Mini Album Madness!!

Where have I been? What have I been doing? Making mini albums:) I am so thoroughly addicted! This one is like an exploding box, only instead of a gift or a tea light inside, there are mini albums. I had the MOST FUN making this because the paper is absolutely to die for:) It is the French Country collection from Graphic 45. I used a 12 x 12 pad, a, 8 x 8 pad a package of chipboard die cuts, and a package of tags and envelopes. I saw a picture of an exploding box mini album on line and set out to make my own after studying the pictures. Constructing the box was the hardest part. I can make all kinds of boxes from cardstock, but I thought this needed to be made from chipboard in order to support the weight of the book. I had to make the lid twice to get it to fit correctly. The bottom looks like a cross when it is open - that is two separate sections one adhered on top of the other. I couldn't figure out how else to do it.

Outside of the box. The handles are Paper Studio from Hobby Lobby.

Side of box on the outside.

Top of box on the outside.

When  you remove the lid the box explodes open and looks like this. The main section is the envelope mini on the right. On the left and behind the envelope mini, are two accordion sections. The top skinny portion is just for decoration while the bottom skinny portion (side of box) contains two mini envelopes with journaling tags.

This accordion file folder, with photo mounts for six photos.

 The file photo mounts inside were made with my Stampin' Up! Envelope Punch Board. The closure on the front flap is a magnetic snap from Basic Gray.

Made with 3 black envelopes cut down a bit.

Photo mats inside accordion file folder.

Photo mats inside accordion file folder.

Decorative section. Love this rooster!

Envelopes contain journaling tags.

The first page in the main section which has a Stack the Deck binding system. This mini is made from black envelopes. This page has an opening at the top for a card containing 4 mats for photos or  journaling.

Inside of the same card above.

Back of the same card above.

The back of the first page has a pocket for journaling tags.

The journaling tag on the left is a portion of the paper that I cut and put on a card for photos and journaling.

Inside card from above photo.

This envelope page also has file folder style photo mounts inserted in the top section.

Back of the cards shown above. Sigh... isn't this gorgeous paper!

Another page set up in the same way.

Alternating pages are open from the side for side loading tags.

The last page in the envelope mini, with the other accordion file folder on the right.