PROJECT 1-Mini Scrapbook Albums - Coasters

Mini Scrapbook Albums - Coasters

Paper
coasters
Scrapbook paper (cardstock and patterned papers)
Scrapbook
embellishments (ribbon, brads, paper flowers, stamps, etc.)
Corner rounder

Adhesive
Paper trimmer
Scissors
Hole
punch

Coasters
have become a popular scrapbook item. These cardboard-like embellishments can be
used to create many scrapbooking projects. One use for coasters is to craft a
mini-album with these versatile items. Coasters come in many different shapes
and sizes so there are several choices when it comes to the size and shape of
your coaster mini-album. The most common
shapes
for paper coasters are circles and
squares. When making your mini album the possibilities are endless.

1.

Choose the style and shape of the coaster. Blank coasters can be purchased at
many craft stores or online in bulk at American Coasters. The blank coasters can
be covered with paper or stamped directly on the outside of the paper coaster.
If you choose to buy coasters with printing on them then your will need to cover
them with scrapbook paper to hide the pictures.

2.

Using the paper trimmer you will cut the scrapbook paper to the dimensions of
your coaster. For example if you are using a square coaster (as shown in the
picture) then you would cut the paper in a 4x4 square and use your corner
rounder to round the corners so that the paper fits nicely over the coaster.

3.

Once you have your paper trimmed and the corners rounded then you are ready
to cover the coasters. You will cover the coaster on both sides for your mini
album. The coasters can be coved with solid colored paper (cardstock) or a
patterned paper in order to add character to the pages. Liquid adhesive works
well because it can be spread over the entire area to ensure the ends of the
paper are glued down and secure, but make sure you use the glue in moderation so
that it doesn?t warp the paper.

4.

Take your covered coasters and embellish them with photo mats, brads, stamps
and ribbon. Then use metal rings, ribbon or other clasps to hold your album
together. You can make a book-like album where you flip through the pages or
create an album that folds-out like an accordion album.

5.

After the pages have been embellished and you have cut and decorated the
photo mats and/or journal blocks for the pages then you are ready to add
photographs.

Tips for crafting albums like the examples:

To create an album like the square mini-coaster album example you will need
to punch two holes in the side of the covered square coaster and use metal rings
to hold the coasters together. This album has stamped words on the cover and
inside. The cover is embellished with paper flowers and a button (in the middle
of the flower).

For the round coaster album example you will need ribbon, brads and a strong
adhesive like glue dots. The pages are held together with a piece of ribbon that
is attached to the coaster with a metal brad on one side and adhesive on the
other. The outside pages have a long piece of ribbon stuck to the outside edge
that is used to tie the album together once the pages are folded on top of each
other. You will need to attach the ribbon to the coaster before you cover it so
that the paper hides the ends of the ribbon and secures it to the page. This
album has a simple design with a paper tearing technique on the front cover and
stamped flower and words.

Other suggestions for albums:

Accessorize the album by adding some pocket pages with extra tags for
photographs or journaling. You can also create little file folders that fold
down for hidden journaling or secret messages.

Create albums with a specific theme. Themes are great for mini-albums because
they only have a few pages for your photo story. Make a ?brag book? for grandma
with picture or her grandchildren or make a ?baby shower? memory book for one of
your friends.

The only thing holding you back when it comes to the mini coaster albums is
your own imagination.








Figure 4