Finland Mini Album (Front Cover)

I've had quite a few techniques to share with this mini album that I've created as a DT project for Clear Scraps. Therefore, I've decided to share each page separately in different posts. This project is created using Clear Scraps 6x6 chipboard 3 tab album and acrylic sheet.

I've created this album about my trip to Finland in October 2008. It's such a beautiful place to visit.

Here are the steps to create the front cover.

1) The front cover is created using a Clear Scraps acrylic sheet. I've cut out a 6x6 piece from the acrylic sheet which is in 12x12.

2) I've created a decorative masking template for the middle of the acrylic sheet. Use various alcohol ink (cranberry, butterscotch, espresso, gold mixative) and blending solution to stamp all over the acrylic sheet (while the mask is attached) using an alcohol ink applicator.

3) Paint the edges of the acrylic sheet with some black acrylic paint and outline the masked image with a black paint marker and some gold Stickles.

4) Use the "Distressing with Random Magic Mesh" technique all around the edges of the acrylic sheet.

5) Add a rub-on on the right of the cover and a ribbon on the bottom of it. Add 3 brads to dress it up.

6) To create the frame, I've cut out a decorative frame from some black card stock and use the "3D Stitching" technique on it before attaching it to the cover. I've also use a black paint marker to draw the same decorative shape inside the frame.

7) Then to create the flower, I've used the Texture your Flowers with Magic Mesh" technique. I've used this technique on a vellum flower that I've cut out and later layer another flower on top of it. I've used some Stickles to detail it. For the middle, I've use a metal embellishment which I've alcohol inked to match the album.

8) For the word "Finland", I've used a piece of Clear Scraps acrylic sheet to cut it out and stamp on it using some white acrylic paint and highlight it's edges using a paint marker. Attach this title piece somewhere on top of a page in the middle of the album.

9) Lastly, for all the extra photographs that I hate to exclude from the mini album, I've used the "Picture Bracelet for your Mini Album" technique to solve the problem. I've attach the bracelet on one of the ring which holds the mini album together. A reader had asked me about "should we cover the photographs to protect it?" It's really up to you. I've not covered mine with anything as are all the photographs in the mini album. But if you want, you could use some protective spray that I've once read about which can be use of photographs, or you can use some glossy accents, UTEE with melting pot, acrylic sheet, transparency or even fragment tiles. Which ever method you choose to use, be sure to experiment it on a smaller scale first.

I hope you all like the start of this mini album. Be sure to check back to see the rest of it.

The January 2009 Get Inked! Kit from Queen Kat Designs are officially sold out! Thanks to all of you who had supported me. For those of you who are interested, the February 2009 Get Inked Kit are now up for pre-ordering. Check it out at Queen Kat Designs site.

Sources: Clear Scraps Chipboard 6x6 Tab Album, Acrylic Sheet; Card stock: Bazzill; Inks: Ranger Distress Ink, Ranger Alcohol Ink; Stamp: Stampin' It; Rub-On: Basic Grey; Others: EKSuccess Zig Painty, Ranger Stickles, Ranger Blending Solution, Making Memories Acrylic Paint, Magic Mesh, Prima flower, vellum, metal embellishment, paper ribbon, yarn for stitching, ribbon, brads, Helmar glue, Zip Dry, glue dots and other adhesives.