Addicted to Mini's - by Xanthippe (Brenna)

Super Quick “Pieces of Me” Mini Album– by Brenna Ravenhill

I was so excited to hear the December project was to be something reflective of ourselves.  It was the perfect excuse to make a mini album.  I discovered minis less than a year ago, and am completely addicted.  I went with Everyday Eclectic by EP, because I’ve been hoarding it and I just had to take the plunge and use it.   I gathered the paper, some ribbon, doilies, toothpicks, etc.  No real clue as to what I’d do, just willing to go with the flow.  You can’t imagine my surprise when the entire album took about an hour and a half to make.  That’s a record for me, usually my mini albums come together over a couple of WEEKS!

CC Products:  Everyday Eclectic 12x12 collection by EP, snake tape

Non CC Products:  toothpicks, doilies, sewing machine, MS punches, 2 random sheets of paper, zutter

First, I cut all the papers to 9x6, except two which I cut to 9.5x6.5 and wrapped the chipboard covers.  I also got two sheets random sheets to help embellish the pages.  One was a generic white wood grain and the other was a dear lizzy abstract Polaroid print.

Then I made a few embellishments.  Stamped a couple journaling spots in grey and turquoise, cut a few ‘arrows’ out of May Arts chevron ribbon, and made flags with toothpicks and paper from the collection.  I also punched some butterflies using three different Martha Stewart Punches.

After all the prep work, the pages were a snap.  I kept them very simple so I can embellish more after I add photographs, or maybe journal more.  I machine sewed all the chevron ribbons instead of using adhesive, it gives them a fun little line of orange thread down the middle.  I attached the flags with wood grain washi tape, and added butterflies randomly throughout.  Lastly I bound everything with my zutter and voila!  A fun little album, in less than two hours!

The best part is:  I only used half my collection in making this.  I’m not sure how one package went so far, but I have another stack of 9x6 pages, a bunch of large scraps, lots of sticker elements, and one 12x12 sheet that I didn’t use at all.  I think there may be a travel mini in the near future.  J