creating a foofy Valentine album with Ellen

I am soooo thrilled to be able to be a part of this ultra fun blog...talented ladies creating...could it get any better? I will be showing you how to create an altered foofy photo album to give as a gift or create for your very own Valentine treat. These are the supplies you will need to get started:

1. an inexpensive plastic photo album (you can find them at Dollar Stores, Walmart and Target for around $1)

2. any embellishments you wish to apply to the front of your album

3. a piece of white card stock paper

4. a piece of ribbon, seam binding or lace trim measuring around 24-26 inches long (something to tie your album shut)

5. a sewing machine

6. a glue gun (go ahead and start preheating your glue gun)

7. glue ( I used Mod Podge Matte)

8. a sponge style paint brush for applying the glue

9. paper cutter and scissors

The first thing you will need to do is start creating anything you want to add to the outside. I like to sketch my ideas out first...then start laying everything out. I used an inexpensive foil covered cardboard frame and covered it with glue on the silver foil portions and sprinkled fine silver glass glitter over the glued areas. After the glue had dried and the glitter had set up the way I wanted I was ready to start the creative process.

Here is the picture after the frame was finished ...ohhh la la...such a huge difference! Now my frame is ready.

Now you will need to measure the inserts that are in the front and back of your album...mine measured around 4.25 x 6.25. You will need to cut your piece of white card stock in the same size as the insert pieces you removed....you should cut 2 pieces. Next place them in the front and back portions of your album. You will also need to remove the outside cover of your album leaving the outside separate from the portion that holds all your photos. Cut your fabric to a size slightly larger than your album outside. I chose a vintage, slightly sheer flocked pink dotted fabric..perfect for Valentine's Day. I then sewed the fabric to the entire outside portion...stitching along the outside edges. Next you will need to trim any excess fabric around the edges..to give your album a nice clean appearance.

Now you will need to stitch your ribbon, seam binding or lace trim to the edges of your album (front and backsides). I used some vintage satin blanket binding and stained mine with tea.

Now...open your album up to the middle portion...mine was visible where the center was...if yours doesn't you can count the pages and separate half way through. Now stitch all the way from top to bottom (back stitch to ensure that everything will hold securely).

Now you are ready for the most delightful part...the embellishments! I decided to keep mine fairly simplistic with the glittered photo frame, a petite vintage velvet millinery flower and a pic of my sweet pea. I added the picture inside the frame, glued the outside edges shut then glued it down to the center portion of my album with the hot glue gun. Once that was dry and secure I went ahead and glued the flower down with hot glue. Next add photos to your inside pages if you wish and tie your album shut...viola'....a beautiful album to enjoy for years to come.

I hope you enjoyed creating with me today...I had a blast! Try this same concept for various holidays and occasions. These altered albums make wonderful bridal shower gifts and wedding gifts....guaranteed to be loved!

Enjoy....Ellen