Monday, October 12, 2009

Spoolie Album

Okay, does everyone have their empty ribbon spool ready?? :)

Then let's meet our Cast of Characters:



STEP 1: DISASSEMBLE SPOOL

Gently remove outer edges of spool so that you have 3 separate pieces like the picture below. Then using sand paper or CTMH's Finishing Files (which work really well for this!) sand off the excess dried glue on the spool and the outer edges.


STEP 2: PREPARATIONS FOR OUTER SPOOLIE

Using your outer edges as a guide/template, trace them on your choice of paper; remember you will want one for each side of the edge so a total of 4 circles should be traced and cut out.



Using a Sponge Dauber, ink up the outer edges of the spool.



If you wish to further distress, you can edge distress the circle edges as I've done here. Then adhere the 4 circles to the front and back of each. Then measure the width of your spool and cut 2 strips for the outer and inner spool. Do a quick dry fitting (wrapping it around without using adhesive) to get a sense of length and then cut your strip accordingly. Repeat for inner spool length. Finally adhere to the spool.



Dry fit the spool on one of your outer edges to get a sense of where to punch your holes for your ribbon to attach the Spoolie together. I punched 3/16" holes and then placed the other outer edge beneath the first one to line up the holes for punching the 2nd set.




String your desired ribbon through the bottom layer. Then using Liquid Glass attach spool to center. I then added eyelets to my top cover only.




STEP 3: PREPARATIONS FOR THE INNER PAGES

Using a ruler, measure the inside distance of your spool to get a sense of how large your inner pages can be. Then using the Coluzzle Cutting System or similar, cut several circles for your pages (you can always add to this later). Note: you will want one circle for the front and one for the back since we will be sandwiching ribbon between them, plus one additional one for the middle of your inner Spoolie base.



Note: If possible, leave your ribbon that you will be using for this portion on the spool so you can continue to add pages if necessary without running out of ribbon. Using Liquid Glass, attach the tail of your ribbon to the center of the inside of your Spoolie. Now decorate your extra circle so that you can attach it to the center of your Spoolie base.



Then begin to add your inner pages by sandwiching the ribbon between 2 circles leaving minimal space in between each (just enough so that it can bend accordian style back into the Spoolie). The first "circle sandwich" should begin right at the edge of the spool.


Continue adding circles. You'll want to occasionally fold your circles into the Spoolie to ensure you have enough space for them. And remember you will be adding pictures, embellies, etc. to these pages so leave appropriate space for this. You'll need an even number of circles though so your tail folds the proper way when complete. Then snip your ribbon from the spool and trim the end to your liking.




STEP 4: FINAL DETAILS

You'll want to fold in your inner pages (accordian style) and then place the lid on top so you can string your ribbon through and tie in a knot or bow to keep the album all attached. Make sure you tie it just tight enough that the flap stays closed. If it's too tight it'll have that alligator look to it--which you don't want! :) Decorate as desired and enjoy!


If you end up creating a Spoolie, I'd love to hear how it goes. Better yet, I'd love to see pictures! :) Enjoy.

3 comments:

  1. This is such a cute idea
    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  2. OMG, how many of them I've trowed away! Thank you, Kristina!!
    Hugs from Norway :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my goodness...I just found out you have a blog today!!! Congratulations!!!

    I still remember us two going gaga over the spoolie album...I love your version.

    Miss you!!!

    www.creativitywithstamps.typepad.com

    ReplyDelete