Vintage Girls File Folder Mini

Hello everyone, Patti here from the USA, this is my first blog post for Meg's Garden and I must say how happy I am to be a part of this team.  For my first project I had anticipated making a set of note cards until I received my package.  Once items were in hand I changed it to a File Folder mini album.  I love making mini's and have seen so many tutorials floating around YouTube the last few weeks I thought I'd make one to share with you.  

I fell in love with the Vintage French Girls and wanted to incorporate them within the pages of the mini.  As I said the construction was done with 1 1/2 manila file folders cut, folded and glued to form pockets and pages.  You can see from the photo above I had a fabulous time using all sorts of bits from Meg's package.  I used the pearl sprays and my favorite flowers, the Carabella Rose Posy in Fairy pink, oh how I love these flowers.  I dyed the seam binding and the lace to match the papers and embellishments and to finish off the front.

Throughout the book I used The Gentlemen's Collection and The Correspondence Collection designed by the talented Kerry-Jean Watson for all pages, mats and tags.  The girls became a focal point on each page.  Using the scraps from the file folders I made tags and supports for the backs of my pockets.  You can see I've matted and fussy cut the girls to form pockets for the photo mats.  I also created a top pocket which has a post card.  All papers are highly distressed using Tim Holtz Distress inks in Gathered Twig and Tattered Rose.

I must confess when I first started the mini I intended on just using The Correspondence Collection but as I got started I saw how easy it was to interchange the papers and elements, like the clock above (which is part of the Ephemera Cut & Create paper), with The Gentlemen's Collection as well.

I loved how these pages turned out.  By using the little tiny girls (which are included on the included bonus strip) I created tiny postage stamps which I grouped together and double mounted to form the pocket for the tickets.  Creating an angle pocket draws the interest to the opposite page where the pocket holds a tiny booklet for three 3"x5" photos.

This is probably my most favorite page, I'm sure because I love this sleeping little cherub.  I backed her for support and then cut around her body to form the pocket for another tri-fold photo booklet.  There are several pages I haven't shown which will be included in the walk through on my video below, along with many more photos to give you ideas and inspiration to create your own mini.

Links to supplies from Meg's Garden Shop

The Gentlemen's Collection

The Correspondence Collection

Vintage French Girls

Pearl Loops

Paper Lace Doily Strips

Off white 3.5 cm lace

Carabella Rose Posy - Fairy Pink

Dark Brown Raffia

Coffee Burlap

Tim Holtz Spinners and Journaling Ticket

Thanks everyone for sharing your time with me -- Patti