No stamp sets were harmed in the making of this gift!  Instead, this is pure, 3D papercrafting.  The basis is the On Board Bitty Book by Stampin' Up! (page 181 of the Fall/Winter catalog).  It is a solid, chipboard-constructed, mini 3-ring album suitable for pictures or artwork.  It includes a companion case for safe-keeping of the book, as well as 10 page protectors that will accommodate artwork 3-1/4" X 3-1/4".

 

I used the Wintergreen Designer Series Paper, and Soft Sky textured cardstock.  The snowflake is die-cut from Shimmery White cardstock.  Clearly the sky is the limit in terms of combinations that you can use to achieve different looks.  For example: you can try the Dashing Designer Paper with Old Olive or Real Red cardstock for another Christmas look.  You could also use the Special Delivery Girl or Special Delivery Boy Simply Scrappin' kits to make a delightful baby gift for friend or family.

 

For this project you will also need PVC glue (white glue) and a brush to apply it; scissors, your Paper Cutter, a 1-1/4" circle punch or Xacto knife; and a Stampin' Write Marker to edge the pieces of chipboard that do not get covered by paper.  (Although this step is completely optional!)

 

I used my new Cricut Expression personal electronic cutter to make the snowflake.  Okay, I admit it, I'm a bit of a sucker for gadgets (it must be my masculine side coming through!).  I did buy it on special, so I don't feel TOO guilty about it.  Check out my website for more details about playing around with this machine- it really was easy to get started, and a very cheap thrill watching it do all the work for me!!.  There are, of course, lots of other ways to create the snowflake image:  You can stamp it directly on the tag, you can stamp it on a separate piece of cardstock and cut it out to mount on the tag; you can use a chipboard snowflake from the On Board Trimmings kit in the Fall/WInter Mini catalog; or you can find another die-cut snowflake to use.

 

The first step is to cut a piece of decorative paper to cover the book.  It should be about 1-1/2" wider and 1-1/2" taller than the book itself- I just used the book as my guide to cut it out.  Before you apply any glue, you will want to gently score the fold lines, including two lines at the spine of the book.  Do this methodically from one end to another, and make sure that you mark the position of the score lines with the book CLOSED!  Otherwise your paper will be too short, and you won't be able to close the book.  Apply the glue thoroughly (but sparingly) to one cover, and gently lay the paper down from one edge to the other. Make sure that the book is CLOSED as you wrap the paper around and glue it down. 

 

Once the cover is glued on, lay it down and mark the corners diagonally so you can miter them, as shown here.  Also trim the paper at the spine, again so the book can freely open and close without interference from the paper. (See below.)

 

Apply glue to the paper extensions, and fold them over to the inside of the book. Use your bone folder to sharpend the creases, and burnish down the paper so that it is solidly stuck.  Cut two pieces of coordinating paper to 3-1/2" X 4-1/2" and use these to finish covering the inside of the front and back covers.

 

Complete your book by adding a piece of cardstock at the binding; use a piece 2-1/4" X 4" to do this, allowing a good 1/2" to show on both the front and back.  Trim any excess at the top and/or bottom after it is glued on.

 

 

Now you can start on your case.  Before you assemble it, cover the two insides with another coordinating sheet of Designer paper.  You can use the same one that you lined the inside covers with, or you can choose another pattern.  Cut one piece about 4-1/8" X 4-7/8", and a second piece 4-1/8" X 6-1/8".  Examine how the case goes together:  when it is complete, there will be a double wall of chipboard on the narrow sides.  One of these sides is narrower than the other, so that the thickness of the chipboard can be accommodated when the case is constructed.  (Believe me, this makes sense when you are holding the case in your hand and playing around with putting it together!)  Be sure that you attach the largest piece of cut paper to the side that are NARROWER in total.  That way the entire inside of the case that shows will have the attractive lining.  Once you have glued on the lining paper, you can glue together the sides and bottom of the case.

 

Cut another piece of the same paper that you covered your book with, this time to 6-1/8" X 11-1/4".  Allow 1/2" to overlap on a narrow side, and then wrap the paper around, gently creasing at the corners as you go.  One edge of the paper should be aligned with the open edge of the case.  When you are happy with the positioning of you folds, mark the half-circle on one side at the top, open edge of the case.  Use the 1-1/4" circle punch to cut this half-circle out. Apply glue to one narrow side of the case, and the side for which you just cut out the half circle, and apply your paper.  Use your bone folder to smooth is out and maker sure there are no bubbles.  Then mark the second half-circle, punch it out, and finishing gluing the paper to the case.

 

Finish the bottom of the case with the additional paper that is haning over the edge; I did it like I was wrapping a present.  Fold in the paper on the narrower sides first, then fold down one long and, and finish by folding up the other long end.  Again, make good creases with your bone folder, and then apply glue to the paper, one step at a time, and holding briefly after folding it down to make sure it is secure. 

 

Almost done!  Cut a piece of cardstock in the same color that you used for the binding of your book to 2" X 11-1/4".  Use the same technique to wrap it around the case, creasing the folds as you go.  Glue it on.  Then cut another piece of coordinating Designer paper to 1-1/2" X 11-1/4", and add this on top of the cardstock "belly band". 

 

Now for the embellishment:  Attach your snowflake to a tag made from cardstock that is 2-1/4" X 3".  I used the same color cardstock that I have used so far on the project.  Use a 1/4" hole punch to create the hole at the top of the tag.  Cut a piece of coordinating 3/8" ribbon to about 10.5" long.  This album uses the Double-Stitched Grosgrain in Soft Sky.  Wrap the ribbon around the center of the belly band, and then bring both ends through the hole in the tag.  Tie a single knot, and then tie a bow.

 

 

Rest assured that when you order kit from me, you are not left high and dry!  With it comes step-by-step instructions, complete with photos, and you can feel free to contact me at any time if you have trouble with your order, or need a reminder on how to use something.  I want you to have fun, so I will work hard to guarantee your satisfaction!

 

To complete your project you will need white glue and scissors. 

 

The On Board Bitty Book and Designer Paper can be purchased directly by going to my Stampin' Up! website and ordering online.  Details are below.  Please note that the Wintergreen paper featured here is no longer available.  There are three other delightful sets of paper to choose from, though! 

 

You can purchase the precut cardstock and other materials directly from me using the "Add to Cart" button, below.

 

 

Cost:  $38.95 (tax added at check-out)

 

 

 

$48.00

10 cards & envelopes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$42.00

10 cards & envelopes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$45.00

10 cards & envelopes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noel Photo Card

 

$19.95

 

 

 

10 cards & envelopes 

(You will need to mount your own photos.)

 

The October winner was Donna A of Ashland.  Thanks to those of you who did not win- please keep trying!  You can forward my newsletters as many times as you want.  Every month is a new drawing!