MWL DT: Mini Album | Scrappy Friends (Long Stitch + Twist)

It is my turn up as Made With Love DT sharing a mini album I've hand stitched recently! I am super excited to share this album which features a twisted long stitch binding!

I was inspired by the Kaisercraft 6.5" paper pad #Me collection sitting on my desk, and I love the colors. There were some interesting quotes in the paper pad as well. It is really easy to get started on making a 6" album with a paper pad collection. There is enough pattern papers for the inserts, and some embellishments which are perforated and you could just pop it out from the pack. 

On the front cover, I decided to add the Maya Road wooden mason jar and transparency clock. It is simple to come up with the album cover once you have the main elements decided. Another trick is adding strands of MR jute craft strings behind embellishments or flowers. They act as fillers in this case, fills up some empty spaces and create layers without being overwhelming. Sequins are also simple elements that really cook a storm. Add one or two randomly across the cover, and you get a subtle shine to the page.

There are many ways to construct the album. Each of the methods has its uniqueness, and in this case, I used some fabric to help construct this album spine. The contrast of fabric (on the spine) and patterned paper (on the covers) creates a unique look.

What is an album without stitching? For me, albums with hand stitching complete the look, and add a classy definition. Book binding makes a handmade album extra special! This time, I am adding some die-cut alphabets to my album spine. Like what you see? Want to learn how I did the stitching? Stay tuned to MWL's facebook page for the upcoming workshop in October! *Wink*

Here are some closeups of the album. Add some stickers or die-cuts in the pages - decorating the pages are super fun!

Supplies Used:

• Kaisercraft 6.5" Paper Pad - #Me
• Kaisercraft Sticker Sheet - Close Up!
• Kaisercraft Sticker Sheet - Ooh La La!
• WRMK Sequin Stickers, black
• Maya Road jute craft string
• Maya Road wooden mason jar
• Maya Road transparency clock, white 

All supplies used are available at Made With Love. Hope you find inspiration from the post today and thank you for dropping by my blog today! 

MR DT: Mini Album | What I Like

Hello! I am back on the Mayaroad blog today with a mini album to share! Making this album had been fun! The design team has been sharing many ideas on how to use chipboards in our projects, and today, I will also share how I made use of chipboards in my mini album.

I wanted to make an album to house some of the things I love, and here is my mini album:

First way I usually like to use the chipboards - as album covers! There are many chipboard albums available in different shapes and sizes, great for use to construct mini albums! I used the 5x5 tabbed chipboard album to construct this mini album.

Like always, I always like to spice up the spine of my mini albums with some stitching! This time, I am using the Ken Oliver Waxed Hemp (Tangerine) for the long stitch binding on my spine! I love this waxed hemp for stitching, and it comes in a variety of colors!

Another way I used my chipboards is to paint them white, and draw some stitching lines on them! This is a fun and easy way to decorate the chipboards, and give it an interesting look too. Try dry brushing gesso onto chipboards, I like how some of the pieces give a weathered look!

Of course, adding acrylic paints gives the chipboards an entirely different look. With a base coat in place, I have also added some shimmer with some glitter glues on top. It gives a shiny coat and highlights the title.

Of course, I really love to dress up my chipboards! One of my favourite ways is to add some stamping on top of the base coat. Try it with raw chipboards as well, this gives a different texture and feel to the entire embellishment! On the top right corner, I have also tried coloring the chipboards with brush pens / markers.

Last but not least, use the chipboards as they are! Raw chipboards are pretty as they are - so feel free to use them directly on your projects. Raw chipboards gives a very good background to your embellishments, they are not cluttered or too colorful. On some chipboards, I also used some foil papers to back up the negative spaces for a little glow amongst the raw chipboard pieces.

Chipboards are the basic materials everyone needs for that next scrapbook project! Hope you find some inspiration! You will also be happy to know, that Mayaroad is having a promo this month for chipboards! Use the coupon code CHIPCHIP for 30% off all chipboards during your checkout! Enjoy the promo code!

Supplies Used:

• Lucky Stars Chipboard Set
• 5x5 Tabbed Chipboard Ring Album
• Love Chipboard Banner
• Ken Oliver Waxed Hemp (Tangerine)
• Hexagon Chipboard Set
• Camera Chipboard Set
• Speech Bubble Chipboard Set

MWL Workshop: Happy Hearts [Mar 2017~]

Description: House your happy memories in this specially bounded album with Maggie Holmes Chasing Dreams collection! This intermediate class emphasizes on stitching and album construction. It includes a uniquely stitched spine and layered chipboard decors - a great chunky album!

Techniques Learnt: English Case Binding, Album Construction, long stitch binding, decor stitch binding

MWL DT: Binded Album | Taiwan Getaway Album (with heart stitching)

Hello! Today, I am back with an album for Made With Love! Time has flown really fast, and it is already heading into the second week of February! February is a month of love, and I always try to do something special for my hubs. This month, I am inspired by the Crate Paper Oasis Collection - I am really into a mood of travelling! Therefore, I thought, why not combine a travel album with a love theme? That could really hint my husband! *evil laughs*

Of course I had to include stitching alongside with this album! This time, I am choosing a leather spine combined with the chipboard covers. I like the softness of the spine, and makes the album super versatile during the flipping process. This is the Sizzix Turquoise 3"x 9" leather, very useful for album spine making or die-cutting embellishments to make a pretty necklace! 

This stitching combines some knowledge of construction and long stitch binding. The heart has a random consistency in the stitching, whilst the long stitch on the top and bottom side enhances the contrast towards the centre heart. I get a satisfaction highlighting sewing features on the spine. 

Yes, that is my super loved mint typewriter from We R Memory Keepers! This is such a jewel! You will need this for every single project! This time, I used the typewriter to create a background for my album page. You could type your sentiments or some thoughts and layer them on your projects too. The background was a page I lifted from Dictionary.com - oh yes, I typed the meaning of the word Oasis!

The Crate Paper Oasis Collection has a superb selection of pattern papers and wide range of embellishments, which makes it super easy to decorate the pages! I enjoyed playing with this collection, especially including the use of stamps, chipboard pieces, gold puffy phrases and vellum on my pages!

This is one of my favorite page in the album. Here, I have used a variety of embellishments on the pages! Changing my usual style a little using chipboard and vellum to layer the pages. I am loving this new look! 

Well, let's hope this album reminds the husband to bring me on a trip soon! Hope you enjoyed this walk through the album. Thanks for dropping by my blog today! 

*All materials used are available at Made With Love. 

• Sizzix - Turquoise 3"x 9" Leather
• Crate Paper - Oasis Collection pattern papers, vellum sheet, chipboard, stamp and puffy phrases
• We R Memory Keepers Typecast - Mint

MWL DT: Long Stitch Binding & some tools I use!

Hello fellow crafters! I am back today with a project for Made With Love! This time, I am inspired by long stitch binding to come up with not only 1 but multiple designed long stitch books! 

The long stitch structure had its heyday in the middle ages when it was popular across the Europe. Typical materials were leather, vellum and cartonnage. 

There are many reasons why I am keen to make use of long stitch binding in my frequently used books, and here are some of them:

1. Cover Materials

The long stitch sewing can be combined with various other structures, whether it is exposed spine, hard cover binding, or soft cover binding. This allows me to work with different kind of materials and explore more into the different "feel" when it comes to cover making.

2. Variety of end product

Not only can it be used as a notebook stitch, it can also be used for making mini albums and scrapbooks. There is also an added possibility of different types of cover. Sometimes, I add a flap to the cover so it locks the notebook in place. I could also leave it to expose the sides of the signature. 

Long Stitch Binding, otherwise also known as Lattice Binding

Long Stitch Binding, otherwise also known as double star binding

3. Variety of patterns

The stitching along the spine is visually appealing and can be altered to form patterns and weaves. Another long stitch technique is done in conjunction with chain stitch. The possibilities are never ending - it's up to your own exploration and imagination! 

Weaving and Alternate Long Stitch

Long Stitch with chain stitch

4. No glue, no fuss

The text block is sewn directly through the cover material which eliminates the need of linings, tapes, hinges, sanding and adhesives common in other types of bindings. Often long stitch bindings are completely glue-free. I like that there is no fuss that goes around this stitching method.

5. Variation of binding strings

Long stitch allows you to explore the use of different strings for the binding, be it waxed thread, twine or even leather threads. Different sewing threads can give a different outlook to the entire project.

Twine

DMC Thread

Waxed Thread

That is why I explore much into this simple yet complicated stitching. There are so many ways to elaborate on the long stitch binding and it is bound to give a different feel with different binding techniques, materials, and colors.

~Some Tools I Use~

If you are keen to get started on book binding, you will need some simple tools to help you along this wonderful journey. Personally, these are the tools which I typically use on a daily basis:

1. Penknife / Craft Knife

Having a sharp blade is very helpful when you want that perfect edge for the signatures. While the book publishers have machines to cut the straight edges, we book binders depend on the craft knife to accomplish the same purpose.

2. Piercer

This tool is another important tool for book binding. It allows us to make small holes prior to the binding process. The size of the hole depends on the type of piercer you use, which in turn is dependent on the thread that you use. 

3. Bone Folder

This is such an important tool when it comes to cover making, or signature preparation. Nothing can crease the way a bone folder functions, and this makes a huge difference for book binding.

4. Paper Trimmer

Book binders nowadays are super lucky. At least you have paper trimmers to help with the cutting of the pages. It is so much easier with this tool, and your time gets reduced significantly. My preferred choice of paper trimmer is from Fiskars, since it has the sure-cut guideline and ensures more accuracy in trimming papers.

5. Cardboard Trimmer

In the cases where I am making a hard bound book, I tend to use a rotary trimmer to cut the chipboards. Compared to the old manual way of doing, this definitely saves you energy and time! 

7. Needles

Of course, you will need some needles to get started. I usually go for tapestry needles when I bind to avoid pricking my fingers, but sometimes, I opt for normal sharp sewing needles. It really depends on the type of thread you are using, and the material you are doing the binding on.

Hope you enjoyed this walk through long stitch binding and the materials required to start book binding! If you are looking for the tools I used, do check out Made With Love. Book binding can be a whole load of fun without much expensive and bulky tools! There is so much more to learn about book binding, so be sure to catch the book binding workshops available at Made With Love!

Thanks for dropping by my blog today!