Categories
Creating files Free Mini Album and Brag Books

Guilt free Crafting Day 1

I have to admit that before the craziness of the Pandemic, I was not actively getting my blog post out AND was I not actively crafting! It happens, we get busy and we are now in the position of staying at home and practicing social distancing; now there is a lot of time for guilt free crafting!

Today I will share the last two pages of the wedding brag book and the next post will be the spine and cover redone. This post will be all about the images of the pages and the matting: no technical stuff , only want to give you the idea of how the folio pages I have can be used for any type of brag book.

To see these crafting pages used as a Halloween bragbook: check them out here:

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Quick note on upcoming posts

The posts that follow will be about different crafts, I am thinking activities for parents and children to help pass the time.

I also now have access to posting courses on my online school and will link content to my blog posts so YEAH!!!! Will have online tutorials for Cricut and Silhouette available soon for my readers, free of charge so we can all be using our machines, crafting guilt free to the max!

My Cricut machine I just got: was using my neighbours all the time!

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Remember that if you see a file that gets your crafting juices flowing, send me a request and I will try to get it to you as soon as I can. If I don’t have a file or craft that you would like to see, let me know and I will try my very best to get it done for you.

Ok, page 5

Page five was very much how I posted in the earlier posts for the page layout:

See page 5 layout here

Page 5 has a large amount of space for larger photos and journaling. I limited the pockets as it will create more bulk when items are inserted later on.

FRONT: Page 5 side 2

Page 6 Side 1

possible pocket for page 6

Note that page 6 side one of the page has a accordian style page and the matting is very similar for both sides. I may or maynot include some pockets: still trying not not feel guilty over the bulk I am creating!

Page six did get scaled down even though I had already decided that I was going to redo the cover and spine and make the book thicker. The problem with crafting somethims is that you just want to keep adding to what you are doing and it does have to have an ending, as sad as that is.

Photos of page 6 side 2

CLOSED: Page six, side 2
TOP VIEW: Page 6 side 2
FRONT VIEW: page 6 side 2

Before I End

Before I go, a reminder of the wonderful free commercial use of fonts, images and crafts at Creative Fabrica. My affiliate link provided: this means that if you use my link a purchase any of the images that are not free, I will get a small compensation. So far there is nothing as I think like me , people find so many images and fonts free that there is no need to buy lots!

Another great site is Cricut Design Space with free images daily.

Silhouette Free image of the week at Silhouette Design Store

For materials I head out to Michaels where they have curbside pickup during this social distancing period

One of my favorite places to pick up Vinyl in Mississauga is Sign Supply Canada

Kijiji and Letgo are also a fun places to shop.

Next up

I hope that my Day 2 guilt free crafting will be tomorrow and I will have the new cover, and spine to show. Wish me luck!

Carolyn

Categories
Evaluating projects Evaluation of files/projects Mini Album and Brag Books Paper scrapbook

Too Big? Guilty Me!

Is my Brag Book page 3 and 4 now too big?

This will always a concern and issue for me as I love to have interactive pages that pop , twist and fold and that adds bulk to the brag book.

The paper clips are taking up some space but really and truly if I am being honest with myself, I am at page 4 side 1 and we are starting to look like a stuffed turkey.

And by “we” I mean my brag book.

Two Fixes For The Page Too Big Dilemma

  • One solution is to make my own cover with larger spacing between pages: The one I am using is one that is premade from Michaels.
  • Second solution is to remove some of the flaps, folds and slots and tags. (crying face here)

Recap of all the “Too Big” Pages

A quick recap will show that all the previous pages are almost the same size but the bulk is adding up and the book is becoming too big. (I admit it)

Below are a few of the pages in this wedding brag book if you need to review.

Remember you can request any page and I will send you the cut files. So Subscribe below.

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Page 3 Side 2 is Too BIG

This page is a double tri fold shutter page that closes up and flips to the side to reveal more flaps that open and reveal a large area for a photo.

Let us look at it this page one stage of opening at a time.

The Big Double Tri Fold Shutter Page

This double tri fold shutter is 8 inches long when closed up and opens up to be 31.5 inches long. (That Is BIG) My template is based on a great Youtube video

The spaces are great for embellishments, small photo booth sided photos and the center is perfect for a 4×8 photo.

This is the big page sitting in the brag book

Too Big? Pages for Page 3b and 4a
My Brag book is looking too thick and I may need to make a custom cover!

This is a closer view of the page

Too Big? double fold pull out
closer look at page

Remember that the paper clips are there as I need to place my magnets.

This page had so many paper clips that it interfered with the opening and closing when I wanted to take the photos!

I stuck some of the matting down and I am pretty sure I made a mistake!!!

Will have to wait and see what happens when I attach the magnets.

One side Of This Page Opened Up.

Too Big? Double fold opening
one side of double fold page opened.

The Double Tri Fold Shutter Page Closed

When the double tri fold shutter page is closed up again, it all flips to the left and there is a space for a photo on the back and to the right are 2 flaps.

It was supposed to be 4 flaps: One flap opening left , one flap opening to the right, one opening up and one opening down…… but I have to admit that the bulk was way too much.

These two flaps open and there is space on the page for another large photo.

Now this page does not seem to be large but the double tri fold shutter makes it a little bulky.

Too Big? double fold page opens
Big Double tri fold shutter closed up and the entire page flips open to left
Too Big? Flaps open for a photo mat
Big page has room for a big photo

Page 4 Side 1

This page 4 is a folio and I did not use lots of pockets or slots for tag but left the pages with large photo mats.

To start with the photo below is the folio page all closed up

Too Big? Pages 4

Next Photo shows the folio opened one time to show the one and only pocket which I will re-cut a little smaller.

Too Big? Pages 4 open onec

Big page opened a second time

This Page is long like all the other folios in this brag book: around 30 inches.

Too Big? Pages 4 open twicw
Note the matting can be changed around

The matting can still be be changed around. I have not yet decided on what I like. ( Feel free to comment here)

Too Big? Pages 4 open third time
Big Folio opened onephotos

Back of pages

The back of the folio will hold 2 large photos. ( the flower paper)

In a wedding brag book you really do want space for all the large photos.

Too Big? Pages 4 back pages
You have 3 full sized pages with mats for photos on the back of this folio
Too Big? Pages 4 folding up
closing it up again

Well that is it for these two pages: Page 3 side 2 and Page 4 side 1. That leaves us with Page 4 side 2, Page 5 and 6 side 1 and 2 and the back cover.

I am almost 100% sure I will need to make my brag book cover and base pages to fit what I have made so far as I love all the pages and DON’T WANT TO DOWNSIZE MY BOOK!!!!

Got that out of my system!

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Categories
Free Mini Album and Brag Books Paper scrapbook Template

Yes! 123-Easy Layout Change

I cut the mats for page TWO side ONE and while I was doing so changed the layout back to what I originally had in the Halloween Brag book as I liked the look and feel of that page. The second side now needs a revamped look. Changing the layout is as easy as 123!

Before I get to what I did for each side, lets recap.

Original Layout

The Halloween brag book page TWO side ONE : read what this page was like in the post or look at the photos below and you will get an idea of how the flaps open.

Step 1: Finalized Page TWO Side ONE Layout

Page TWO Side ONE had the following elements:

  • Belly band
  • Waterfall pages
  • Entire waterfall pages flipped to the left and there is a slotted page to hold tags.

The first step was to get all the pieces back together, everything I needed was already cut, only assigned to different pages.

I put them all back together so we have the same layout as the Halloween brag book for the wedding themed brag book.

Note: I flattened the slotted insert: the original insert was 0.250 of an inch thick and I was concerned that this brag book could not accommodate the bulk.

The tag I made may change and I used the method here to attach one of my files purchased from Silhouette Design Store. There are many other places to get images, I get from Creative Fabrica when they are free. Like this wedding set that was free and is now $15!

Page Two Side One is back on track all mattings cut and looks like the original.

Step 2: Remember Page TWO side TWO?

For a quick recap of what Page TWO side TWO was going to look like read the post here.

These are the photos below of what I was going to do: The two envelope pages are paired with the slotted page. This will change and I will show you what it changed to.

Finalized Page Two Side Two Layout

Already cut were:

  • The two envelopes.
  • The base page cut

Added:

  • 3 extra pieces of paper, a cut here , a fold there and Voila! 3 flaps to position as I choose!

Step 3: Layout the pieces:

  • The envelopes will flip open to the left,
  • There is a similarity to the Halloween Bragbook in that we have the pages that flip open but not quite in the same manner.
  • I also used a small flap that will go on top of the envelope. This was done to reduce the number of magnets. With this flap keeping the page closed, I need less magnets YEAH!!!

BTW, why are the matting not stuck down?

MAGNETS! or lack of magnets at this point. I am using magnets to hold my pages closed, but you can use ribbon or any other method.

My photo show the matting of the pages not yet stuckdown, as I need to make sure where to place the magnets before I finalize the pages.

Don’t worry, once I am finished showing all the pages with the matting, I will post the finalized pages…hope to keep the pages as they are and not have any last minute change of heart!

Extra

The basic steps 123 above are all you need to change any page in this 8×8 brag book: all inserts, flaps, pockets and envelopes can go on any page, in any order.

Photo below is the small flap positioned differently:

Layout: small flap and envelope 2
Small Flap layout 2

These are all the elements separate with matting for both sides.

  • Small Flap side one and two
  • Medium Flap side one and two
  • Large Flap side one and two
  • Envelopes side one and two

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I hope you enjoy making these pages.

Regards Carolyn

Categories
Mini Album and Brag Books Paper scrapbook Template

Customize A Page Fast And Ease

The fun part has begun: this is where you get to customize your pages with pretty paper. I am using paper from Michaels and I am glad I got two 12 x 12 pads of Westeria paper! The silver is being replaced by gold as the paper pack has gold accents.

some possible materials
paper and Vinyl

Recap

A recap of my cover page and page 1 side one can be found here.

My last Brag book was a customized Halloween book.

Tips to Customize a page

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are ready to customize your brag book:

  • If you are using paper to customize the look for your brag book and your paper has a pattern, you will need more paper for laying out the page matting if there is a direction that needs to be consistent. So buy enough! For example, my inside cover page, it really is not noticable if the direction is switched around a bit….there is a difference but only if you are paying attention
  • Some paper can be as thin as copy paper but some may need to be cardstock thickness. The thinner paper can be used to cover pockets and inserts and even for some of the matting.
  • In the photo below , the adhesive may show if it is left as is. That may not matter once a photo is placed on top but to give the brag book as a gift and it look messy…not cool! Therefor, use the correct adhesive such as double sided tape and if using liquid glue, use sparingly.
  • A personal dislike is when using patterned paper, using too many patterns or colours. This is very personal and to me it clutters up the design. SO…Know who the end user is of the brag book is and decorate for them not yourself if possible…very hard for me to follow!
  • How will your flaps etc. be held closed? You can use belly bands, magnets ribbon to tie and many more options. Before you finalize your custom page, make sure you have taken into account your closure method.
  • There are many items other than paper you can use for a customized look, tags, pockets, embellishments, journalling , stickers etc. I used many designs from the Silhouette Design Store and then customized them for my project
Customized inside cover open
There is a pattern…..

Customize the inside cover

The preview above was the inside cover page opened to reveal the large space this can be used for a larger photo.

The two flaps can be used for journaling, smaller photos, or decorations.

Any of the pages can have additional inserts added to them such as pockets, pull outs , 3d pop up etc.

Do you remember the inside cover before we started to customize it?

My inside page is closed in this photo and I may include the closure tag with the quote. Once I am ready to glue all the paper down, I will position my magnets.

Customize Template Page
This is the inside cover
Customize the inside cover
inside page open
Customize the inside cover open
customize the inside cover page open

Customize Page 1

Opposite the inside cover page is side one of page one. I am using a little plain gold cardstock to customize some of the elements like the gate below. May look like kraft paper but it has a little sparkle to it.

customize the pages: side by side view

The gate will also be held closed with magnets and when opened has a pocket and a tag.

Close the gate up and the whole thing flips down

Customize gate page flips down
Page 1 gate page flips down

There is space when opened for 2 large photos or again, you can customize them with pockets etc.

The gold page flips up

Customize page flips up
customize the flaps

So again there is the opportunity to customize the page with just beautiful paper or add inserts like pockets, flaps, slots, journaling, quotes etc.

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Categories
Celebrations Creating files Free Greeting Cards Mini Album and Brag Books Paper scrapbook silhouette design store Template

Grab the Free Folio Now

Folios are multi use pages that I love! and free files are dear to my heart so put them together: Free Folio can’t be beat! See my Halloween Folio. These folio pages can be used as mini albums, an interactive greeting card with photos, or as I am using them here in the wedding brag book.

To grab your free folio, subscribe below and tell me you want free folio page 4 side 1 or side 2. These will be generic and you can customized them yourself.

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For page four I am using two different folio pages one for each side.

Although these folios are the same as my Halloween layout, they will look different as I customize the flaps and envelopes and also may rearrange the order the pages and flap attach to each other.

Free Folio Page 1

Both free Folios files available for page four have lots of flaps and pages and close like a book. When opened all the way the folio is an impressive 30 inches long!

Since nothing is stuck down, I may still rearrange the flaps and pages to be slightly different from the Halloween Folio. I will only know for sure when I start gluing it all down.

Customize Your Folio

I may add more pockets and tags but in the mean time, the customization done so far is :

  1. With the flap, I use a file from silhouette design store: snapdragon snippets is one of my favourite designers and I used one of her flourishes for the flap.
  2. On the pocket, I use a wedding cake I found on Google for free.The weld technique can be seen here

Free Folio side 2

Like Folio 1, Side two is about 30 inched opened up. Due to the bulk, I may move this page anywhere and swap the layouts with one of the first 3 pages to prevent the brag book becoming too bulky and hence unable to close.

Although this page for side 2 is the same size when opened up, there is slightly more space for photos due to the longer flap. If you wanted even more space,,you could make all the flaps long

Photos of Folio side 2

Again, this folio opened all the way out is huge and has a lot of space for photos and journaling.

More Customization for free folio possible

Seems hard to belief that you can add more to this layout but you will be surprised! In the Halloween layout, I used a slotted inset for tags and in this one I may use a file I have been working on that is super interactive! Pulling tabs that make stuff move gets my blood moving!

Keep following me and subscribe for your chance to get any of my files I make and post.

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I am also going to sell the entire package soon if that is what you are looking for. Note that you can make your entire brag book with just one layout! does not have to be so many different pages like mine.

Keep crafting and I look forward to finishing pages 5 and 6 so that we can get to the really fun stuff of decorating it all.

Here is a quick look at some of my past pages that you can request the file for free when you subscribe.

  1. Page 1
  2. Page 2
  3. Page 3

Regards

Carolyn

Categories
Mini Album and Brag Books Paper scrapbook

Inside Cover and Page One

Inside cover

The inside of the cover will be a simple gatefold opening to allow for a photo or wedding invitation to be displayed.It does not look like anything much now but I hope a cute closure (ribbon or magnets) and paper will make it look really good.

Page One Side 1

Like the Halloween brag book page one, There will be a gate that opens and underneath is a pocket and tag. For the wedding theme, I am using love birds to embellish. My paper cut overlay is from the Silhouette design store: LOVE BIRDS LAYER CARD by Daniela Angelova #162094. The pages are slightly different layout but all the same pieces as the Halloween page one side 1.

Screenshots of digital files Page one side 1

Page One Side 2

Again, I am resizing page 1 side 2 of the halloween Brag book to fit the 8 x 8 page dimension. This side has some foldout pages and pockets.Once more I am redoing the actual manner in which I attached them to give a slightly different look.

Screenshot of Page One side 2

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