Snailmail Mini Album

You may remember that I did a video about the Oh Happy Day Card Kit last year. It is such a cute box full of different sized cards in fresh, fun colours and prints. Already then I was thinking that it would be great to make a mini album with some of the cards and stickers. And last week I finally got around to it. I am a big fan of snailmail: writing fun, decorated letters to penpals around the world. I've had one penpal in Denmark for over 30 years now and we have been sending each other photo-booklet snail mail for several years now. She's a very creative lady so I thought she would appreciate this:

To make one of these yourself gather the following supplies:

- Different sized double cards
- Pockey tool
- Some thread
- Needle
- Stickers and embellishments
- Stamps and inks: I used Staz On and you can also use Tsukineko Brilliance ink to stamp on photos, esspecially home printed pictures.
- Photos printed in different sizes
- Temporary adhesive (I uses a Pritt temporary adhesive runner but you could also use a bit of Washi Tape)
- Adhesive (I used Stampin' Up! Fine Tip Glue Pen and Snail Tape runner)

Start by picking out some cards and putting them together. I picked a strong black and white pattern for the outside, mixed the sizes on the inside and also added and envelope. I plan to write on the white sides and put pictures on the patterned pages. Have a think about how many pictures to put and where so you know what to print and at which size. I use photo shop elements to combine different sized pictures on one sheet of A4 photopaper to print. You could also use a layout app to put different photos and print from that. Or just cut to size your ordered 4 x 6 inch prints.

Hold them together and using your pokey tool make several holes in the spine. I did 3 holes for a 6 inch high booklet. If your booklet is bigger you could make more holes. Then sew the cards together with some thread. I finished on the outside of the spine and left a good lenght of thread after I knotted it off. I want to hang something on it later.

When you have your booklet sewn together start thinking about what embellishments would go well on which page. I have found that if I start with the pictures and words I have a hard time finding the right embellishments and things start taking too long. So I use some temporary adhesive to tack them into place before I add pictures. I usually end up moving stuff around when I do the pictures but I know roughly what I have to play with.

When you are happy with your photos and embellishments you can write your letter. I did not have enough room to say everything so I stuffed another two pages into the little envelope:-)

Round off with extra embellishments and craft a fun envelope to send it on its way.

Happy letter writing people!

xx

Sonja