How to Accomodate the 3D Back Pack Pocket Page

Here is the side view of the back pack cut file above, I am using to store my sons report cards.
I promised I would share how I accommodate my 3 dimensional back pack cut file below in the spine of my scrapbook in my last post. Please find the instructions below. You can use this idea for other junky items you feel the need to scrapbook, or for other pocket pages. Some things I have used it to accommodate, are pocket pages for my children's first birthday, and baptism cards. I don't save every card, but one's that I wish I still had. So, cards from Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles on special occasions can be saved this way.

How to accommodate your 3 D backpack in a post bond album:

Supplies you will need
1) Post bound album
2) Spine shims or foam board (Get the Spine shims from Close to My Heart or make your own with Foam Board). Here is a picture of a spine shim I got a package of them at a garage sale for $0.25.

3) Post Extenders (Available at Michaels or from Close to My Heart)


Instructions:
1) Open your album at the back cover and flip up your post screw cover flap
2) Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw holding your back flap on. SAVE THE SCREWS for reassembly!
3) Remove the back cover, and determine where you want your chunky 3 D item. I am putting mine as the last page in the album.
4) Screw in Post Extenders.

5) Place shims before the chunky 3 D page. If you have no shims, make a pattern on the foam board, using the margin of your page protector as a guide. Punch holes for the post. In this case I used three shims, to equal the thickness of my back pack page.

6) Put page, and album back cover into place
7) Screw album screws back into place and fold down flap.
Below is a picture of the sandwich I used in my spine from the side view.

Please feel free to leave me a post with questions. Thanks!

Back Pack Cut file for storing report cards SCAL 2 version

Just around the time I started my blog, I downloaded a file from the Cricut Message board to cut a paper back pack. This was created by an artist named Nancy. I love the detail she put into this bag, including the front pocket and the straps. It is one of my all time top five favorite cut files. If you like Nancy's work please visit her blog here and request the file. I used Nancy's file above to make end of year teacher appreciation gifts. Please note, I am not sharing the file above, just showing you how it inspired me! See my file below.

So, I thought on it a while and figured out a way to put her idea on my scrapbook pages. I knew I wanted to use it in my children's school albums, to store their report cards. I tried to make my first version with the DS, but kept getting the Red X error message. The first time in three years, but it lead me to my SCAL 2 again. I am very happy with my results and will share the files. Here are the photos of my version for a scrapbook page.
It is made from two cut files, the first has the back pack and the pocket flap. The second is the flap for the back pack and the pocket. I made the bottom wider, to make it look more back pack like. Here are some tips if you use my file:
1) Score the lines where I made the tabs parallele to the edges and then one quarter inch away, closer to the raw edge. This will give you a very generous gluing area.
2) Use a heavy duty tape like Terrifically Tacky Tape by PC.
3) Place some pop dots in the corners of the bag to keep it from flattening in your album, or use foam tape along the inside sides.
4) To help the flaps lay closed, place a self adhesive velcro dot under both flaps.<
5) Check back for my next post with tips on how I use foam board strips in the spine of my scrapbook, to accommodate this page in top loading albums.
The paper is Cloud Nine and the brass embellishment on the flap is Stampin' Up. You will need SCAL 2 for this cut file. Here is the link for Base and pocket flap
Here is the link for the pocket and the flap of the back pack

Sure Cuts A Lot 2 Give Away at SVGCuts.com

SVGCuts.com is having a drawing for Sure Cuts A Lot 2. Check it out at:
http://svgcuts.com/blog/?p=3769
Watch for some files I created using my SCAL 2 soon...I have a back pack for holding my children's report cards, and another snowflake.

Today the Fabric Spoke to me and I listened!

One of my Etsy friend told me that fabric speaks to her. Today, I heard it and I listened. I had a request for a red, black and white Expression Cover. So, I sent out some photos and my client picked the fabric. She asked me to choose more red or more black. I love red! So, the biggest piece is red. I had considered using a lime green on the sides for fun, but once I pieced the body portion and saw how elegant it was, I knew I had to finish the sides in the same colors as the piece they neighbored. I mean the fabric spoke to me. And then it said, "Ribbon Rose embelly! No, fabric yo yo for me!"
I added some ribbon leaves in the lime green and love it! Have to say that I love making covers for paper crafters! Even if they pick the fabric or the colors, their design sense if wonderful.

2010 Planner Cut file to Share

I have a planner addiction! My planner of choice right now is the M Eye Book. It all started three years ago while attending an end of year crop at Archivers. The planner and three pages were included in the price of the crop! Now every year, I return to Archivers and get a new planner (with a coupon). I make a new cover and move my photos from last years planner to the next year. Can you believe it is gonna be 2010?!
I know that it is only October, but if you have school age children you may want to start your planner early like me! So, here is my cut file for my cover. Made with Home Decor, Home Accents, and Doodletype.
I am also going to share my favorite pages. The first is a photo of my Mother. She passed away at the age of 61 and every photo I have of her is precious! So, you know she had to be in the planner! The stamps are CTMH and Autumn Leaves.
Then a picture from a visit to Lake Michigan, a trip we make every year and a treasure from my childhood I am determined to share with my children.
Next a photo of some of my family. I loved the ribbon and the silhouette of them both in the baseball caps.
Another tip, if you use this planner and hope to one day move this photos to an album, cut the page 8 inches x 12 inches, and fold it in half. Scrap both sides and insert it in the planner. Then when you move it to your 12 x 12 album, you will only need to glue it to your 12 x 12 page and add a title for journal block!
I will try and post my back cover cut file later...

My ScrapMaBob is here!

Thanks Christmas with the Cricut and the Original Scrapbox! I just got the ScrapMaBob delivered today and I love it. I had another similar drink holder trash bag by CM and knew it was a good thing. But I have to say I like the ScrapMaBob better. The cup holder is bigger, the trashbag is bigger (and I won't need to get refills), and I like that the trashbag mount is on the front of the cup holder, not the side. When you are at a crop, it is sometimes too cozy with the side mount.
The third picture is of my CM cup holder trashbag.
I must confess though that for both products I felt the trash bag was just not pretty enough. If you follow my blog, you know I am looking for excuses to get out the sewing machine. So, for both, I made my own trash bag with Michael Miller fabric. I think both companies would do better with a prettier bag. I have seen the work you ladies make and you love beautiful things. I actually considered making bags for the CM cup holder, but the wire for holding the bag takes too long to bend and it is difficult to make. Now I am wondering if anyone might be interested in a bag made to fit the ScrapMaBob...

The black bag pictured is the one that came with my ScrapMaBob. And I would like to say that this cup holder/trashbag is a tool I suggest you have doubles of, one for home and one for the crop! I always have a bag packed with a paper trimmer, scissors, and adhesive. Then I can get ready for a crop and know I have the basics. I am now adding a cup holder/trashbag to my packed tote!

A SCUT Pom Pom Trim file to share

Well, after spending about an hour and a half on my DS pom pom file, I was determined to try my SCAL 2 again! I just knew there had to be a better, faster way. This time it took me 20 minutes, and I think I could've been faster, if I used it more often. It's has a size for the card maker and one for the scrapbooker. I made the trim bigger than the card so that the edges could be trimmed. Find the scut file here (SCAL version 2). I am also happier with the look of this trim. I used the V from Arial font to hang the pom pom part. I struggled in DS to find a piece to use, but did not think of a V!