Christmas in June.....

Christmas in June......

I've been working on some techniques to make my own boxes to fit my handmade mini albums inside, I've tried to make boxes before but always struggled with them looking a bit too handmade and not as professional as I would like them to be. But, after around six attempts (no, I'm not showing the failed ones!!) these pictures show a work in progress really. I am still on the hunt for something to use as feet, I am thinking crystal drawer knobs but finding the right size is difficult.

Products used: Prima Sweet Peppermint 12x12 paper pad
Petaloo velvet flowers
Tim Holtz film reel
Metal embellishments from Pickle Paper Patch http://picklepaperpatch.com/listing/pickle-paper-patch-filigree-embellishments-antique-copper-flower/

For both the box and the album I have used Prima Sweet Peppermint collection. As well as the paper pad it comes with lots of fab stickers and plenty of journaling type cards too. On the top of the box I added some Petal velvet flowers and some kraft paper to look like a bunch of cards. I added a little bit of Tim Holtz film reel and a few clay embellishments, with some metal filigree corners and ovals from Pickle Paper Patch too. These embellishments are a antique bronze finish which I think add a little more of a vintage feel to the box. However, it still needs some feet! Hopefully I will find something perfect soon!! 

Next I made the album to fit inside. I decided that I would make a mini album using paper strips to bind, so that my pages can be added as I go and extra pockets and fold outs incorporated into the final design. Usually I draw a little sketch out of how I want all the pages to run, but this time I have just worked away as I go. 

The mini album measures around 8 x 5 inches and is about 3 inches thick. I like to leave plenty of room between the pages so even though its quite thick as there will only be 4 pages inside. However these pages will have fold outs, pockets and sliding sections so in reality there will be room for about 20 pictures.

This shows the first page, I have made a kraft envelope so that a letter from Santa can be kept inside and a envelope pocket on the right for any special cards or gift tags that want to be kept, also plenty of room for other pictures here! 

I will be updating with the finished pieces soon.

Thanks for reading and happy crafting 

J xx