Scrapbookception! Mini Scrapbook within a Scrapbook

Just wanted to do a really quick post about part of my Vegas scrapbook update. I finally had the time to get the project started and after putting photos and collected items into piles for what I wanted on each page, I had a bunch of pictures left over that I really wanted to use but they didn't have a specific place, so I made this Mini Scrapbook that is attached to the inside back cover!

I started with using photos that were all the same size.

6x6 Mini Scrapbook - Part 1 - Making the book

I'm back! And making a scrapbook to commemorate my trip to Las Vegas where lots of fun ensued. Before I get started with my own craft journey here and show you some pictures along the way, I want to give credit to www.dawnsinspirations.com who made a 40ish minute youtube video that shows you in real time how to make this. I took the design and added my own spin and this is the result. I also want to say that with the exception of the paper cutter and folder thing, I got all of the supplies for under $2! Watch for sale coupons, buy things one at a time until you get everything you need. I also had a $10 coupon to AC Moore and a 15% discount for working for a school. Huzzah!

Now to get started. I will omit some of the boring obvious pictures that involve preparing paper and just list what you need to finish with here:

• Two pieces of something firm that will serve as covers. I used grunge paper by Ranger. It's a 6x6 book so use that sized paper or maybe a little bigger.
• A pad of 6x6 paper (or your own paper trimmed to 6x6). I used a set called World Traveler by Teresa Collins ($2.99 for 24 double-sided sheets). Pick 12 sheets out that you like and go together. The rest of the pack is pretty guaranteed to coordinate well for embellishments or matting photos.
• Six 6x6 squares of cardstock. You may see the cardstock so pick a color that goes well with the pattern and don't waste nice cardstock. I just used a basic brown from the Core'dinations Chocolate Lovers set (it was also on sale that day).
• Five 6x2.5 pieces of cardstock (can be the same) this is for the binding of the pages. If you have 8.5x11 cardstock, you can cut it to 6x8.5 and then chop off the 2.5 part to get this and the previous squares you needed ;)
• One piece that is 7x3.75 for the actual spine. You may see this so you might want to pick a nicer cardstock for this or a color that coordinates well with the paper you want on the cover.
• Glue (liquid is best here)
• Other fun stuff like an ink pad and applicator for distressing edges. I also found some sweet washi tape that I wanted to use.

Make your own enamel dots

This is not an original idea, but the experience I had was original and definitely worth sharing. It was a lesson in "quality" shopping and life with a gas stove that I figured was worth sharing. And if you have never seen this process, then maybe it's something new for you.

So to start, you're going to need a glass pan, parchment paper, and Perler beads. The kind that you iron into weird floppy shapes when you're a kid and then lose or maybe use as a coaster or something. BUY THE BRAND NAME BEADS. I will show you at the end what I ended up with when I used beads from Oriental Trading (it's bad).

Preheat your oven to 450. You're melting plastic.

While that is happening, sob softly while you try and get your Perler beads nice and spread out and stood on their ends in the glass dish on some parchment paper. It will take a while, so turn the oven on and by the time you hate handling these beads it should be ready! (Side note: I had to buy Wilton's parchment paper because it was all the grocery store had, but are there other brands? Cheaper brands? I could totally use some money saving tips, that stuff was expensive)