Handmade Mini Albums seem to be very popular nowadays but if you are like me and find the prospect of making and decorating numerous large album pages daunting, here is a super easy version: A mini book made from a single 12 x 12 paper!
Mixed Media Mini Book
This mini book has 16 pages you can write on or add photos to and 7 pocketsto hold tags. If you have a pretty pattern paper you want to showcase this is the perfect project! The gorgeous paper I have used is from Papericious.
Mixed Media Mini Book
This mini book is rather easy to make and involved just simple scoring, a few snips and accordion folding. Tutorial links
Pictorial version of the Mini Book Tutorial - Show how to create mini book pages and the cover and add a strong fabric spine Mixed Media Style Book Cover Tutorial -Shows tips on how to embellish in mixed media style
Here is the video tutorial
Mixed Media Mini Book
Now onto the front cover of my mini book...I tried on a few mixed media tricks and techniques...yes way out of my comfort zone!
Stencil and whipped Spackle
Before I could convince myself mixed media was not my thing and I better leave it to more talented "artists".....I used whipped spackle [ a product I am by now comfortable with] on a memory box stencil [ my first branded stencil!] and could create a lovely textured pattern!
Mixed Media Mini Book
The initial success gave me courage to add on a few more elements....tiny glitter balls, glass beads gel and some chunky glitter!
Texturing Media
My mini book cover measures just 3.5 x 3.5 inches and so experimenting with mixed media techniques to jazz it up did not feel too overwhelming!
Mixed Media Mini Book
The crystal heart on the center of my mini book is a handmade resin embellishment I made using a Martha Stewart mold and resin components [ in the big white cans]
DIY Resin Embellishment Making
My resin "heart" was transparent and looked mottled on the textured background so I added a backing of silver paper to give it a subtle sparkle!
Mixed Media Mini Book
Apart from Distress inks I didn't use any paints or sprays but relied on the beauty of the pattern paper background to create different hues!
Mixed Media Mini Book
My daughter loves anything small and cute and has promptly claimed this mini book as hers! She says she is going to use it as a Birthday Book .
I was quite happy with it myself since it was a first of sorts but unsure if you all think it looks cool......What do you think my friends....?
Supplies : Dies : Poppy Stamps Pinpoint Main Street Tags
This mini book is absolutely gorgeous, Love all the details on the front of the book, and the pattern paper is so cute and lovely. Your daughter will have a lots of fun putting pictures and journaling in it;) ♥Hugs Valentina♥
This is very beautiful Sonia!! Love how you've added the tiny beads. Your handmade resin heart is very pretty!! Love how this book has turned out! -Berina Moxie Craftie
Divya yes its clear once set. I have also experimented by adding glitter, beads colors etc to the resin. Its local resin available in hardware shops and very very cheap compared to the ice resin.A bit of a learning curve is there to prevent bubbles. In fact I have shared quite a few resin embellishments in earlier posts too. Check these posts : Handmade Resin Projects
I had seen some of these projects before but I thought you had used clear cast or easy cast resin. I loved your Dolphin the most :) to reduce bubbles, use your hair dryer to warm up the sides of the mixing cup. You can use a heat gun or a lighter too but you be be careful as we dont know if this resin is inflammable. To begin with stir slowly and fold in if possible to get as less bubbles as possible. The final tip is to use the mixing stick with a little resin on it to drag the bubble out of the cast and break them with a toothpick or pin. Hope this helps
What a beautiful mini album Dr Sonia ...I love the way you have decorated the front of the album....looks like you definitely have a knack for mixed media :)
This is so pretty. One thing I've kind of learned about mixed media is that there really doesn't seem to be a right or a wrong way to use things. The best way to proceed is to just start and go where it leads you
Yes Ann that is what I keep reading everywhere but I like to be able to change things and that is just not possible with mixed media...once you splatter ink somewhere it stays inky there!
Oh wow, it's absolutely stunning, Sonia!! I love, love how you decorated the cover!! It looks amazing!! I love the added details like the glass beads!! The paper is gorgeous, too!! You did a fabulous job with this!! Have a great day :)
It is always a pleasure visiting your blog, Sonia! Gorgeous mixed media mini album, and fantastic techniques. Thanks for sharing your lovely project AND for photographing the steps. I appreciate your extra steps to share. Beautiful in every way? Hugs, de
Hehe Juhi mine is rather choosy if she likes it only its hers otherwise she will stare at it for long and give pointers on what she thinks is wrong with it! Recently I tried a CAS card and she was like " who made this?"!!
Hehe Tanvi you guessed another crafty obsession of mine...molds are a craze with me...I cant resist them and you know I brave the perils of the crowded markets just to buy molds! And spend hours on amazon looking for molds!! Fortunately stamps dont attract me so much!
This is such a stunner!! LOVED the mini album and the papers used!! Beautiful project Sonia! :) http://suchizcardstock.blogspot.in/2016/01/bold-colored-card.html
Just stunning and yes, mini albums are very time consuming and lots of thinking about how to be different on the next page. I am making my little angels with clay but want to learn to use resin this year. I am new at this and also if you see other little angels molds on line, love to buy more. Also, I would love to learn how to make my own molds but really failing at this right now.
I'm speechless...!! This is a true sweet- amazing- precious-piece of art!!!! Wow!! So much romantic, my favourite feel :)This is your first one mixed media minialbum?? You are a SuperTalented scrapper, Dr.Sonia!!! I can only LOVE this, any detail is wonderful! The paper is just fabulous and your lovely ebellishments and the textures added are just perfect!!!
This is exquisite! Love the rose papers, and that is one fabulous MB stencil. I've yet to try this whipped spackle, and you have inspired me to be looking for it! Ditto on the resin stuff. We bought a kit (Resin Ice) after seeing a Jennifer McGuire youtube, but have yet to use it. I'd say you've done an outstanding job with this & you definitely should NOT be afraid of Mixed Media. I think you've already got the skill to do it - just perfectly! This is too pretty, I'd not want to write in it!! What a stunning gift it would make as well. TFS & Hugs (and yes, the flowers were just a brass stencil, versamark, and pan pastel chalks!)
What a stunning project here Sonia!! Really love all of the amazing details you've put into this and such a brilliant mixed media design which will make a lovely keepsake!! Thanks for sharing! :)
It is beauuuuutifull Sonia!!!! I was looking for a perfect yet simple tute and this seems to be the one!! Jess's blog is awesomely gud fr people like me. Thank for linking up... I ll try and link up in the post when I am done! Hugs Uma Krafttime
Oh Sonia... This brings tears to my eyes. It is glorious. I love mixed media so much and want to experiment... Your cover is so many things that I most love about mixed media. You are ever an inspiration. :)
Beautiful make on your mini book, love all the pretty added details to it... You are amazing with your embellishments on your projects..... Such a natural crafter you are especially with your little right hand on your side....
Wonderful project! There is so much gorgeous stuff to look at here. Thank you so much for playing with us over at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog this week :)
Wow absolutely fabulous... just recently I came across your blog.. very new to mixed media... also kind of scared to try as well...one quick question what did you use to stick the beads... will regular glue will work or any special type of glue...?
OMG! This is soooo Beautiful Sonia..Loz
ReplyDeleteThis mini book is absolutely gorgeous, Love all the details on the front of the book, and the pattern paper is so cute and lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter will have a lots of fun putting pictures and journaling in it;)
♥Hugs Valentina♥
I think it's too cute!.. No wonder your daughter claimed it:)...Love the lace & the pink glitter:)
ReplyDeleteHehe Divya Thank you so much !
DeleteThis is very beautiful Sonia!! Love how you've added the tiny beads. Your handmade resin heart is very pretty!! Love how this book has turned out!
ReplyDelete-Berina
Moxie Craftie
The tiny beads are from Itsy Bitsy and though they are not expensive I kept hoarding them!
DeleteITs a very interesting project. This is the first time I have come across a "hot ceramic resin". how does it work? does it cast clear?
ReplyDeleteDivya yes its clear once set. I have also experimented by adding glitter, beads colors etc to the resin. Its local resin available in hardware shops and very very cheap compared to the ice resin.A bit of a learning curve is there to prevent bubbles. In fact I have shared quite a few resin embellishments in earlier posts too. Check these posts : Handmade Resin Projects
DeleteI had seen some of these projects before but I thought you had used clear cast or easy cast resin. I loved your Dolphin the most :) to reduce bubbles, use your hair dryer to warm up the sides of the mixing cup. You can use a heat gun or a lighter too but you be be careful as we dont know if this resin is inflammable. To begin with stir slowly and fold in if possible to get as less bubbles as possible. The final tip is to use the mixing stick with a little resin on it to drag the bubble out of the cast and break them with a toothpick or pin. Hope this helps
DeleteIt is a gorgeous mini book Sonia. Loved the way you designed the cover
ReplyDeleteThank you so much !
DeleteWhat a cute little mini album Sonia and the papers and all the details are GORgeous..no wonder your daughter claimed it..the cover is so very pretty.
ReplyDeleteluv CHRISSYxx
Thank you so much Chrissy!
DeleteVery beautiful project
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Anita!!
DeleteWow Sonia, how pretty this is and the cover has so much texture I want to reach out and stroke it.
ReplyDeleteB x
Oooh Brenda...that is a compliment indeed...Big Hugs!!
DeleteWhat a beautiful mini album Dr Sonia ...I love the way you have decorated the front of the album....looks like you definitely have a knack for mixed media :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the morale boost Hussena...mixed media is way out of my comfort zone!
DeleteGorgeous album Sonia! the colours and whole design of this is so pretty! LOVE it :-)
ReplyDeletethanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
luv
Lols x x x
Thank you so much Lorraine
DeleteLOVE this gorgeous mini album!! I think I need to get myself some of that Whipped Spackle!!
ReplyDeleteHehe Lori I think there are lots of mixed media texturing pastes out there....whipped spackle is the only one I have!
DeleteThis is so pretty. One thing I've kind of learned about mixed media is that there really doesn't seem to be a right or a wrong way to use things. The best way to proceed is to just start and go where it leads you
ReplyDeleteYes Ann that is what I keep reading everywhere but I like to be able to change things and that is just not possible with mixed media...once you splatter ink somewhere it stays inky there!
DeleteOh wow, it's absolutely stunning, Sonia!! I love, love how you decorated the cover!! It looks amazing!! I love the added details like the glass beads!! The paper is gorgeous, too!! You did a fabulous job with this!! Have a great day :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Thank you so much Lisa...yes I loved the paper so much I could bear to hide its glory in a card
DeleteIt is always a pleasure visiting your blog, Sonia! Gorgeous mixed media mini album, and fantastic techniques. Thanks for sharing your lovely project AND for photographing the steps. I appreciate your extra steps to share. Beautiful in every way? Hugs, de
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Donna...I felt so happy for attempting something I was not at all comfortable with!
DeleteStunning work Sonia! Gosh you really do mixed media so well - I adore this!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Di xx
Di its maiden steps in mixed media...Thank you so much for the morale boost!
DeleteYOU ROCKED IT!!!!!!!!!!! I love love love this! LOVING the colors, the textures and that heart!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHehe the heart is my favorite too...the picture doesnt capture its true beauty!
DeleteOh this is so cute and pretty Sonia! My daughter does the same, she claims almost everything I make as hers!
ReplyDeleteHehe Juhi mine is rather choosy if she likes it only its hers otherwise she will stare at it for long and give pointers on what she thinks is wrong with it! Recently I tried a CAS card and she was like " who made this?"!!
DeleteOh Sonia, this is an Awesome mixed media book!! I love all the details you added to the cover. No wonder your daughter snagged it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a gorgeous book! I have to see all the molds you have, you seem to own as many as the dies you have!!!
ReplyDeleteHehe Tanvi you guessed another crafty obsession of mine...molds are a craze with me...I cant resist them and you know I brave the perils of the crowded markets just to buy molds! And spend hours on amazon looking for molds!! Fortunately stamps dont attract me so much!
DeleteSo pretty & cute <3
ReplyDeleteSuper gorgeous album .. Lovely textures and elements !! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a stunner!! LOVED the mini album and the papers used!! Beautiful project Sonia! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://suchizcardstock.blogspot.in/2016/01/bold-colored-card.html
wow!!! Doc, you try you hand at new crafts and it all turns out beautiful!! Magical!!!
ReplyDeleteI think you stop saying ..its not your comfort zone.seeing the Beautiful mixed media cover you have created no one would believe it !
ReplyDeleteStunning!! super gorgeous!lovely colours and beautiful texture.Awesome
ReplyDeleteJust stunning and yes, mini albums are very time consuming and lots of thinking about how to be different on the next page. I am making my little angels with clay but want to learn to use resin this year. I am new at this and also if you see other little angels molds on line, love to buy more. Also, I would love to learn how to make my own molds but really failing at this right now.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful album!
I'm speechless...!! This is a true sweet- amazing- precious-piece of art!!!! Wow!! So much romantic, my favourite feel :)This is your first one mixed media minialbum?? You are a SuperTalented scrapper, Dr.Sonia!!! I can only LOVE this, any detail is wonderful! The paper is just fabulous and your lovely ebellishments and the textures added are just perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is exquisite! Love the rose papers, and that is one fabulous MB stencil. I've yet to try this whipped spackle, and you have inspired me to be looking for it! Ditto on the resin stuff. We bought a kit (Resin Ice) after seeing a Jennifer McGuire youtube, but have yet to use it. I'd say you've done an outstanding job with this & you definitely should NOT be afraid of Mixed Media. I think you've already got the skill to do it - just perfectly! This is too pretty, I'd not want to write in it!! What a stunning gift it would make as well. TFS & Hugs (and yes, the flowers were just a brass stencil, versamark, and pan pastel chalks!)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! What a transformation!
ReplyDeleteAnd you are also one of the most talented artists
What a stunning project here Sonia!! Really love all of the amazing details you've put into this and such a brilliant mixed media design which will make a lovely keepsake!! Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is beauuuuutifull Sonia!!!! I was looking for a perfect yet simple tute and this seems to be the one!! Jess's blog is awesomely gud fr people like me. Thank for linking up... I ll try and link up in the post when I am done! Hugs
ReplyDeleteUma
Krafttime
Beautiful, beautiful! What attention to details.
ReplyDeleteOh Sonia... This brings tears to my eyes. It is glorious. I love mixed media so much and want to experiment... Your cover is so many things that I most love about mixed media. You are ever an inspiration. :)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
Karen
Beautiful make on your mini book, love all the pretty added details to it... You are amazing with your embellishments on your projects..... Such a natural crafter you are especially with your little right hand on your side....
ReplyDeleteOMG this is truly STUNNING.
ReplyDeleteWonderful project! There is so much gorgeous stuff to look at here. Thank you so much for playing with us over at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog this week :)
ReplyDeleteTodella kaunis kirja ♥
ReplyDeleteSonia! I am done with mine with the help of yours! Do check out!! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://krafttime.blogspot.in/2016/01/valentine-themed-mini-album.html
Hugs
Uma
This is so beautiful with lovely pretty detail. Thank you for sharing your talent at Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper. Rebecca x
ReplyDeleteWow absolutely fabulous... just recently I came across your blog.. very new to mixed media... also kind of scared to try as well...one quick question what did you use to stick the beads... will regular glue will work or any special type of glue...?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much . If you are not using very heavy beads try fabric glue as it is stronger than the regular fevicol Mr
Delete