Doodlebug Design Inc Blog: PARTY TIME SMASH ALBUM

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

PARTY TIME SMASH ALBUM | with Shellye

Whether you have a brand new collection of Party Time, or left-over pieces and papers, Smash Albums are a great way to utilize it all!

There are so many ways to construct these unique albums, so just go with it!

I started by cutting the cover to 6"X10" and then applied a simple non-heat laminate to the front.

I'm jumping ahead a bit in the process, but you'll see above that I machine-stitched all of the papers/pages together. If you have a sewing machine: I used a heavy-duty needle and set the zig-zag stitch to 2.0 and 4.0 (length/width) with a tension of 04. I do recommend testing your machine by layering several thicknesses of scrap paper to see how much your machine can easily sew through.

No machine? No problem! Use an elastic cording and thread through two holes that you punch along the top and bottom (as you would a TN).

To prepare the inner pages: start layering journal cards, scraps of paper, full pieces of paper (6"X10" or whatever the size your album cover is), large doilies, cards, etc....truly if it can be folded in half, it can be added!

Decorate the pages with smaller journal cards, die-cuts and stickers. Clip on your favorite Doodlebug mini or shaped paper clips too.

I love the longer journal cards, so to solve the issue of it being too long for my album, I folded

the bottom end up. Secure the end with a paper clip, or as I did with a button attached along the edge of the card.

Pockets are another fun and easy addition to your smash book! I took a 6X12 strip of paper and folded the two long ends in to form the pockets.

I love the look of the die-cuts hanging over the edge of the page...it gives it dimension and design interest. I used a tiny stapler to attach to the page instead of glue; this allows photos to be tucked under if needed.

In finishing, I wanted a different style of closure for the album. After die-cutting two tags (thin chipboard and the covered in patterned paper), I attached one to the front cover and (inner) back cover with hot glue. Next, I threaded through a piece of ribbon and tied it into a loose knot for closure. So simple!

I hope that you'll give this style of mini album a try...they're a whole lotta fun to make :)