Using the Travel Folio

 Hello friends,

Lots of behind the scene work has kept me busy these past few weeks and blogging seems to be the first thing to be scratched off the list.  However, due to the holiday weekend here in the US, I had some extra time to get some things done and posting a project is one of them!

I created this book in January of 2020 for the Creativation show using the Travel Folio.  I was going to share it here when I returned, but we all know what happened in early March.  To be quite honest, I just didn't think anyone (me for instance) wanted to be reminded how they (I) couldn't travel anywhere due to Covid.  Fast forward to last week when Tim and I were discussing the Travel Folio and this project popped into my mind with the words, "you can share it now".  So here I am today, hoping you will accepting of an old project that I love and want to share with you today!

The Travel Folio can be used for many themes.  The inside and outside are covered with ephemera based papers that make it even easier to work with because quite frankly, the hard part of 'covering the cover' is done for you.  Can you change the paper or add more embellishment on the outside? sure, totally up to you...we have just given you the foundation to work with.

The only thing I added to the cover was the black/white sticker (Label Stickers) and metal hardware from the Factory Tags pack.

Open the large flap and I have added these fantastic giant numbers from Layers, Urban pack.  

NOTE: I need to mention that the Urban pack comes with only one number 2, so the numbers will not work if you are documenting 2021 unless you buy two packs.  The way to get around this is if you have the Sizzix die, Countdown.  

The font is the same but the number are smaller than Layers, Urban.  You can see the difference below.

The inside has two large flaps at the top and bottom to keep everything safe inside...no holes for stuff to fall out.

All the "patterned paper" on the inside of my book came from this pack of Journal Cards.  The cards come in four sizes and are printed on both sides, which works well for a project that will see both sides of the paper.  I used the longest size to create pockets by folding them in half...you will see an example of this later.

The "spine" (or the thing that you glue all the papers and tags to...) is sewn into the book, so all you need to do is add the things you want to embellish with.

We traveled to 4 countries so I created the book by date.  It was a lot easier to work out in my mind what I wanted to add when I printed all the pictures on my HP Sprocket printer.  I have traveled with the Sprocket before and the girls printed their pictures every night - that was good for a week but I think doing it for longer would just get annoying.  So this time I printed the pictures out when I got home.  Much less pressure to print after a long day on your feet.

The thing to remember when putting a folio together is that each layer should reveal just a tidbit about the next, without giving it away.  All the large tags are from the Salvaged Tags pack - they work great here because the tags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.  Perfect for a book that should look "gathered" together!

The Journal cards have rounded corners which makes a very finished look without having to do anything special. 

In each section I would look for ways to add journaling and photos.  I also made sure I had both vertical and horizontal photos to work with.

I also love to create whole paragraphs out of Clippings Stickers.  Scotland was on the top of her priority list to visit and there was a sticker that used the very words so I knew I needed to include it somehow!  This label comes printed on the back of the Journaling Card so added the Tiny Clip to the top so it looks like the label is clipped to the page.  #fauxlabel

There are ways to extend the available "pages" of the Travel Folio.  One is to fold and score an edge of a Journal Card to create a hidden space for a photo.  So keep your eyes on the the giant ticket from the Ticket Book.

Here is the backside!  The perfect place to hide a picture, leaving a small spot for words on the part of the Journaling Card that was folded over and glued to the page.  Speaking of "glue" - I used Score Tape in varying widths to add all the pieces to the spine.  

As I transition to another country, I make sure to add the name (even though my handwriting stinks and I sometimes spell things wrong).

The blue paper behind the phone file is actually a long card folded in half and sewn on two sides.  I added another card inside with a folded ticket from the Ticket Book and an eyelet (seriously so hard to find good eyelets these days!)

More tags from the Salvaged Tag pack with added Vintage Flair (clover button) and Thought Tokens (metal coins with words).  "Handle with Care" ephemera is a favorite from Layers, Urban.

Another hidden card inside the folded and sewn Journal Card.  The Thought Token tied to the eyelet is an easy pull tab.  The colored Labels keep coming... the pack has one sheet of each: black, red, pink and navy so it was easy to keep changing up the colors throughout the book.

The text on Salvaged Tag on the right is hidden by another Journal Card that has been folded and scored to work like a door.  

I added the idea-ology fork since I used a picture of the waffles we ate that day.  A ticket from the Ticket Book serves as a tab and hints to the reader to lift the door!

I always love hidden journaling!  In hind site I should have added another picture to the inside of the door!  It's the perfect spot!

This is the last section of the folio.  The thick book that comes with the Travel Folio is placed here but I continued on with my story behind it.

NOTE: the book you see is held to the Travel Folio with an elastic strap.  The book can be easily removed for use or not used at all.

On the other side of the notebook, I was able to add one more photo of our last night in London. 

Details...

The flaps can also be used for more photos. This was a favorite taken on a boat ride in Bruges. As you can see, I was able to find a Clippings Sticker that went with every situation!

I love how this turned out - a sweet remembrance to a wonderful trip.  It's never too late to put your photos and memories into a keepsake that can be kept just for you or given as a gift.  I know Maddie loved this one.

If you liked the idea of using the Travel Folio, you might check out what Tami B did with it HERE! Totally different, yet absolutely wonderful and full of details.

now carry on,

paula

PRODUCTS USED IN THIS PROJECT

Fall Framed Panel

 Hello friends!

So happy to be here today to share another project I created with Crackling Campfire!  One thing I love about Crackling Campfire is how it pairs so beautifully with my favorite Speckled Egg.  It's like they were meant to be together!  Todays project spotlight features a grungy woodgrain background and leaves cut from a few Sizzix Thinlit dies.

Lets get started!

I'm using a Framed Panel for the substrate.  To start I painted the Frame itself with Speckled Egg Distress Paint and let it dry. Once completely dry, I wiped Texture Paste Crackle on the corners and let it dry for at least 30 minutes.  Set aside.

For the background of the panel:

1. Adhere Woodgrain paper to the panel back with Collage Medium.
2. Paint the surface of the Woodgrain with Distress Paint Speckled Egg.  NOTE: I painted it on, then wiped over it with a wet wipe to thin out the color and let more of the grain show through.  
3. Once dry, rub Pumice Stone ink pad over the surface to bring up the grain pattern.  
4. Using your finger, wipe on Texture Paste Crackle in random spots.  Immediately lay a stencil next to the Texture Paste then using a Palette Knife add more Crackle Paste through the stencil.  Repeat.  Then set aside to dry for at least 30 minutes.
5. Using a damp paint brush, add Distress Crayons Walnut Stain and Peeled Paint over the Texture Paste to bring out the crackle finish.  Dab away any excess with a wet wipe.  I did the same technique to the Frame that had been set aside to dry.

Add the Framed Panel over the background with Collage Medium.  Set aside to dry.

Color a few Mixed Media Heavystock cards with Distress Spray Stain.  I used Crackling Campfire, Speckled Egg and Fossilized Amber, plus Oxide Spray Speckled Egg.

Cut out different shapes and sizes of leaves using the Skeleton Leaves and Fall Foliage Thinlits.

Layer the background of the panel with:

Salvaged Tag (string added) 

Lace Baseboard Frame (rubbed with Walnut Stain Distress Crayon)

Clock from Urban Layers pack (Evergreen Bough Distress Crayon rubbed in the middle of the clock)

NOTE:  This photo shows a Label Frame that I was testing...so many choices!  In the end I decided to use the Quote Chip instead.

Add the first layer of leaves to the collage.  I cut two of the same leave shape so it could continue down below the words that will be added next.

I love the sentiment on this Quote chip! I rubbed it with Walnut Stain crayon, then cut the right end like a flag and added the Tiny Clip on the left end.  It was added to the collage with 3D Foam Squares.

I added a few pieces of ephemera from the Field Notes Ephemera Pack plus the small leaves to fill in.  The 82 strip is from Layers Urban (same as the clock).  I colored the little bird from Field Notes with Distress Crayons and a paint brush.

You can see the layers of the leaves and the Baseboard Frame.  I used 3D Foam squares behind some of the leaves for depth.

I love the way the Framed Panel turned out.  Perfect for a Fall display.

I also love the leaves in the piece and it couldn't be any easier to make them using the papers colored with ink.  I sure hope you will try it.

Now carry on,

paula

We Must all Stand Together

Hello Friends,

Today's project has a masculine feel and I love it.  I also loved working with the Divided Drawer because it's made from wood, which means you can nail directly into it.  I wanted to combine wire, with other metals and paper in the idea-ology line and this substrate allows me to do that.  It's also not as big as the Divided Box so it's a great place to start if you have never done a mixed media piece.

I gathered a few supplies I thought might work for the project.

Both the Divided Drawer and Box are easy to work with because the shelves pull out leaving the entire box open for painting or adding paper.  For this project, I painted the drawer and the large Finial with black paint, letting it dry completely, before sanding the wood to expose the grain (see below).  Once I wiped away the dust from sanding, I took the Vintage Photo Distress Ink Pad and rubbed it directly over the painted surface to "brown up" the exposed wood.  And in a final step, I painted a thin coat of Collage Medium over the wood to seal it and give it a rich finish.
I did add paper from the Abandoned Paper Stash to the back wall of the drawer, although it is hard to spot in the finished piece.  Once the paper was in, the two shelves were glued back into the drawer with Collage Medium.  NOTE: the three compartments are not even, so make sure the larger compartment is at the top of the box.

I love these Finials because they make any shadowbox project seem complete.  Here, I added an eyelet to a small label and tied it to the Finial.  In a project like this one, I always rub Collage Medium over the front and back of the label (or any hanging item) to strengthen the paper.  This simple step will make it last much longer. 

Top Compartment:

The two back pieces are able to stand up with the help of small wooden blocks glued to the back. 

Registered card - Urban Layers

Phrase "we must all stand together" -  Clipping Sticker Book

Playing card - Baseboard Junk Drawer

Round card - Urban Layers (fits perfectly into the Monocle)

Key - Locket Keys + string
Monocle - red paint was used in the number

I thought I'd show you how I got the Monocle to stay in place on the lip edge of the drawer.  I cut a piece of wire and began wrapping through the hole at the top of the Monocle.  Make sure you leave wire on both ends (kinda like two tails).  Around and around until I had 4 loops on each side.  I drove a tack nail into the side of the drawer, about a 1/4" below the top edge.  Using needle nose pliers, I wrapped the two "tails" of wire around the tack nail leaving enough slack so the Monocle could sit flat on the lip edge.  I did add a bit of glue under the handle of the monocle to keep it level.

Center Section:

I cut 20+ pieces of  3 x 3" Distress Heavystock. With all the cut Heavystock on a craft mat, I sprayed them with Antique Linen Distress Spray Stain and dried them with the Heat-it Tool, repeating on the back side.  Next I glued ripped strips of vintage book paper to the center of the cards, so when folded, the text would show up.  I also inked the edged with Walnut Stain Distress ink and sprayed some of them with Iced Spruce and Weathered Wood Oxide Spray.  Once dry, I stitched down the fold line, leaving the threads long so they can be seen.

Before adding them to the compartment, I glued some together, added other ripped pieces and bundled a few with string.

The photo is from Photobooth.  I tinted it and roughed it up by bending the corners.  I added the eyelets with my Crop-a-dile, then ran a piece of wire through one eyelet, and up and out the other.  I hammered two tack nails into the edge of the wood, then wrapped the wire around each tack nail.  I was a bit worried about the sharp ends of the wire so I bent them back with small needle nose pliers.

Bottom Compartment:
The target has been cut on the left side to fit in the box (it is a whole circle in the pack). The pieces stand up with the help of small wooden blocks glued to the back.  All pieces have been rubbed with Distress Crayons in Walnut Stain or Evergreen Bough (in the case of the target).

Number card- Urban Layers
Target - Urban Layers
Metal bolt in the center of target - Machinery Heads
Small Arrow - Adornment Arrows with Gold Mixative Alcohol Ink + Mushroom Alcohol Ink
Number label - Field Notes Ephemera Pack
Chess piece - Small Finial painted red

Well, that's it!  I hope you liked todays tutorial.  The Divided Drawer makes a great substrate for so many things and so many styles.  This would look totally different if it was painted white and had flowers and butterflies inside.  The thing is, it would still work.

Now carry on,

paula