Revisiting the Holiday Mini w/Erin Stewart

I'm normally a one page kind of scrapbooker, but I love the way mini albums look and feel. Last year, I wanted to produce some form of the December Daily Album; however, I was super busy and never really finished the one I started. And since I absolutely love the new Peppermint Collection, I decided it was time to make a mini from last year's Christmas' photos.

I started with a basic set of 5.8" circles. To create them, I used a large circular cutter and trimmed an assortment of circles from various Peppermint pattern papers. In conjunction with this, I also printed 2" x 3" photos to go along with the album.

In reference to the album pages, I treated each one like I would any of the larger sized projects/pages I regularily create. The Designs are straight forward and applicable in a variety of situations.

These buttons, oh how I love them! They are so spectacular that I just knew I had to place them on the cover somewhere (the packaging is also adorable!). I added pink/white twine to make them appear to be hanging as ornaments. This simple technique gives the cover a wonderful, whimsical look that I love! It compliments the Peppermint Collection perfectly!

I suggest using Crate's Accent Cuts for layering! Here, I used them as a means of breaking up the page. I then printed my photo with a cool digital frame before laying it beneath the ever-so-festive fireplace. Finally, I positioned a couple of die-cuts with the help of my Silhouette.

I love the Stand-Outs! They create dimension and interest without my having to put forth too much effort. Also note, the use of one of Crate's sticker tags for the framing of my photo - it's nearly the perfect size!

If space is limited, trim your photos down to size so that they better fit your page. In doing so, it gives the page a more uniform, streamlined look and allows for more room of embellishments.

Circles punches are always extra handy! For additional direction and movement, I created a slightly angled row of 1.5" circles and sewed over them with my sewing machine.

To create this sweet, hidden pocket, I used a glassine bag behind the photo and tucked inside it a pull tag made of both paper and sticker. Write whatever it is you might like on it - another great way to make use of tight spaces!!

I really like the soft colors of this collection. On this page, I used a black and white photo to help mimic the softness of the paper.

Sleds, stockings, snowflakes, or whatever it is of Peppermint's Chipboard Collection that you might like, they're great for generating additional interest. The downward motion of the sled helps to instigate the snowball action going on here.

Glitter is a must on every holiday project! I used it here to make the little red ornaments stand out from the tree - afterall, Christmas Decor is meant to be shiny and glittery!

In order to make this page feel extra whimsical, I partnered the left edge of the photo with a random, eclectic line of petite embellishments and other little cute items.

Desire an inventive, convenient means of creating a frame around your photos? My fave solution are border stickers! Crate always has available matching border stickers to go along with each of their collections, too! Collect'em by the dozen!

Make a statement without photos! We went "home" for Christmas and being in the Military can sometimes make this hard to define. I wanted to make a statement about home and it being the place at which we visited - always feels good to be home for the holidays!

One last look at the completed album - pretty, isn't it? Mini Albums, especially as a whole, take on a curious new life all their own. They're wonderful to hold onto and even better to open!! They make great gifts, too!

Thank-you for taking a moment with me to review the album in it's entirety! I'll see you again soon! Take care!