Memory Books

August 2nd, 2015
I spent the long weekend watching videos and learning how to make a memory book.  I was searching for help on youtube etc and found such a great site on Paper Phenomenon.  Kathy Orta has years of experience and has created videos and tutorials that are sent digitally so I ordered the combo one day and the next day I was given access to the information.   Here are a few shots...

hinge system

binding

cover, followed by all the inside pages...I just had to get the carousel on the front page. 

 
 

One issue I had on other projects was trying to meld different papers.  Anyone who has seen my work room knows I have a lot of paper and I felt like my projects were not matcing within themselves.  Cards worked no problem but trying to pick enough of the same theme to mat an entire book just wasn't working.  This project was made from one 12 x 12 book, Crate Paper I think (I'll double check) and my base pages were black cardstock.  I love the result.  Some pages which would be overwhelming on their own are balanced and grounded by the more subtle or more plain paper.

the inside cover...even now as I look at it, the banner has much more inspiration to draw from.  Now I see zig zag black ric rac and I know I have some of that.  I can make a few banners, arrows and create emblished paper clips with flags, all the theme.  

Update: 15Nov2015  I have since ordered 4 more video and tutorials from Kathy Orta and I am just in awe of her talent.  She also has tons of youtube videos where she showcases some of the projects after they have been fully matted and embellished.  Every time I watch them I learn something new or catch a new idea.  She has also shared her hidden hinge plus system (patent pending) which is so exciting.  It's a brillant system.  Before I was floundering around trying to figure things out as I go and now I have 'recipes' and pages to choose from.  

I have just returned from a day long class making a junk journal and am so glad I am off work tomorrow!  I promise pictures of my work as it progresses and catch up on pictures on my other books.  I was also the lucky winner of the draw and am now the happy happy owner of a junk journal, fully finished junk journal made by togethersisterscreate.  

Today has also given me inspiration to get to work on papers and photos we have from our grandparents.  I want to use them and highlight the stories but editing the entire book and fixing all the scanned pictures is too overwhelming.   So I'll continue to gather concepts and ideas.....more tomorrow.