Spring Break Guest Post | Elizabeth Kartchner

She MiniBook from Elizabeth Kartchner

For this project, I was inspired to create something really organic, focusing on text, simplicity, and raw texture. Mini-albums are my go-to when I'm in the mood to experiment something new or try something a little out of my comfort zone.

I loved the quote Ali recently posted for her Project Life using the Silhouette & it really sparked an idea for these pages. I wanted to die-cut a little snipit of journaling onto each page to give it a crisp, modern look. It took a bit more time but I love the end result. My plan was then to back each diecut page with red so the words would really stand out, but after experimenting on a page or two I ended up not liking it and put that idea aside for another project. That's one thing I love about creating, you can try ideas out and if they don't look how you want it, save that idea for a future project!

Once I carefully removed the backing, I realized I loved how I could see through to the next page and the edges of each letter. Instead of the red paper backing, I added a piece of my Dear Lizzy polka dot vellum in front of each page. I cut random circles from the vellum to continue with the feel of the diecut pages.

Next, as I was adding the photos that I picked out, I printed a few in color to start. The color photos ended up being too busy, and although I usually work with color photos, changing them to black and white kept the focus on the text. I love the simplicity it added. I then cropped the photos ranging from 4"-5" and added them above the diecut journaling. I didn't necessarily match the photos exactly to the journaling but left a bit of surprise element to what each one would convey.

Next, I added a few simple embellishments which in a way can make each element pop. Keeping with the theme, I stuck with mostly wood veneer banners, sequins and button candy dots, & washi tape. I also added some pieces from my newest Dear Lizzy collection: ruffle paper, fringe ribbon, sequins & wood buttons.

Lastly, I worked on the cover. I usually do this first but I got excited with the inside pages and wound up designing it last. I cut the title "SHE" through a piece of kraft cardstock and then through chipboard. I sewed on the kraft paper then attached it to the chipboard so it wouldn't show through on the inside cover. I sewed pieces of the diecut letters from the inside pages and left the thread slack longer. I also added a few splashes of mist and a punched heart. I was sad when the idea I had to bind the pages didn't work out like I envisioned so I used book rings to keep it all together instead.

For the inside cover, I added a vellum envelope with washi tape and included some letter confetti and one of my Dear Lizzy tags with a little note.

I am so thrilled to guest for Ali! I hope you enjoy this project and are inspired to create something splendid!

ABOUT ELIZABETH | Elizabeth Kartchner is the designer of the Dear Lizzy scrapbook line with American Crafts and just released her fourth line, "Neapolitan." Featuring ruffled paper, date roller stamp and fringe ribbon. There's nothing she loves more then being a mother to her three girls and they definitely keep busy-busy. In 2009, she authored the book 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges with Creating Keepsakes magazine and is currently finishing projects for her second book coming out this summer. Because she enjoys teaching and connecting with women all over the world, she created Something Splendid where she teaches craft workshops, providing each student with a kit and HD video tutorials. When she gets a spare moment she enjoys chasing her kids with her camera, finding vintage decor for her home, or eating frozen Junior Mints while watching New Girl with her husband, Collin. Check out her blog, Dear Lizzy.

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32 thoughts

  1. Susan says…
    03/29/2012

    Wow, super cute mini album. how fun! i love the use of the silhouette (and the pretty papers peeking through: you've added to all the visuals out there that make me want one. couple questions? what size is your album? it looks like a 6x12 (I love that size and think it is so fun)? and my second question: in the beginning of your post you mentioned that you wanted to create something 'organic'. What does that mean in regards to this mini-book and scrapbooking in general? thanks so much for your post. it is great.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. liz kartchner says…
      03/29/2012

      thanks susan!

      it is about 5 1/2" x 10 1/2" then cover being about 1/2" larger.

  2. Theresa Grdina says…
    03/29/2012

    I really like this...you and Ali make me want a Cameo!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Eva says…
    03/29/2012

    Gorgeously cute!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Susan Anderson says…
    03/29/2012

    Love the ruffled paper...

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Lisa W. says…
    03/29/2012

    WELL HI Lizzy...follow your blog everyday!!! LOVE this album, as I am a huge fan of minny albums anyways!!! LOVE your style...very VERY cuteness!!! Still confused how the letters are punched through the cardstock or???

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Marsha F says…
    03/29/2012

    Love your idea of diecutting the journaling!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Dori says…
    03/29/2012

    Absolutely adorable mini! Thanks so much for the tutorial. :-)

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Jenny A says…
    03/29/2012

    This is absolutely stunning! I can't wait to do one of the mini albums for each of my kids!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. DeeAnn Cummins says…
    03/29/2012

    I love this mini. Thanks for sharing. I am also seriously in love with your new Neapolitan line -wonderful colors!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Jeanne Ann says…
    03/29/2012

    I love this! I am lucky enough to have a husband that understands my need for creating and recently purchased the Cameo for my graduation from college. I look forward to trying out my new toy with your inspiration to urge me on! Thanks

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Sharmon says…
    03/29/2012

    I love this idea! I am new to all of this, so could you explain how you diecut the pages? Thanks so much, your book is beautiful!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Mandy Szeto says…
    03/29/2012

    This is such an awesome project!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Helen says…
    03/29/2012

    brilliant use of the silhouette!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Ellen McKinley says…
    03/29/2012

    I have a Cricut (older version--not computer compatible), and am wondering how the Silhouette and Cricut compare in terms of what you can create with them and/or strengths of each machine. I am considering updating to a newer cricut or getting a silhouette instead.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Renee L says…
    03/29/2012

    I love this idea, and I think if I change my paper and letter sizes I can more or less force my Cricut to do the same thing. Thanks so much for the inspiration! PS - love the cut outs for your 3D items. I like these items, but it always bothers me, because lighter weight papers can rip or become unsightly when the opposite page includes 3D embellishments. Thank you so much!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Melinda T says…
    03/29/2012

    Love the mini, Liz!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Jill says…
    03/29/2012

    LOVE this little book, Liz! Fabulous :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Tara Smith says…
    03/29/2012

    Did you use the silhouette to cut through the chipboard cover? I haven't tried this yet on mine..

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Melissa Rydjeski says…
    03/29/2012

    I feel like i need a silhouette now!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. lee says…
    03/29/2012

    I thought your comment about using mini-albums to experiment or step a little out of your comfort zone was so true! And what a darling mini-album this was. Thanks for the inspiration. =)

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Stacie D says…
    03/29/2012

    What a sweet memory book for her! I love your idea of the cut out journaling.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jen D says…
    03/29/2012

    LOVE this die cut album! It's so pretty and something she'll definitely cherish.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. tara pollard pakosta says…
    03/29/2012

    it's beautiful!!
    love it so much!
    tara

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. TaraMcK says…
    03/29/2012

    LOVE love love this.... it's awesome, I'm going to do one for both my boys!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. HawaiianLibrarian says…
    03/29/2012

    Fabulous tribute capturing a slice of now. This would be so out of my box, too. Mahalo for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies

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