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.