An Irresistible Mini Album

Good Monday!  Today I'm bringing a gate-folded mini album featuring the

IRRESISTIBLE COLLECTION

by Authentique Paper

Many of you will love the black and white palette as it is, but others may like the idea

of being able to customize the beautiful papers with color!  I can honestly say that I would not try this with just any paper, but with Authentique's paper it worked like a charm.

Here's a peek at the front of the album:

 Now, let's begin with the how to put our gate-folded album together:

 

1. Cut desired patterned paper to 6" X 12"
2. Cut two pieces of chipboard (I used a medium weight) to 2.75" X 6" and one piece 6" X 6"
3. Lay the two smaller pieces to each end of the paper and adhere with a strong adhesive tape
4. Center the 6" piece evenly between the two outer pieces of chipboard (as shown); adhere  
5. Next you will crease the paper around all four edges of the chipboard
6. For the inside of the album, choose another piece of 6" X 12" patterned paper and cut down to match the chipboard sizes; cover each piece

You are now ready to begin with the inner-pages.  

This is a flip-up-style mini album, so any of the patterned papers will work beautifully for this.  

1. Cut desired patterned paper to 5.75" W X 11"H; score in the middle (this is your bottom piece), so your bottom piece will measure 5.75"W X 5.5"H when folded at score line.
2. Cut next piece of paper to 5.75" W X 10"; score in the middle so that this piece will measure 5.75"W X 5"H when folded at score line.
3. Proceed with cutting two more sheets to 5.75" X 9" and 5.75" X 8" and scoring in the middle of each.
4. Next, score each set 1/4" from the top (non-scored end) as shown below:

1. Measuring from the outside, punch two holes at the top (non-scored end) 
2. of each paper (you will see more detail below).  
3. Use one of these papers as a guide for hole placement to the back of the album; punch holes.  
4. Begin decorating each page!

 Use the Enhancement paper to dress up areas for journaling...they also work well for photo mats too. 
 To change things up (especially if you have a 'color' theme going) cut colored cardstock for mats as well. 

 I kept the embellishments very neutral by using clear adhesive gems (ZVA Creative), 
silver accents or black and white ribbon.

Notice how when each patterned paper has been folded over, you still receive the correct

 direction for a flip-up style book :)  I also carried through with the pink watercoloring 

on some of the inner-pages.

Once all of the pages have been decorated, line them up so that the holes are aligned.  

Tie ribbons through the pages and the back of the album.  

You could also use rings or large grommets to hold the pages together!

Now for adding color:

 

 My new "love" are Faber-Castell's Watercolor Pencils.  These glide on smoothly and
 blend well with a plain blending tool or paintbrush.

 Finally, I added some distressing to the edges with Memento's Tuxedo Black ink and a sponge.
I wanted a very soft look, so I dipped the sponge into the ink and dabbed some off before
 applying it to the edges.  Just pick up a little more ink as needed and then blend.

How does this little gem stay put together without gaping apart?

 Two extra-extra heavy magnets that were attached to the inside flaps.
  Be sure to use an E-6000 adhesive or very strong, permanent bond glue dot to hold them in place.
  If you have a really powerful magnet, it will give your adhesive a run for its money ;)

Another look at the front cover dressed up in Petaloo pretties

 This is my first gate-folded album...I look forward to doing more and I hope that you'll give it a go too!

Authentique Paper Products: Irresistible Collection- Formal Paper; Allure Paper; Engage Paper; Stunning Paper; Passion Paper; Enhancements Cut-Apart Paper; 6X12 Components Stickers

Hampton Art Stamps: Authentique Paper's Footloose Stamps

Other Products: Petaloo- flowers; Imagine Crafts- ink; Faber Castell- watercolor pencils; ZVA Creative- gems; Curtsey Boutique- paper doily and butterfly