Horticultural Compendium Album with Pockets and Closures

A project from our live show The Horticultural Compendium - Stamps By Me Collections Magazine Edition 2 - Page 30 Project · 13/08/2023 · watch it from 0:00

Build a square album from scratch using papers from the Stamps by Me Collector's Edition Box Kit. This interactive project creates a multi-page album with various pocket styles, decorative elements, and a simple closure mechanism that you can personalise with tags, toppers and embellishments.

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Step by step

1. Remove the papers from the magazine by gently wiggling them out from the centre, then push the staples back in for safety. ▶ watch 2:30
2. Separate the plain pattern papers from the topper sheets, as these will be used differently throughout your album. ▶ watch 3:00
3. Cut a piece of white cardstock measuring 11 inches by 6 inches to create your album cover. ▶ watch 6:30
4. Score the white cardstock in the middle to create the spine of your album. ▶ watch 6:45
5. Cut your pattern papers to 6 inches wide to match the depth of your album cover. ▶ watch 7:30
6. Fold your first sheet of pattern paper in half, then score and fold in additional flaps to create layered page elements. ▶ watch 9:45
7. Create a pocket by scoring a line approximately 2 inches from the edge, then folding and adhering it to form an enclosed pocket. ▶ watch 11:00
8. Adhere the pocket page to the inside of your album cover using tape, ensuring it aligns with the spine. ▶ watch 12:00
9. Build additional pages with varying pocket depths (2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches) to create visual interest and different storage options. ▶ watch 15:00
10. Decorate the plain side panels of each page by adhering patterned paper pieces and creating stacked pockets for extra embellishment space. ▶ watch 20:30
11. Adhere all pages into your album by applying tape along the spine edge, ensuring pages don't extend beyond the book's dimensions. ▶ watch 29:30
12. Cut patterned paper to fit your front and back covers with a small white border, then adhere these to the outside of your album. ▶ watch 34:15
13. Cut and adhere a topper or sentiment piece to the front cover as your main focal point. ▶ watch 36:15
14. Create a closure strip by cutting a piece of white cardstock 1.5 inches wide by 3 inches long, then layer it with patterned paper. ▶ watch 39:30
15. Adhere the closure strip to the back of your album with glue at the top and bottom only, leaving the middle section free to wrap around. ▶ watch 41:30
16. Decorate the closure and album exterior with flowers, embellishments and toppers from your kit to hide construction and add visual appeal. ▶ watch 45:00

Tips from the show

• Use tape pens rather than liquid glue on these thin papers (100-120 GSM) to prevent glue showing through.
• Build your album foundation first, then add embellishments and tags once the structure is complete.
• You can work freehand without precise measurements; the most creative albums come from fluid, intuitive construction rather than strict measuring.

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly