As a big fan of mixed media and mini books, I was delighted to have my Puerto Rico journal featured in Cloth Paper Scissors Pages 2012, available on newsstands now.
This issue is full of creative mixed media projects, and since my book was already bound, it happens to be one of the more simpler ones. Many others have cool and complex binding techniques and are quite remarkable! I used the original Daybook as the base and shared some painting and splattering techniques as well as hand-stitching and making your own fabric yo-yo’s.
One of my favorite mini album makers is Lisa aka gluestickgirl. She’s also the queen of confetti, and has a brand new online workshop that looks amazing.
Cost of class: $12
Description:
If you have the best intentions with mini albums – but not the best follow through – then it’s time to Divide and Conquer! Garden Girl Lisa Truesdell will walk you through the steps of using divided page protectors to turn a hodge podge of memorabilia and photos into a beautifully finished mini album. We’ll explore putting together a kit to work from, selecting what photos and keepsakes will make the cut, and fun techniques perfect for this style of book. Lisa also has lots of tips on keeping your motivation up & making the process fun until the last embellishment is in place, and will be sharing a peek at additional sample layouts from three other contributors, each working with a different themed album.
This self -paced workshop will let you work at your own speed through the chapters – each chapter is accompanied by a helpful PDF walking you through the process and a 10-minute video sharing a closer look at how Lisa’s album came together. These videos are technique-based and will explore creating a die-cut cover, working with transparencies to build a two-sided layout, making custom sized page protectors and techniques for working with pockets.
Lisa is using the Simple Stories
Documented 6×8 Mix & Match Mini Album available for purchase separately, however, these same principles may be applied to an album of any size using divided page protectors.
The content of
this workshop will be available immediately upon purchase. The lessons are available for you to work at your own pace and upon purchase can be accessed in the “Workshops” section under “Classes & Events.” A private message board forum is also available to ask questions for Lisa and to connect with other participants. Enjoy!
Remember, if you’ve already signed up and you win, you can get a credit or give the spot away to a friend. To enter to win a spot in the class: Leave a comment telling me your favorite mini book technique or tip. Giveaway is closed and the winner is janice m. who said: i love using scraps to add to a mini album. we all have so many scraps!! 
LOVED reading all your tips for mini books! Congrats Janice, you will be notified by email shortly!
One idea that I really like to do is to put embellishments on top of page protectors. Looks like a fun class, thanks for the chance to win!
I love using transparencies that are both plain or printed with some design, in mini albums.
Looks AWESOME! I am pretty sure you meant closing the 14th not the 7th right? LOL! My favorite “tip” would have to be using all the same line of papers and embellishments when making a mini. No worries about matching stuff and the album comes together quickly when you don’t have to THINK.
thank you Amy for the chance to win!
HA! Yes, thanks for catching this!
I love to include postcards or ticket stubs and other small tidbits in my mini albums.
My favorite tip for mini books is to add in the ephemera! Those special bits that wouldn’t make it to a page otherwise!
Love using Instax pics in mini albums … perfect size!
I’m long overdue to scrap my honeymoon pictures (as in four years overdue); this class will be perfect to restart the mojo on a honeymoon mini!
I just love mini albums. My only tip I can think of is to have a crop-a-dile handy! Oh…and I also like using recycled papers like those security enveloped we all get!
Looks like an awesome class! Lisa’s stuff is so lovely.
Looks like a fun class to take. With summer here and traveling I could use these great ideas!
Being as I’m just now assembling my very first mini book, I don’t think I really have any fabulous tips. My motto has been “just keep going!”. Even if I don’t love how a certain page turns out, I turn the page and press on.
I’d love to learn some real tips from this class. Fun giveaway!
I always thought you had to mount photos on a mat of some kind or embellish every page with something. As much as I love embellishments and fun journaling, sometimes it’s simply about the photos. And MY tip is really Elise Cripe’s tip: I saw her paste two photos back to back and call them 2 pages, and it was like the sun came out and the angels sang!!! What an easy way to include photos that say it all!!!
Sadly I have no tips! I’ve never made one before, but I would love to learn. Thanks for the chance!
Love the use of washi on the spines… thanks for the chance to win this class!
My mini book tip has been to keep it small ~ I find the smaller the space the easier it is to keep it simple and focus on images/key details. I love 3×4 and 3×3 sizes
My favorite technique is to make my own, based on what I’ve learned in your classes! Love to sew my own little books, now I just need to fill them up!
Lots of washi would be my tip! I love taping things here and there in my minis!
My favorite mini book technique is to batch the same types of activity together. So pick papers/backgrounds and cut them. Hole punch or sew. Pick photos. Tape photos down. Embellish. This way I’m ensured that I finish each page!
Wow, I would love to win a spot in that class! My favourite “technique” when making a mini is adding tickets / maps / coupons and all the things I collected for the thing I am making that mini for, I think this is a nice way to keep all those memorabilia and gives the mini much more to look at
Thanks for the chance to win!!
I like to use different kind of patterned papers, vellum, tiny envelopes, tags, and make them all match, colours and sizes. Thanks for the chance to win!
I like using different items like transparencies, doilies, envelopes, napkins, etc.
My favourite thing about mini books is that I use the opportunity to try out any new techniques I’ve discovered recently and repeat them on a few of the pages to perfect the process. I would so like to take Lisa’s class – I love her work.
Would love love love to win a spot…I’m a massive fan of Lisa’s and the class looks amazing!
My current favorite mini-book technique is simply backing 4×6 photos with pretty patterned paper, punching holes, adding bookings, then going back to add tabs and labels. Quick, easy, and cute. I’d love to learn ways to incorporate more variety in my minis. I love Lisa’s style.
Fav technique hands down is starting with one of Amy Tangerine’s premade mini/daybooks!! Super easy and fun!
I think the small page protectors look very interesting.
My tip is to not make the pages all the same size and use border punches on some of the page edges. Thanks for the chance to win Amy.
I like to put small labels on the outside of the page protector instead of on the photo itself. Thanks for the opportunity!
Will be looking for the magazine. Thanks for the chance to win such a fun workshop.
I think my favorite tip is gathering the items together I want to use–not necessarily the same line but what I want to portray…thanks for a chance to win!
I love stitching my alphas into place on my mini’s and using cardboard cereal boxes for the covers! I will be on the look out for the new magazine, thank you so much for the chance!
My favorite thing to use in a mini is washi- love that you can hold down the picture or journal spot with it. Thank you for the chance to win a spot in Lisa’s workshop- it looks great!
Tips? …let me think. Full page photos, add memorabilia and lots of WASHI and the mini is bound to look awesome. love alphabet thickers directly on the photos, i’ve been seeing that around lately in project lifes. looking forward to this class
I love using scraps in mini albums!
I’m just making my first mini-book in 7 years! My favorite trick (so far) is to pull bits from my journal and stick it in, so I remember what I was sketching or thinking in the moment.
OH yay fun giveaway. my tip— Instagram is awesome!
I love using transparencies over the mini albums it gives it a sturdy cover. Thats my favorite technique. Thanks for the chance and thanks for sharing…rybarra77atsbcglobaldotnet
My mini album tip is to keep it simple. I try to use up all my scraps & leftovers. Thx!
I am not sure if I know any tips or techniques, I guess less is more… how is that for a tip?
OOOO YES PLEASE!!! lol My fav thing to do in a mini is be super creative and look outside the box!!!
Adhesive fabric binding for mini books! Always the best!
My favorite tip for mini books is Don’t be afraid of bulky memorabilia. Since it is a mini book that stands on its own, a little bulk here and there makes your memory of that place/event stand out.
My favorite tip is using different sizes of paper. It makes the album look so fun
OHHH! I really need to learn how to make mini albums—I don’t have any advice since I’ve never made one! I’m bookmarking this post so I can read everyone’s comments/tips!! THANKS for the chance to win:) sbmmhoover at yahoo dot com
I don’t have a tip- mini books scare me. I really need this class! Thanks for the chance to win.
One thing I always remember and have had good luck with is a tip from Mr. Pickle in one of his mini album classes…Use a glue stick attaching paper to chipboard…and apply it heavily esp. along the edges…Would absolutely LOVE to win this class…I have all the components to make them but need some guidence!!!! Thanx
I love Lisa’s scrap style! I would love to win a spot in her class…
What I love doing in mini books is journaling, because I do mini books for trips and I think it’s great to go back and remember what happened at the time.
Thanks for the chance!
My favorite technique is to limit myself to just a few styles of paper and embellishments. Makes things go more efficiently, plus it’s an exercise in creativity to use just these few items.
I like using a mix of pictures like instax, instagram, 4x6s etc…. Is the magazine available in hard copy. I see only the electronic version.
Yes, it’s available in a hard copy. I think you can find in Joann and Barnes & Noble. Maybe even Michaels. Hope this helps!
Wow, this sounds like a fun class! I hope I win! Thanks Amy for adding lots of fun to your blog, and by the way, I already own a copy of “Pages” magazine, and I love your article.
My mini album technique is all have do to with simplicity
)))
cheryl131091 at yahoo dot com
oh sure, toss my name in the hat! how fun would it be to win?! congrats on your most recent publication. looks great
incorporating everday items & special keepsakes into mini albums! makes the book even more personal & meaningful. (:
Ah, yes, I’m starting to ‘collect’ mini albums for their potential. Time to start fillin’ them up! Thank you for the opportunity and congrats on being published!
my tip…complete all the pages before you bind…just sayin’…thanks for the chance!
Gosh- I love the mini books. My favorite “tip” is using up my scraps in minis. I also like to paint in them.
Looks like a fun class! A fun tip is to glue two 4×6 pictures (or any size) back to back and punch holes. You have a fun little mini page for your mini album made up of a photo.
I always add postcards to my travel mini albums. Thanks for a chance to win!
I love to add washi tape and doilies on my pages
Thanks for the chance at a giveaway!
Best tip would be Keep it simple and do it quick. I’ve learned that if I make it too hard or complex and too much time goes by, it never gets done!!
I would love to win one of the spots. I think quick and simple is good but since I lack ideas, they are boring. Would love to amp it up!!
Linda
So true. Great tip, thanks so much for sharing!
Here’s my favorite mini book tip:
I use the cloth bags from my Studio Calico orders to store everything I will use for my mini album-papers, embellishments, pictures, everything.
When I have time to work on my album, I just grab the bag & get started.
One of my favorite minibooks that I’ve made was made inside a square metal tin — the kind you can buy at Hobby Lobby to put a gift card in. I made a birthday minibook that fits inside the tin. I kept it super simple — simply cut pictures and patterned paper to fit, adhered them back to back, added some journaling, punched a hole in the corners, and “bound” it with twine. It lives inside the tin and I love it.
(Good grief, I repeated myself a lot here! Guess it’s time for some sleep.)
I like to get creative with the way I attach my ephemera. There is Washi tape which is a kick to use but don’t forget to look outside the box. I like to intersperse drywall tape in various colors along with the Washi tape. I learned that trick from either Donna Downey or Julie Balzer. Sorry I can’t remember which. Thanks for the chance to win a spot in Lisa’s class.
Great tip, thanks so much for sharing!
I just said to my SIL last night that I should take a mini album class because I don’t have a clue how to get started! So I really don’t have any tips or tricks :0(
I’ve only made one mini album and that was years ago. So I really don’t have any tips but would love to learn some!! I love gluestickgirl and would love to take this class!!
I have never done a mini album. Seems like a daunting task but I’d like to give it a try…with some guidance!
tip?!?? hhmmm, I think this class IS for me as I think a lot about mini books but have never accomplished one. With a family summer vacation coming up, this would be just the guidance I need. Thanks for the chance to win!
I love mini albums! I know the best tip for *me* is to actually sit down to do it! that’s the hardest part!
I love making mini-albums! That’s what I love the most aside from creating layouts! I always make one for each of my trip. My best tip is to incoperate 1-2 inexpensive kraft lunch bag(s) in the mini-album and use them as pockets to hold memorabilia or photos or postcards. Since those bags are in kraft, they go well with any pattern paper in any color. You can also easily decorate them with embellishments or even mist/paint them to match the color you want. Easy peasy~~
My tip would be to not be afraid to add things that don’t necessarily fit or match. It is a good chance to be creative and get messy. Thanks for the chance to win.
Because I take a ton of photos and have a tough time choosing what photos to use, I make collages and print them 4×6!
i love using scraps to add to a mini album. we all have so many scraps!!
Congrats! You’re the winner of the class. Please email us your Two Peas screen name. Thanks!
Oh SO excited for the chance to win! I LOVE LOVE LOVE to add in as “mini” pictures and memorabilia from wherever I am making the mini for. WOOO HOOO! Thank you Amy for always inspiring!
Fav tip is to use your scraps and leftover bits. Thanks for the chance to win
ho sempre fatto solo project life. quest’estate farò il mio primo mini album, sulle vacanze di fine giugno! ciao Amy!
I like using mini alpha stickers, especially for journaling!!
In trying to “Scrapbook on the Road” I find that printing photos on the go is the best way. Although I’m not always on top of it, I start by going through the photos of the day(s). Then I upload to a nearby Walgreens-there is usually one wherever I am. I sometimes use the Kodak Kiosk at a CVS for smaller prints.
I try to repeat several techniques within a mini album so it looks cohesive.
Thanks for the giveaway! (:
I like to use fab-rips over the spine. I usually sew the pages together then cover with a strip of fab-rips. Pretty and protective!
I love to make mini’s and aways try to include lots of details about the pictures, so they will tell the story even after years from now!
i love pockets for things in books ….i think it is more fun when it is interactive …thanks for a chance to win the class looks super
I’ve only made two, and the best advice I got was to keep the design simple. Really took the pressure off!
thanks for the chance! Looks like a fabulous class!
This looks like the class for me! Since I have yet to finish a mini-album, my tip would be to keep it simple!
My mini book tip would be go for it! I used to be SO scared of mini books (and still am somewhat, lol!), but the only way to get into them is to actually start. It’s gets easier over time!
I love to have a book premade before a trip and then use washi tape to add ephemera as we go along on the trip. I also try to add joirnalin along the way. Then all that’s left when I get home is to add the photos.
I just recently finished my 1st ever mini book out of toilet paper rolls – I was hesitant but it came out adorable. My favorite part…it was kind of interactive with tags w/ a little ribbon tab so you could pull it out and see some hidden journal and some mini pics. This was the only book I finished and my finished I mean decorated but no pics lol. I have a ton started, etc. so this class sounds super perfect. TY for the chance to win!
Wow, I have enjoyed looking through everyone’s tips! I am making a mini book now for our trip to Boston…I like making my own book and using binder rings, using different sizes of paper and border punches. This will be my first trip taking washi tape, and my other tip is to journal at the end of everyday to keep the places and details straight!
I love to include postcards as pages in my travel minibooks! Thanks!!
I love to make a sketch for a two page layout and follow all the way through a mini album. It is easier to just plug away and get it done!
Would love to win,sounds great!