Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Mini Album

I have been hoarding this paper for way too long. Finally decided to put it to good use to make this 4" x 4" mini album. The front cover, the back cover and the spine were made using chipboard that I covered from the paper collection. I added some metal gears and key for embellishments. The woman with wings on the front cover was "fussy" cut from the paper, mod podged on lightweight chipboard and cut again. Then pop dotted onto the cover. The back cover I kept simple and free of embellishments. The copper strip of paper on the front and back covers are from a piece of hand made paper that my son picked up for me on his last vacation trip. Other than the copper paper, all other paper used is from Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante paper collection.

The pages of the inside of the book are made using envelopes that I purchased from Hobby Lobby. Each page is also a pocket that holds a photo mat for photos. There are also journaling tags featured throughout the album. I kept the embellishments down to a minimum as I like the photos to be the main focus of the album. Also...how could you cover up this beautiful paper with a lot of embellishments. I LOVE the paper from this collection.

I also included a waterfall feature for photos and journaling on the inside front and back covers. The above pictures show one of the pages inside and the front cover waterfall feature. To finish off the little album I used a black braided tie cord to tie the album close.

This album is special to me as it represents two stages of my life. I have been legally blind for the last 7 years. Recently I had surgery on both my eyes. So far the surgery on my left eye has not been too successful as I am still legally blind in that eye. However, there was great success in the right eye! I currently have 20/30 vision in my right eye without corrective lenses! I am seeing things that I have never seen or haven't seen in 7 years. The most important thing...seeing my family and loved ones faces again! It has been a life changing experience for me. I started this album before my eye surgeries and finished it after my surgeries with my new vision in my right eye. Paper crafting was a huge struggle for me while being legally blind but I refused to give it up. I am having so much fun now creating with my improved vision!

Here is a video that shows the entire album, front and back covers as well as all of the inside pages.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzuJRb4yjDk

The design style of this album was inspired by Ginger / My Sisters Scrapper's tutorial on you tube. I included a link to her tutorial in my you tube video description box. Be sure to check it out as Ginger is soooo creative and has some fun albums and tutorials to share.

Thanks for stopping by!