CD Photo Cube (Tutorial)

I don't think I've ever been more excited about a project. This photo cube is made out of CD cases! Isn't that neat? I made one for myself and I gave one today as a gift swap at our Club Med Luncheon (managers/executives/directors) at TAC's annual seminar in Wichita, Kansas. (I'm also getting an exclusive sneak peek at the new 2008 Fall/Winter Catalogue!)

I bet you can't wait to see how to make this cutie, so I made you a video tutorial. (Scoll down to view.) It's a fun project. You'll want to make a bunch of these for gifts! (If you make one, leave a link on my Cube Carnival!)

Post a comment or send me an email if you have any questions.

Amberley Grace and Miss Moxie paper collections are from The Angel Company

Measurements:
For the Base:
1 8"x 8" cardstock (scored at 7" and 7 1/2" on all four sides -- or 1/2" and 1" in from each edge)
1 6"x 6" cardstock (to add stability to the base)

For the sides:
4 4 5/8" x 5 3/4"(scored at 5 1/2")
(embellishments can be any size you choose.)
If you have trouble accessing the video, CLICK HERE or go see the original inspiration for this project at John Wiks's Instructable.

Birthday Celebration Mini Scrapbook

As you may recall, I made a Flip Flop Book for my husband's Grandma's 90th birthday. I had compiled some great pictures of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as photos of Grandma herself (including one with Grandpa when he was alive, surrounded by grandkids.) I started thinking about how my husband's mom, aunts, sisters and cousins might like copies of these photos too. So I made a few collages with my favorite Shutterfly software (see the link in this post) and made nine sets of the photos. I put them in these mini scrapbooks with Amberly Grace paper to send out for Mother's Day and I love how they came out! The paper is so soft and pretty. I think the Pemberly Bay Matchbooks would have been beautiful too, if I didn't have so many to make. If you'd like to make a book similar to this, try of TAC's matchbooks. They go together in a flash!

PS- That's my husband in the photo dancing with Grandma. I had mentioned in my previous post that he was traveling New York to surprise Grandma at her birthday celebration (we live in Colorado.) When he walked into her birthday party, with his arms full of white roses, she said he looked like a vision right out of heaven. Isn't that awesome?

Flip Flop Amberley Grace Mini Scrapbook

I was so excited to finish this book. I started it in Kansas during team time, sponsored by my upline, Avis. It's the most interesting book. Wait till you see the inside!

Well, the other reason I was so excited to finish it is because it is for my husband's grandmother (or Busha, as my kids call her.) As I write, my husband is making a surprise trip from Colorado to her 90th birthday party in Syracuse, New York and bringing her this gift! I know she'll love the book, which is filled with photos of moments with her and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It will be even more special when my husband delivers it in person to her. Busha traveled to be with us when each of our children was born, is a great gardener and awesome cook. She is so dear to all of us. I had such fun finding photos that celebrate her and the wonderful family she has helped to create.

I originally thought I would use the book for photos of my son. I had collected several with green hues that harmonized beautifully with the Amberley Grace paper. When I thought of Busha, this seemed like an even better use for the book and I decided to print sepia-toned photos so that I could let the paper and the smiles really shine. I just love how it came out.

Wondering what's going on in my studio re-do? My husband stained and installed the cherry shelves last weekend and things are really coming together!

How about my Blog Candy? You saw that Donna knew my favorite TAC paper names. Goodies are on the way to her and a random winner my daughter and I chose:

Mimi C., who said...

Hi Julie, love your blog. You post the most awesome projects and do a great job featuring TAC's fabulous papers. I'd have to say that, as far as names go, I like the Mimi papers the best--'cause I like to pretend they're named after me!

February 28, 2008 4:56 PM

Congratulations Mimi! Email me with your address so I can get you your goodies!

Meander/Maze Book with Tutorial

I'm just returning from a regional Angel Gathering in Kansas, where I demonstrated how to make this cute mini book. It's made with one piece of 12x12 that is cut and folded in a meandering pattern. It's a lot of fun!

For step-by-step photo instructions on making this intricate but pretty easy project, click here or below on my slideshow. (At my Picasa Album, you can adjust the number of seconds and follow each photo like a hands-on class and, as always, post a comment or email me with questions at paperjewelscards@aol.com I'll be happy to help!)

This cute book only looks difficult! Grab a 12 x 12 and give it a try. You will love the results! Looking for more mini book ideas? Check out my gallery of ideas!

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Get your own

Manila Folder Book

Well, if you've been waiting for the details on the Manila Folder Book, here they are! It's a fun project that can be made into a pocket organizer, mini scrapbook--the possibilities are endless.

Mine features The Angel Company's new paper collection, Amberley Grace. I love the subtle colors. The stamps used were Artsy Elements from TAC and the upcoming February 2008 Vintage Stamp of the Month, Memories.


This project was adapted from an idea posted by Taylor Van Bruggen on September 20, 2007. Check out her blog here. She posted instructions and I have some that show the step-by-step details here.

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Get your own

You can also print out the text instructions by clicking here. Hopefully it will inspire you to try your own Manila Folder Book! If you do, post a comment with a link to your project. I'd love to see what you turn your book into! Enjoy!