A Roadtrip Mini Book

It's no secret that I like to make little mini books full of pictures and memories.  This little book was extra special to make, because it's all about my trip to Tennessee to visit my fellow paper crafty friends.

I used my stash of vintage papers, wallpaper, buttons, fabric, and ephemera to build the pages.  I also used some Jenni Bowlin rub ons and American Crafts fabric Thickers.

For the background of the next spread, I used the paper bag that held the photos I brought to the trip.  During our crafting times in Tennessee, we passed the bag around the table and used it to protect our work while spraying inks and painting things.  I thought it would be fun to include it as a part of my book about the weekend.

For the cover of the book, I glued down a piece of a map (of Colorado, I figured I didn't need that state because I will probably never navigate my way around there!) and lightly brushed gesso over it.  The front of the book received a cascading trail of vintage buttons and a dymo label for the title.

Gosh, I really enjoy mini books!  You can make all kinda of secret flaps and fun pockets, and really, there are no rules.  I often make them as a way to try out ideas I have for scrapbook page layouts.  This weekend I'm going to work with one of the mini albums from the kits, during my trip to visit Vanessa!  Fun times will be had by all.

Comments

[Lindsey]

I have always wanted to do a mini-book but have been so intimidated by the idea of it!

I love that yours is so beautiful, but still so simple. Maybe I should attempt this after all!

[rachel denbow]

Ahh, it's lovely. Great colors, textures, and pockets!

[patty]

Mandi, your talent really blows me away. I love this.

I also adore those gold letters you used, I almost bought those are something like them this past weekend when I was at Michaels.

Great stuff!!!

[Vanessa]

having you as one of my best friends is much like being in love. like you look at your husband and think "im so glad I married this man, he is awesome" sometimes i get all googly like that over you! haha like looking at this mini im thinking "sigh, she is so amazing i am so glad we are friends!"

make sense?

YAY for your visit. i have a billion things to talk about and ideas and HELP i need help

[katie]

the turquoise mist is yummy! i want some... where did you end up finding it? i absolutely adore this. you're amazing at minis... maybe i should try one again.

<3katie

[katie]

oh dude. this totally makes me want to ditch work early, go to archivers and then make a mini book. super inspiring!

[Christina]

lovely.

[Jeremy]

looove!

[vee]

gorgeous mini!!

[danielle-cococricketsmama]

Great mini, I need to do one from Sis. Maybe this weekend...my camera settings were all off and so many of the pictures look reddish...That's why I need you to show me next time we're together how to use it.
I bought a kit last night, I'm having you mail it to my mom. I'll see it right before we meet up in Chi-town. Awesome kit-can't wait!!! So proud of you!

[Alexa]

Gorgeous! i think the front cover is my favourite, i love buttons. Just bought my kit :) And i managed to find some woodgrain dymo tape fairly cheap on e-bay! It's a good day!

[Jaszmurka]

O_o

Beautifull.... really inspiring!!

I love it... just looove it!

[Shannon Clattenburg]

i have been so intimidated by all this colour misty stuff - but it looks so awesome! And i agree with Katie - it definitely makes me want to ditch work early and go home and start and finish a mini book all in one sitting!

I love your work. So simply, yet so very very crafty!

[pleasesir]

Ohh looks like such a great book!

[Antonia]

I love it! That cluster of buttons on the cover is just too cool. I ordered one of your kits! I can't wait to get it and to see what inspiring projects you create with it!

[heather]

good grapes, that's lovely!

[jen geigley]

oh dude, this is just wonderful! it looks so cool and and you totally got the memories down too. perfection.

[kristen]

that mini is amazing! i love it! :]

[mandie segura]

I just keep coming back and looking at your blog because it's pretty and I can't go shopping right now since I'm at work. ;) The END.

[jamie]

gee...i hope maybe some day perhaps if you ever find yourself possibly a little bit in the mood that you might at least think about visiting little o' colorado...it's not that bad...
(smile)
your mini is stunningly beautiful.
your blog is on my want list.
bye.

[Lexi]

per my usual comment...
LOVE.
IT.

[michelle sanders]

I made it in the mini! Woot! Ok so I look rediculous in the picture but you made it beautiful just by being in that book. Stunning! OH and I miss your guts. For reals yo.

[jill]

WOW your mini book is amazing, i love it!! Love your paper bag idea, you make paper bags look fabulous!

[lilith]

love your way of mixing things! and by the way what did you use for the splash of yellow paint ? is it a photoshop brush?

[celine navarro]

this is simply amazing. I JUST LOOOOOOOOVE IT.

[miss morgan...]

ohmygodilovethebuttonsi'mtotallydieing!!!

[noella]

Hi there.. im a newcomer and woow i love the scrapbook - i recently graduated from graphic desgin and well i really get excited when i see someone create great things with their hand!
keep it up!