Personally, I'm not much of a mini album maker. Not because I don't like them, but because I have very limited time to spend on my craft and I tend to spend what little time I have creating standard 12x12 layouts.However, after reading the book that I'm about to share a bit of information with you about - Outstanding Mini Albums: 50 Ideas For Creating Mini Scrapbooks
by Jessica Acs - I am thinking that I must carve some time into my creative schedule to try my had at this facet of scrapbooking.Before Jessica gets underway describing the different types of mini albums, she starts of with a 'Before You Begin' section that outlines some very helpful tools that you might want to consider if you want to pursue some of the albums highlighted in this book. Do to the binding and scoring often necessary when creating mini albums, there are some tools that you may not already have in a standard scrapbooking stash.
The book is divided into 4 chapters:
- Make Your Mark
This chapter showcases 9 albums and discusses the use of pre-made mini albums and how to make them your own through creative embellishing techniques. Jessica points out that using a pre-made album can certainly speed up the process of creating a mini-album, but it certainly does not have the limit the level of creativity. - Back to Basics
This chapter showcases 10 albums and shows us how to create a unique mini album completely from scratch!! Not only are these types of albums cost effective, but there are also NO LIMITS on size, shape or material. - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
This chapter showcases 14 albums and focuses on how to make mini albums out of everyday items - trash to treasure, so to speak. There are examples of albums made of everything from restaurant drink coasters to paper bags. - Think Outside the Box
This chapter showcases 9 albums and is perfect for the crafter who loves to use their creative talents for making gifts. Who doesn't love a handmade gift? This chapter has mini album ideas for everyone you might have on your gift-giving list which can be adapted for a multitude of holidays and/or occasions.
Now, in working with Jessica at WeScrap (she is one of the founding members and I was an Inspiration Team member there last year), I knew that she loved mini albums, but I guess I didn't realize quite how much! One of the first things I realized in going through this book was that nearly every mini album was created by Jessica herself and they variety in style and technique was just AMAZING!!
She did bring in a few other talented artists to share their mini album creations as well including Andrea Deer, Mou Saha, Brenda Neuberger, Carolyn Lontin, Michelle Van Etten, Cami Bauman, Kathie Daub, and Julie Overby.
One thing that I really loved (and appreciated) about this book was that each featured album in chapters 2-4 came with a complete material list, step-by-step instructions on how to create the album in words and photos as well as a photo of the finished product. Some even included cutting and scoring guides! These features make even the most complicated looking album an fun and easy task for the novice and expert mini album maker alike.
There are also several templates at that back of the book that can be used in your mini album making.
Also in the book are 5 amazing step-by-step techniques for making your mini album even more unique and 4 bullet-point lists on the following topics: Embellishment Alternatives, Mini Album Theme Ideas, Displaying & Storing Mini Albums and Mini Album Gifts. All feature some great tips and ideas!
Again, whether your a novice or pro at mini album making, this book is sure to have some album ideas that you'll love and make you want to get in your mini album mode right away!
WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Outstanding Mini Albums
OTHER SIMILAR IDEA BOOKS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
Sharing Your Story: Recording Life's Details with Mini Books
UPCOMING REVIEW & GIVEAWAY:
Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2
Check back for this review soon and your chance to win a free copy!!
