Eye lines.

 

My introduction page is a cut file from Hello Forever using a patterned paper from The Sweetest Thing collection. I find that when cutting blocks of text out like this, it's best to stick with solid colored papers or soft patterns as opposed to bold, contrasting patterns. The phrase will be easier to read.

 

I adhered the die cut to a sheet of vellum and added some enamel dots. The vellum adds some strength as well as adding interest with it's translucency. 

For day one, I put my son's first paper snowflake into the album using a 6x8 size page protector. The back side, as you can see in the next photo, shows more snowflake making photos and shares some fun details about this time. I added the number, chipboard, and wood veneer shape on the outside of the page protector with a little hot glue.

 

Where's day number two you might be wondering? This was the day we did my son's pre-K homework after school. I'm waiting for the decorated paper Christmas tree to return home before completing that page. I don't always work in order when I make albums like this.

 

I also might not always record events on the exact day that they happened (I think I might have heard a few of you gasp).  There's always a few days of the month where we don't do anything particularly festive, so I use these days to fill in with something general that could have happened on any day like pretty wrapped gifts, the advent calendar, decorations, or where our Elf has been hiding.

 

For day three I stamped a simple pattern on vellum using a gemstone stamp from the Cut & Paste Adorbs "Loved" clear stamp set and Brilliance gold ink. Then added my photo, number, and a little journaling with a black Sharpie.

 

This chalkboard message is so special and totally made my entire week. I'm so glad I snapped a photo of it and got to record it in my album.

 

So simple. I used a page protector with two 4x6 slots. In the top went my photo and on the bottom went one of the Lost & Found Record it! 4x6 cards.

 

Here we are with the vellum again. This page is similar to my introduction page. It's a die cut backed with vellum. The pattern is a lot more intricate, so I stitched around the edge to keep it all attached. 

 

A full page photo kinda day with gold sequins and star confetti. So much fun! The chipboard banner is from the Vintage Christmas collection and was just adhered on the outside of the page protector. I like having these thicker embellishments on the outside as opposed to the inside. The plastic lays better with the thicker embellishments on top of it. 

 

These are a couple of the filler pages I was referring to earlier. They could really fit into any "empty" day and numbers were intentionally left off until I figure out where they will end up in the album. The Dear Santa page is a window envelope where I'll put letters to Santa. I love using a variety of page sizes in my mini albums. 

 

Another page that doesn't have purpose yet. It's a pocket from the Lost and Found Record It! collection. There's a whole pack of these library card style pockets in both the Heirloom & Antique color palettes. 

 

Another hot chocolate page. It's such a special treat for my boy. This one uses a page protector with a 2x8" slot and two 4x4 slots. The title is being held in place with two little staples to keep it from shifting around.

 

One last one to share with you. I cut a coin protector page down to a size that would fit in the album. It's so much fun to fill the little pockets. I'm not sure if the number 18 will stay there yet, but it fits so perfectly so I'm going to try and make it work.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Are you documenting your December with My Mind's Eye? We'd love to see it.

 

Merry Christmas!