Purse Album

Let me begin by saying, I'm sorry for how long it has taken me to post these instructions. I am now in the swing of things at school and am getting used to the routine once again. Time is limited, but I am trying to squeeze in some stamping time in between marking time and family time! I had originally planned to post the instructions for this album as a step by step tutorial, but this post has been in draft mode for a long time now and it's just time to get it done! If you have any questions, or need additional images, please feel free to email me.

The design for this purse is loosely based on an album I've had in my stash for awhile combined with one my upline, Crystal, showed me. I like the fact that it holds nine 4x6 photos (although I cropped 1/4" off my photos). I made the original for my horse lovin' daughter several months ago using the now retired Rose Cottage Simply Scrappin' Kit and Cherished Memories Rub-ons.

To create your album:

• Cut one piece of textured cardstock to 12"x10.5"
• Score both of the long (12") sides of your cardstock at 2 3/8" and 2 7/8"
• Score one of the short (10.5") side of your cardstock at 2 3/8" and 2 7/8"
• Score the other short side of your cardstock at 2 7/8" and 3 3/8"
• Cut along the inside score lines to where they intersect the other inside score lines on all four sides of your cardstock.
• Round all the corners
• Fold the flaps in to create your purse.
• Punch two 1/2" circles
• Use a brad to attach one of the circles to the centre (close to the bottom) of your upper flap.
• Use another brad to attach the other circle to the middle of your bottom flap
• Tie a string around the brad on the underside of the circle and use this as a closure.
• Punch a hole on the very top of your purse about half an inch in on both sides. Thread a piece of ribbon through the holes and tie knots on the inside of the purse to create your handle.

To create the inside pages:

• Cut two 12x6" pieces of cardstock
• Score both at 3", 6", and 9"
• Accordion fold both pieces and attach the two pieces together creating a five panelled strip.
• Glue one of the end panels to the inside of your purse.
• Embellish as desired.

I like to cover the backs of my brads with strips of patterned paper or stickers to keep them from scratching my top photo. My seven year old daughter joined us for Stamp Camp this year and made her very own purse album (pictured below). She was so proud!