I learned to make these little albums at the Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie, Texas at an event they call the Christmas Carousel. This wonderful brick and mortar store has incredibly talented and helpful staff that put together many awesome kits and classes. I adapted the album into what I like to call a Gift Card Album. It comes in handy when I want to give a gift card as a present, but I don’t want to just hand the person a boring envelope.
I start by cutting 6 pieces of heavy duty cardstock into 8 1/2 x 5 1/2″ pieces. I usually use Bazzill cardstock for this. I then score the longer side at 3 inches. Do this for all six pieces. Fold and burnish each scored line.
Next, you will need to adhere a 3 inch section back to back with another 3 inch section. Next adhere a 5 1/2 inch section back to back with a 5 1/2 inch section from the first piece. Continue doing this until all 6 pieces are glued together alternating between 3″ sections and 5 1/2″ sections. See the picture below
At this time cut two 12 inch pieces of ribbon. Adhere about 4″ of each ribbon with scor tape or red tape to the middle of both the front and back covers. See the picture below.
You will need to cut two lightweight chipboard pieces into 5 1/2 inch squares. Glue these to the front and back covers of your album pages. This completes the construction of your album.
In this example I’m going to be using a paper pad from Authentique called “Fabulous”. I love the cute retro vibe. However, you can use any coordinating paper. You will need to cut 2 , 5 1/2 inch pattern paper squares to adhere to the front and back covers. I often choose one of the papers that already has a nice focal point decoration on it to be my cover.
Next cut 6 patterned paper pieces into 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 inch squares. Glue these onto each of the 5 1/2 inch pages leaving a quarter inch outline on each page. Next cut 6 pieces of pattern paper into 2 3/4 inch x 5 1/4 inch pieces and adhere to each 3 inch page of your album. The last piece of pattern paper needs to measure 2 inch x 5 1/4 inch. Use this piece to make a pocket on one of your larger album pages. Do this by only adhering three sides to the page, leaving the top open.
To decorate the album I either die cut or cut with a paper trimmer four 3 3/4 inch squares to use as photo mats. I glue them to the center of four of the larger pages.
Most Authentique paper pads come with a sheet that has 3 x 4 inch decorative cards on a sheet of 12 x 12 inch paper. I use these to attach to three of the small album pages. To do this be sure to pick ones that will go back to back evenly. See the pictures below. I use other of these 3 x 4 pieces to slide into the pocket page we made earlier. I use these to mount a photo or do journaling on.
The last thing our album needs is a place for our gift card. I use a tonic die to make the pocket. Several companies make a die that would work for this or both Cricut and Silhouette offer cutting files that will cut a gift card pocket. I adhere my pocket onto one of the 3 inch pages with scor tape or red tape.
To finish the album off I add stickers or ephemera. I like to print off a few pictures from instagram or facebook for the person to whom I”m giving the gift card to make the gift more personal and adhere them to the photo mats.
This little gift card album really amps up the sentiment of giving a gift card as a gift. It adds that personal touch that people really appreciate. I’ve used it at christmas time, birthdays, wedding and baby showers. It’s always a hit. I hope you like this new gift idea and as always have fun crafting!
Carrie Leigh Creations 
I love the retro theme you used!
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