Vintage Travel at Frilly and Funkie

Hi everyone. It's the start of the second week of the latest Frilly and Funkie challenge 'Vintage Travel'. This is what our host, Nancy, has to say about it - "Summer is in full swing, bringing with it the height of vacation season. Our challenge is to create a project, card, or lay out with a vintage travel theme, whether it's far away over the sea or Route 66! The winner will earn a Guest DT spot at the Frilly and Funkie challenge blog, and everyone who enters will have the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique."

My idea for a project turned into something of an epic crafting marathon over a few days but it has resulted in something I can proudly use and admire. It is based on the fabulous Eileen Hull Mini Album which is fast becoming a favourite of mine (and DT team mate Trace's too!) It's something of a voyage through my crafting journey, made physical in a vintage style.

A short story to explain where it all started - do you ever get those days where you wonder if what you're doing is any good? I think it's because we put so much of ourselves into everything we create that it matters so much what others think. Or do you get those tiny pangs of jealousy, wondering why other people seems to be getting recognition whilst you feel a bit ignored? Go on, admit it, I'm sure we've all felt that at some point. Don't get me wrong; right now I feel anything but ignored but the trouble is, when these thoughts do come they can be very self-destructive. I figured it would be a good idea to have something I can reach for that would remind me about those times when I've got a great reaction to something; it's a bit like having those 'credits' or 'challenge win badges' we have on our blog sidebars/pages but in a physical form.

The idea was to put those photos, badges, comments and emails into a Tim Holtz folio, but those things seem to be rarer than hen's teeth right now, so I set about altering my mini album to do the same job in a slightly smaller form (about 5" square). The look is completely inspired by the incredible creations of my bestie Anne (Redanne) and also the wonder that is Jim Hankins, The Gentleman Crafter.

The cover (which folds together in folio style) makes use of papers from the Menagerie collection, as both backgrounds and ephemera (all those newsprint travel adverts and the photos). Combining them with Distress Ink stencilling and edging, and Distress Marker shadowing has helped to give those papers an even greater sense of age.

A couple of the pertinent parts have been highlighted by applying Translucent paste through stencils and I've used some of the new Lowercase Block Talk lettering and one of the Debossing Folders to add relevant text to the closing flaps. I adore those metal 'Scrapbooking Corners' on the front covers, easy to alter with Black Soot Distress Paint (or you could use Alcohol inks on them) and simple to attach - just press them together!

I'm not boring you with every page; suffice to say they've each been stamped before printed quotes, photos and badges have been added, together with relevant die cuts, stamping and tissue tape. The joy of these albums is that you can use rubber bands to attach each page, meaning you can add/move/remove them easily. When happy with the completed album you can attach them more permanently with tied ribbons, string or suchlike.

Above, you'll see I've also created one of those fold-over flip spines to add photos and journalling. The Hashtag stamps and Remnant Rub-ons are perfect for adding just the right words to some of the pictures.

At the back there's a pocket for holding more messages and even the inside of each fold has been decorated to follow the travel/journey theme.

I'm planning on taking this out and about with me when doing demonstrations and workshops so if you see me just ask to take a closer look. This is also a project that will continue to grow and evolve over time and it's good to know I've got something to look at when those nagging doubts surface.

There's even more Vintage Travel inspiration from the rest of the Design Team over at the Frilly and Funkie challenge blog so head on over before creating your own travel projects. Then link them up to be in with a chance to win. Can't wait to see what you make!

And fantastic news this morning from Linda; "Things have been a little slow the past month here at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. We have a lot of dies and texture fades in stock that are starting to collect dust. I don't know about you, but I hate dusting! Maybe you would like to help us avoid that chore by taking advantage of our Sizzix overstock sale. From now through August 11th, all in-stock Sizzix products are an extra 15% off. That includes Tim Holtz Alterations dies and texture fades. Some of the older dies are discounted even more. The sale does not include pre-ordered products. Check the 'On Sale' tab at the boutique to see what's on sale. It's a great time to stock up on all the seasonal dies and texture fades. Shop early because quantities are limited." Time to grab a bargain- especially with all that new stuff methinks...

Take care of yourselves, Jenny xxx

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