Mother’s Day is almost here, and I have a very sweet handmade gift to share with you today that Moms everywhere will swoon over! Using my Silhouette cutting machine and the new Silhouette chipboard, I created these “I Love You Because…” Mini Albums that are the perfect way to tell Mom how much you love her! The albums are so simple to put together and make wonderful gifts for any occasion. Check out the bottom of this post for a special Silhouette promotion going on right now and an exclusive discount code!
I was beyond excited when Silhouette came out with their new chipboard because there are endless possibilities of ways to use it. Chipboard is thicker and sturdier than card stock, but still very lightweight and flexible. It’s a great material to use when you need to add some extra sturdiness to your projects.
I was browsing the Silhouette Online Store for creative ways to use my chipboard for a Mother’s Day gift, and I came across this darling Mini Pocket Album. You could certainly make this album with card stock, but I thought using the chipboard would make it nice and sturdy so it could be enjoyed for years to come. I downloaded the design and opened it up in my Silhouette Studio Designer Edition software. The album has 4 pockets, but only three of the pocket inserts could fit on one sheet, so I decided to leave the last pocket empty. It would make a great place to stick a gift card for an extra special surprise!
I cut the design with my Silhouette CAMEO and had six chipboard pieces to work with: two foldable pockets, three pocket inserts, and one closure flap.
Then came the fun part… putting the album together! It only a few minutes and couldn’t be easier.
Here’s how you assemble to mini pocket album:
Take one of the large pockets and fold along all the perforated lines. Apply glue to the angled edge flaps and fold to create pockets. Then repeat with the second pocket. Place the pocket with the smaller binding area on top of the pocket with the larger binding area. Make sure the “flat” opening is toward the back. To hold the album together, thread a string or ribbon through the pre-cut holes and tie.
Before I tied my album together, I wanted to decorate the chipboard. I chose a collection of scrapbook papers called “linen” and covered the pockets, inserts, and closure flap with the papers using some scrapbook glue. I fell in love with these papers because they are feminine and sort of retro, but in a pretty blue and brown color palette. Girls can love blue too!
I thought it would be cute for the pocket inserts to have a special message written on them, and I came up with the idea to have each kid write a reason why they love this person. I added a photo of each boy to the front of the pocket inserts with the words, “I love you because.” On the back of the card I added the word “you…” and a blank space for the boys to fill in their I love you because reasons. And on the third card I stamped a simple “Happy Mother’s Day.” What Mom (or Grandma!) wouldn’t die over that?
Once I had all the pieces decorated, I tied the album together using some blue twine.
To attach the closure flap to the album, I applied a bit of glue to the chipboard and placed the flap inside the back pocket of the album. Since the chipboard is thicker than paper, I had to add a little extra room for the flap to fully close around the album.
To hold the flap closed, I added a small piece of velcro to the back of the flap and the front of the album.
And here’s what it looks like all put together!
I needed to add a little something to the front of the album, so I cut the word “Mom” on card stock with my Silhouette and glued it in place. I love how this little album turned out, and I know some Grandmothers that are going to be very happy this Mother’s Day! : )
The album looks adorable all on its own, but imagine the surprise when someone pulls out those little inserts to read how much they are loved! That’s what Mother’s Day is all about.
I couldn’t wait to share this Mother’s Day idea with all of you because I think it is such a heart-warming gift, and I hope you will make one for a special woman in your life! But I know this post is going to spill the beans on my Mother’s Day gifts, so I had to make a second one so both Grandmothers could have one cherish. I wouldn’t want any fighting over them! : )
I made this one using some bolder colors and patterns and inked up the edges to give it a distressed finish. I love them both so much, and I can’t wait to share them!
Using the Silhouette chipboard for these albums turned them into keepsakes that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to use it more for other projects!
And right now you can pick up some chipboard from Silhouette with this special promotion! It’s not too late to make a gift request for Mother’s Day {wink!}
1 pack chipboard
1 $25 download card
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$19.99 (retail $34.99)
1 Silhouette Portrait
1 pack chipboard
1 grey dust cover
1 $25 download card
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$129.99 (retail $221.97)
1 Silhouette CAMEO
1 pack chipboard
1 natural dust cover
1 $25 download card
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$269.99 (retail $341.97)
The promotion runs from May 8 – May 15, and you can find all the details on Silhouette’s special promotion page HERE. Just make sure to use the code LOVEGROWS at checkout to receive your discount!
Let’s Keep In Touch!
P.S. I’m sharing this post at some awesome link parties… Check them out HERE!
So cute! I would love getting one of those for Mother’s Day. 🙂
Those are the cutest little books! What a great gift for mom 🙂
Oh how adorable are those! Ok, I want a silhouette play day too 🙂
Super cute… I am sharing them on my FB page!
Those little albums are so cute! Love it! 🙂
This is such a cute way to use the Chipboard!!!! So creative, what a fabulous gift idea. I know my mom always wants more pictures 🙂
Oh how fun! What a sweet personalized git…. My mother would love one of those…. You are amazing, my friend! Happy mothers day!!..… 🙂
hugs xx
Crystelle
Crystelle Boutique
Awesome post!
Found you through 36th Avenue Party Time. Love your blog!
I would love for you to share and link up at my TGIF Link Party.
http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/2013/05/tgif-link-party-2.html
Please, invite your friends to party too! The more the merrier!
Hugs, Cathy
I love mini albums!! This one is perfect.
Cute ideas!
so cute!!
So pretty Liz! What I would do to have a silhouette! You’re putting it to great use!! xoxo
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer… From Dream To Reality! I can’t wait to see what you link up tomorrow evening!