How to Make an Accordion Style Book with Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts by Barbara Rankin

Hi everyone!  Barbara here today to show you a fast and easy way to turn these engraved book covers from Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts into a fabulous little mini album. i used Decoart Media Fluid Acrylic products to transform these covers.  While I have a variety of ideas for making the book pages, I have chosen the simplest way, which is to make an accordion style book. I have chosen Graphic 45's A Ladies' Diary paper collection, but you can use whatever papers you like or have on hand.

Book Cover Front

Book Cover Back

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCORDION BOOK (see video for full tutorial)

The book covers measure 2-7/8" x 4-1/2".

Cut two pieces of cream paper to 5-7/8" x 12".

Score horizontally along 12" bottom edge at 1-1/2".  This will form pockets to hold tags and ephemera.

Score vertically at 2-3/4, 5-1/2", 8-1/4", and 11".  

Adhere the two lengths of paper together along the 1" flap to make one long piece of paper.  Fold bottom edge up to form pockets, and accordion fold the length of paper at each scored line.  Cut remaining 1" flap off.  

Adhere the front and back pages to the inside book covers. Decorate pages as desired.  

Here are some photos of the completed, decorated book.  

Supplies Used:
GSL Book Cover Deco Engraved (coming soon)
GSL Miniature Bookplates Shape Set
GSL Miniatures Shape Set - Ladies Choice
GSL Vintage Ladies Silhouettes Set
DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics
  TitaniumWhite
  Translucent White (optional)
  Titan Buff
  Primary Magenta
  Primary Yellow
  Interference Gold
  Burnt Umber Antiquing Cream
DecoArte White Crackle Past
DecoArt Metallic Lustre
  Gold Rush
  Cosmic Blue
  Polished Coral
  Black Shimmer
Derivan Liquid Pencil (for shading)
Assorted Paint Brushes
12"x12" cream card stock
Graphic 45 A Ladies' Diary paper collection
Tags, Scallop Combo(Sizzix Original)
Brick/Stone mini stencil (Tim Holtz)
Martha Stewart Deco Fan punch
Assorted embellishments

I hope you like my project today and are inspired to make one of these sweet accordion books using your favorite papers. 

As always, thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful and creative day!

Barbara

Some Acrylic Pouring Fun with ColourArte Vivid Ultra Metallics

Hi everyone!  Today, I want to share my first acrylic pour using ColourArte Vivid Ultra Metallics.  If you've been here before, you know how I like to experiment, and so this video will do just that.  I decided to try playing with the pour to see what may or may not work.  I hope you will join me for this "adventure".  



Supplies Used:
ColourArte Vivid Ultra Metallics
  Bolivian Blue
  African Jade
  Lemongrass
  Pink Azalea
  Solar Gold
Americana Lamp Black acrylic paint
8"x8" canvas
Flood Floetrol 
3-in-1 All Temp Silicone
Silicone brush (Prima)
Aluminum foil roasting pan (Dollar Store)
Push Pins

I hope you enjoyed my project today.  I would love to hear what you think, and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment below.  I will check in and try to answer them.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a super day!

Barbara

Mixed Media Chipboard Tag with Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts

Hi everyone!  Today I have a cool mixed media super-sized tag for you.  Ever since I started playing around with mixed media, I have been having so much fun from experimenting and learning all sorts of things.  I hope you enjoy watching my transformation process video here, too.

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Supplies Used:

GSL Chipboard Decorative Tags X Large
GSL Layered Frame Aria
GSL Herald Medallions (coming soon)
Acrylic Paints
  FolkArt Home Décor Chalk Vintage Mustard
  FolkArt Home Décor Chalk Cascade
  Craftsmart Chalky Burnt Orange
DecoArt One Step Crackle Medium
Finnabair Gold Crackle Texture Paste
Stampendous (Dreamweaver) Optic Checkerboard stencil
Carabelle Art Stamps - Mixed Media Strips
Graphic 45 Vintage Hollywood paper collection (image)
Mister bottle
Ink Pads
  Ranger Archival Black
  Distress Oxide Broken China
  Distress Oxide Fossilized Amber
  Distress Ink Black Soot
Ranger blending tool
Art-C Gold Metallic Paste
Assorted brushes
Assorted embellishments (ribbon, lace, flowers, jewelry, etc.)

I hope you enjoyed my project today. Be sure to check out all the great laser cut chipboard at Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a super crafty day!

Barbara

Art Journal Video Tutorial: Good for the Soul with ColourArte

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to share another art journaling video tutorial with you that I made for the ColourArte Video Creators team.  

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ColourArte Supplies Used:

Primary Elements
  Sunburst
  Orange Peel
  Plumeria
Twinkling H20s
  Beachhouse Blue
  African Jade
  Burnt Umber
  Raspberry Wine
  Ancient Coin
  Sweet Alfalfa
  Snap Dragon
The Solution Acrylic Wash Medium

Other Supplies Used:

Dylusion 8"x5" art journal
Paper Artsy HP1507EZ stamp set
TCW 554s Mini Butterfly Collage Stencil
TCW 490s Mini Tattered Lace Stencil
Kaisercraft Crackle Stamp
Montana White Acrylic Paint Pen
Uniball Vision Elite 0.8mm pen
Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Walnut Stain reinker
Makeup sponge
Ranger Blending tool
Liquitex White Gesso
Dynasty #6 round paint brush
Assorted paint brushes
Spatula
Pipette
Mini Mister
1" masking tape

I hope you enjoyed todays art journal project.  And remember, art journals are really fun because you don't have to be perfect. It is for you and your enjoyment, and allows you to be free to try products and experiment without feeling like it has to be perfect. This is a good place to come, sometimes.  So, I hope you will give art journaling a try!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a super crafty day!

Barbara