Lay Flat Album Construction

Hello Crafty Friends!
I’m so happy to be sharing my projects with you and am having a lot of fun learning how to make and share tutorials.
You can find cutting guides, subscribe to my newsletter, and share your projects on my website:
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Music for this and all of my other KZbin Videos is from:
share.epidemic...
And, as always, I would love for you to comment below or send me an email. I love hearing from my crafty friends. :D
Here are some links to the tutorials and websites I referenced in the video:
Country Craft Creations:
www.countrycra...
Scrapbookers of Country Craft Creations:
/ 1585111948390881
WeRMemory Keepers small guillotine paper trimmer:
shrsl.com/3j98b
My new website:
craftingandcre...
Tamara’s lay flat method:
• Mini Album Wrap
Here are some links to products I use:
I love shopping at my favorite online craft store, www.countrycra... but since I know they don’t offer international shipping and I’ve heard from many of you that you need other sources, I will also list other options as well.
Tool I used for mitering the corners:
www.colorwayar...
WeRMemory Keepers small guillotine paper trimmer:
shrsl.com/3j98b
Dress My Craft Bone Folder:
www.countrycra...
Artisan Cardstock! The BEST cardstock you will ever use! www.countrycra...
www.countrycra...
Medium Magnets (1mm x 10mm)
amzn.to/3AuscC5
Large Magnets:
amzn.to/3GY2iJg
12x12 Chipboard:
amzn.to/3rOaEwN
1/2 inch Scor Tape:
www.countrycra...
8 1/2 x 11 Scor Sheets:
shrsl.com/3k9bv
6 x 6 scor sheets:
amzn.to/3FZyBpV
Brother ScanNCut
amzn.to/3fVnofB
My Metal Ruler:
amzn.to/3r05Uoq
WRMK Corner Chomper (AKA Corner Rounder)
shrsl.com/3k9c3
Finger Blade
amzn.to/3FZzfUn
Large Bone Folder
amzn.to/35tu42F
WeRMemory Keepers mini Envelope Punch Board
shrsl.com/3k9c6
WeRMemory Keepers small guillotine paper trimmer:
shrsl.com/3k9c8
Music for this and all of my other KZbin Videos is from:
share.epidemic...
If you would like to buy me a coffee (or craft supplies,) I would be most grateful :D
paypal.me/caro...
I’m looking forward to sharing with and learning from all of you, my crafty friends.
Thanks a bundle!
-Caroline

[@caroleparsons-stampinupdem8300]

This was without a doubt, one of the very best videos I've seen. I'm a retired educator who taught University students. You, my friend are a natural!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Awww! Thanks, Carole! I’m so happy you like it. This was one if my very first tutorials so your kind words of encouragement are especially appreciated 🥰 Though, my more recent tutorials may be a bit better as far as my editing and video quality go, lol! Thanks, again, sweet friend. ((hugs)) ✨✨✨

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

I think I explained the hinges and hinge attachment a little better in this tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaKkoJ94hM97iLs Or at least I had less technical issues with the recording of those parts, lol.

[@caroleparsons-stampinupdem8300]

@@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline Oh perfect!! I need inside ideas too! I taught a class today and showed the girls all the gorgeous paper at CCC.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Yay! I’m so glad you like it. ((hugs)) ✨✨✨

[@Ema25Henao]

Love your videos!❤

[@sunnicherry]

GREAT INSTRUCTION! This is THE best video I’ve seen on creating your own albums. You are a fantastic instructor. A plus plus.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Oh, WOW! Thank you so much, Wallygrl! You just made my day! ((hugs)) ✨

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

This is a superb tutorial. Thank you so much. I am so impressed by your attention to detail and the accuracy of the work, which results in a truly professional finish. You explain so clearly at every stage why you are doing certain things, and showing us close-up what it looks like, and you are taking your time and not rushing it, so we can keep up! I definitely want to make this book!

[@kellyjean4981]

Very thorough and meticulous ❤. Greatly appreciated

[@lisagd22]

Excellent tutorial! Everything was explained clearly and professionally. 🙂

[@junepeerman8826]

You are a great teacher, so easy to understand all your instructions❤️❤️❤️

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Aww! Thank you, June! You just made my day. ((hugs)) ✨✨✨

[@1meanelf]

Yeah for Tamra and little Wilbur. lol CCC is awesome. Great for you for sharing this info as it is so easy for many compared to the old way.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks! Tamra’s lay flat method is a game changer for sure!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sitna8091]

Thank you so much for this great tutorials. I found your channel yesterday and I love it. I'm not a nativ English speaker, but I understand everything. You make it so understandable. Thank you so much. Greetings from Germany.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Yay! Thank you so much! I’m overjoyed to hear that you found them helpful. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. tschüß! ((hugs)) ✨🌻✨🌻✨

[@suemerritt1679]

Wow! And I thought I was detailed... Love your video. Great work!🥰

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Awww! Thank you so much, Sue! I’m really glad you found it helpful. Hope you are having a great day! ((hugs)) ✨🌻✨🌻✨

[@xoalisadesigns9661]

Do you need to make those little 1/8 inch spaces bigger on the flexible part if your spine is bigger?

[@belkisrivera2186]

You’re a great teacher, very detailed explanation, thank you for sharing

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Awww..thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words of encouragement. Hope you are having a fantastic day! ((hugs)) 🌻

[@belkisrivera2186]

@@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline I just found your channel and I immediately subscribed, you’re awesome, please keep sharing I appreciate you! Have a wonderful day, XOXO

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Oh my stars, you just made my day! Thank you!!! I’m so happy to meet you, too!🌸

[@joannsanders242]

What a great tutorial! I have been struggling to figure out why my pages are sometimes crooked on the hinges. You are the one that has finally answered that question!! I am making a mistake in my hinge mechanism!! I’m going to follow your tutorial exactly next time. The ladies on You Tube never seem to do a lot of exact measuring and theirs always come out perfect! Lol. Thank you for taking so much time to explain everything so concisely!! New subscriber!!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Oh, thank you so much for your lovely comment, JoAnn. You just made my day! 😃 Thanks, again. I’m truly grateful to have been able to help. Hope you are having a fabulous day! ((hugs)) 🌻

[@brendaschindler1829]

Great tutorial very good directions. I love the way you explain things. Thank you for sharing

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks, Brenda! I’m so happy you found it helpful. ((hugs)) ✨🌻✨🌻✨

[@thewhitepebblestudio]

So well done, Also love that you give credit where credit is due! hats off to you. I am designing one that takes a double page for a pocket, will keep you posted, (You will get the credit for my idea...) New subby...😀🥰 Larga in the South of Africa

[@patinahendricks]

Another beautiful card, Ann! Love it!

[@tammypullam3690]

Thank you for making this so simple. I am a beginner and wanted to do a n album for a baby shower. You made this painless. You are awesome!!!!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Yay!!!! 🙌🏻 this makes me so happy. I love sharing and learning from and with crafty friends! And I am thrilled to have helped in any way. Thanks so much! ((hugs)) I hope you are having a fantastic weekend! ✨🌻✨🌻✨

[@Jane-dg3rr]

Oh, I will try this method next time - looks so much better that what I usually do 🇬🇧🇺🇸🌸🌸

[@123Blue2008]

Love this tutorial. I bought the tools to make the mitered corners. Works great.

[@NancyRemling]

Fabulous video. 🌺🌺🌺. New subscriber!

[@sarabailey2103]

wow your attention to detail is amazing and everything is so neat and perfect. Great tutorial, may have to give this method a try xx

[@bobbyspapercraft]

Great Tutorial. Love hidden hinge.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks!

[@gillprescott1613]

I am so glad I found your channel and thank you so much for sharing the lay flat method, which I think is really going to help me save my album. I initially used a wire bookbinding on it, but now that it has all the photos and embellishments in, this is totally inadequate. I had been working on this album for months and had no idea what to do to fix it, but I hope I can save it by making the binding and spine as you showed in the video, so thank you! I really appreciate the detail you included, and I enjoyed your relaxed way of teaching. Thanks again.

[@gillprescott1613]

It worked! I used the lay flat method you demonstrated and was able to save my album, so thank you so much for your helpful tutorial.

[@cindysalbumsandmore9056]

I discovered this method a few weeks ago and OMG IT IS SO SIMPLE and much easier to line everything up will never use another base method again lol lovely tutorial by the way ❤️

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you, Cindy! I agree. Tamra’s method is a total game changer in album construction! I’m so glad you enjoyed the tutorial. I love your albums, btw….especially that slim recipe album with the bee paper….SO CUTE!

[@lindaalexander2036]

Unbelievably informative. Your directions are so clear and precise. Learning so much from you. Looking forward to more of your tutorials!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you SOOOOOOO much!!! 💕😁

[@debbiepledgeryannakakis6763]

Thanks for sharing, the practical tips sure help😊

[@maddiescreations]

Absolutely amazing tutorial, Caroline! You are very thorough. I'm going to give all of your techniques a try!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you so much for your kindness. I hope you have a lovely day! ((hugs))🌻

[@lollipopp456100]

This was such an amazing and detailed tutorial. You're a gem 💎 ❤️🥰

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Yay! I’m so happy you liked it. Thank you so much for your kind comment. I’m truly grateful. ((hugs)) ✨👻✨👻✨

[@lollipopp456100]

@@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline pleasure 🤗

[@rheaa4186]

Holy crap Caroline ... absolute BEST tutorial ever! This is outstanding, so professionally done, I was completely engrossed and itching to do it right along with you. I didn't even doze off one time lol. This is the one that is going to get me out of research mode and actually try to make my first one. Ok well, just as sooooon as I get that corner tool and finger blade lol! I've been waiting for the December Daily to get here, but you've inspired me to try something ahead of that, maybe this weekend, eh we'll see. I really really appreciated the super closeups when you did the corner mitering showing the nubbies, now it all makes sense. I don't think I've seen any other tutorials that show that and explain... this is why we do this. I really like your "I do this because..." snippets and I like that you share several different ways to do the same thing. Try a few, go with the one that feels good to you. Ohhhhhh so thats why you need that 1 1/2 inch spacer deal-i-o. I was like, what the heck would I use that for when I saw them. Kinda feel that way about the smaller pack too, the one for making waterfalls, but since I like Michelle's method, why would I need them? I also really like the way you put the pages onto the hinges. I have mostly seen folks slide the already glued down edges, so only the two sides are still open, onto the hinge. Your way looks so much easier to do, specially for a newbee. Tutorial GOLD!!! Thank you so much Caroline.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

OMG, Rhea! Thank you SO much! Your feedback was integral in the making of this tutorial and I’m sooooo happy that it has inspired you. 🙌🏻😁🤓 Also, I put a link for the finger blade I use in the description….let me know if you need me to repost it. Seriously, thank you SO MUCH! I really appreciate all of your encouragement and feedback. 🥰

[@sammielovell5226]

Thank you for sharing this makes a beautiful album cover

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks, Sammie. I’m glad you found it helpful. 🥰

[@MsVynette]

Loved your tutorial, easy to listen to. You have a pleasant voice and tone :) Loved your little differences to the original, they really make a difference :) With the cover laying flat , you can get your pages to lay flat too by using the easier hidden hinge PLUS designed by Kathy Orta. It works great with this flat method of binding :) Just an idea :) Great tutorial Caroline. Thank you.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you, Vynette! I’m so happy you enjoyed my tutorial and found it helpful. I’ll have to check that method out as well. I love sharing with and learning from other crafters. Thank you!

[@stellapenner8130]

You are absolutely amazing! Love how you explain the process. Keep the tutorials coming!!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you, Miss Stella! 🥰❤️💕we love you!!!!!

[@melissab8535]

Thank you for a very thorough tutorial. I’ve done the lay flat method a few times and I like how it comes out. Next time I will implement your tips to make it even better! I’m so glad I found your channel and I look forward to seeing what you have next!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you, Melissa. I’m so happy that you found it helpful and even more happy to meet a new crafty friend. Thanks, again! 🥰

[@debrakloss8254]

Your corners look really good! Thank you for the tutorial

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks, Debra. ☺️ It’s a really easy way for me to get clean, crisp corners.

[@cindyroegnerbrown3652]

great job! can't wait to try the hinge method you use.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you, Cindy! 🥰

[@ScrappingUndertheInfluence]

Ok - I totally need to try that hinge! Excellent tutorial!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks so much, Jennifer! I had to come up with something to keep my pages from standing straight up, lol! So glad you are going to give it a try…Let me know what you think. 🤓

[@carolynhill614]

Wonderful tutorial! Great details explained very clearly, thank you. I have a bunch of questions regarding different sized albums. First, what size would you make the fold-under flaps on your gusseted hinge if the album hinge was larger, say 3"? Second, can you use your page attachment method (which I really like) & put the pocket on the side instead of the top? Third, I'm not sure how many pages I am going to need for the album I need to make so not sure of the hinge size. Can I create the pages & decorate them before I put the album together? Sorry for all the questions. Thank you in advance.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you so much, Carolyn. I may need to make a stand alone video to answer fully. But, in the interim, here is a brief overview: 1) The width of the gusseted hinge attachment is always 2 x the spine plus 1/2”. And the height is always equal to the page height. It is scored on the width side at 1/2 the spine width, (2) 1/8” marks past that, then flip right to left and score in the same way. 2) Yes, you can position the pocket page to the side as well as the top. I prefer top pockets because they sit on my shelf better for me. 3) You can attached pages that have already been decorated. I hope that helps. ((hugs)) ✨✨✨

[@rebeccageis8886]

I am just now finding you! ILove your tutorials, I just finished making this album and I love love it!! You mentioned to save the scraps that you have a up coming project? I have looked through your videos can you send me the link please. Thank you for teaching me all your awesome tricks.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks, Rebecca! I’m so happy to hear that! Yes…I did make a video using those chipboard scraps, but it was somehow deleted when I tried to upload it and I haven’t made a replacement one yet. Thank you for reminding me of this. I have put it on my to do list Thanks, again, for your very kind comment. It makes my heart so happy to know that you enjoyed making this album. ((hugs)) ✨🌻✨🌻✨

[@gracerollins5629]

This is awesome!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Yay! I’m so glad you like it. Thanks so much! ✨✨

[@mariasanchez2251]

Me encanta la manera como explicas el tutorial .muchas gracias por tu tiempo para enseñarnos un saludo desde Spain

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

awww... María, muchas gracias por tus amables palabras. Estoy tan feliz de haber hecho un nuevo amigo en España.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Es un placer, María.

[@lisawagner6076]

Brilliant!! Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you, Lisa! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. 🥰

[@Jacqs_Scraps]

Great tutorial! Very clear instruction.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you so much, Jacqualine! 💕🥰

[@sunflowerfieldsdesigns]

Hey Caroline, I'm finally getting around to creating albums and I love your tutorial!! I really want to make some smaller 6.5x6.5 or smaller but I started with this tutorial to get an understanding of the process. You made it very easy to follow. I was wondering, now that I have created this one, do you have a video showing how you decorated or added elements to the inside? I couldn't find one in your videos. Thanks so much!

[@annieweisbeck5922]

This is a great video! I did a cover for a trifold today and did it like yours. It's really nice. I'm not doing page hinges on it but I'll try your method next time. You are the straightest glue applier ever LOL. I got my ruler out to help me 😵‍💫

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Oh, I’m so happy you liked it. Thank you, Annie! ❤️ Trust me…I mess up my glue lines all the time…I just wipe it away and keep on going. 😉🤣

[@gabbingwithgrammee]

I just subscribed! I love your tutorial and the links are wonderful. I am going to try that paper! I also ordered several of the tools you suggested. It’s no fun trying to line things up! Thank you!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Yay! I’m so happy you were inspired. Thank you!!! 🥰

[@pamsinclair2055]

I would like to see a four page lay flat album

[@carolynhill614]

Thank you very much Caroline. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. You answered them very clearly & I can now forge ahead with this wedding album I've been asked to make for our grandson & his new wife. Sorry, but just thought of one more question. For the pages, I'm thinking the glued down 1/2" flap would now go at the top (11-1/2" side)? My album will be 10" high x 12" wide-landscape. Thank you again! Hugs & blessings.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

You are so welcome. I would attach the hinges to the gusseted hinge attachment and then attach that to the spine just as I show in the video. THEN attach your pages (decorated or not) to the hinges as you normally would. I have never tried attaching the hinge attachment with the pages already attached and think it would be really hard to get them in place that way. I’ve just never done to that way, but you are welcome to give it a try. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Umm…sorry…after reading your question again, I realize that I may have misunderstood. What do you mean by the 1/2” flap? Do you mean the attachment part of the gusseted hinge attachment? That section that is 1/2 the width of the spine?

[@carolynhill614]

@@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline Goodness, I'm sorry to be such a pain. Actually I was referring to the 1/2" flap that connects the 2 page pieces together before you glue them to the hinge. I'm thinking that where the 2 pages are connected together (with the glued over 1/2" flap) would go at the top leaving the open pocket on the right. When gluing the pages to the hinge, I would need to glue the bottom edges of the pages together at the same time? Does any of this make sense? I am so sorry but I really liked the way you attached your pages to the spine & since my album size is so different, I wanted to be sure I understood it correctly. Thank you again for your patience & help.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

I think it would be easier to just make the pages the way you normally do for a side pocket…then slip it over the hinges in the more traditional way. Especially since you will be attaching decorated pages. I’ve never had much luck with doing it that way plus I prefer a top pocket, so that’s why I attach my pages the way I do. I find they are more accurate for me. I am not proficient enough in attaching decorated pages or side pocket pages to confidentiality offer instructions in that way. I’m so sorry I can’t be of more help.

[@carolynhill614]

@@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline Thank you for your help. Since this album is going to be 10x12, I'm afraid if the pockets are on the top with a small edge for pulling out, it may not fit on a shelf so thought side pockets would be more practical. I've not ever decorated the pages first either & don't really like the idea as I've only made 3 albums before so not that good at it. I'm not sure how else to determine how many page to plan on so guess we'll see, LOL. Thank you though. Your input has been very helpful.

[@denisecarpenter4373]

Awesome tutorial! Thx 😊

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Awww…thank you, Denise! 🥰

[@xoalisadesigns9661]

If you have more pages and a bigger spine do you need to increase the 1/8 inch spaces on the attachments? Also, do the hinges and gussets have to be the same size? Or does it just make it easier?

[@nonamason1876]

What weight paper do you use e for your pages ? I love this method and have watched this video so many times, crafting with you.

[@kannankrew]

Amazing

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Awww…thank you! 🥰

[@Ema25Henao]

What are the advantages of the expansion unit you placed on the spine?

[@TamaraMortonCrafts]

Love your tutorials . New subbie here x

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Awww…thank you so much, Tamara! That makes my heart happy. 🥰

[@Princess_karen]

Your miter too is stainless steel, not iron. Great video, thank you so much for this, my granddaughter graduated this year I am making her an album

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks so much, Karen. Yes, you are correct...it is steel, I misspoke. Congratulations to your granddaughter. My eldest daughter graduated this year, too. It is a bitter sweet celebration...I know she is ready for the next chapter but I'm still a little sad to see this one end. Thanks, again, for your kind words. I am most grateful! ((hugs))

[@pamlegg2588]

If I made one with a 2 1/2 spine, what would the measurements be for the hinge?

[@thomasfraga1639]

Thanks for the great video! Can you explain why you prefer the art glitter glue for the outside of the cover but the Scor sheets on the inside?

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Sure! I prefer the liquid adhesive overall, however, the Scor sheets offer a consistency of coverage that maintains full contact and adhesion over the moving joint where the cover meets the spine. There is also a bit of stiffness that the thick sheets of adhesive add and I have found that it helps to add structure to the joints as well. I hope that helps or at least makes sense? Lol.

[@lynnheald3294]

How would I cut the chipboard for a 6x6 lay flat album ?

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Hello, Lynn. That would depend on what size spine you are wanting to make. If you want the sinkage’s size to be 6x6, you would simply cut your chipboard to those dimensions for your front and back covers, and you spine to any width you choose x 6” high. Here is a similar tutorial for a 6 1/2” x 6 1/2” album for reference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6O2h4qknr9_aqs Hope that helps. ✨

[@patriciabennett4287]

What weight cardstock are you using for the hinge

[@dvcrztb]

Great tutorial with lots of hints for perfection. What is the purpose of the hinge attachment that moves? With heavy pages, flaps and pockets, I think it would bow out and the edges of the pages would not be flush anymore. So I am puzzled, it is nicely engineered and the way you make that teeny valley fold is genius!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you, Doris. I really appreciate your feedback. The expandable hinge attachment allows the pages to lay flat when decorated. If you make your pages with minimal embellishments (no flips, flaps, pockets, etc…) you wouldn’t need to use the attachment piece. For me, I found that heavily designed and embellished pages were not laying flat. Instead, they stood out when turning the pages. Adding the hinge attachment piece allows some “give” to the spine so they remain parallel to the book when opened. Yes, it can cause pages to expand beyond the cover when standing up on a shelf. For that reason, I almost always use a tie closure on the cover and that has worked to keep the pages neatly inside of the parameters of the book. Like I said in the video, it may not be for everyone, but for those that want a solution to pages standing at attention when we want them to lay down, this has worked very well for me. Lol! I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions or thoughts. And, thanks, again, for watching. 🥰

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Doris, I posted photos showing a side by side comparison of an album with fixed hinges and expandable hinges for you to see the differences and why I use them. I’m visual, so I thought it might help??? Thanks, again, for the questions and comments I really enjoy discussions like these. 😁 Here’s a link to the post: facebook.com/101384669124456/posts/105480545381535/?d=n Let me know if you have any questions. 😊

[@augusta8901]

Me my my mine

[@vestamcdonald7238]

Love the lay flat method. It is how I do my album covers. When I try this hinge, would making the cover 1/2” wider allow the pages not to bulge out beyond the cover without using a closure? Thank you for the very instructional video.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks so much, Vesta. You could absolutely increase the width of the covers, or decrease the width of the pages. The only time they would ever extend beyond the cover is when standing upright on a shelf. Even then, it is minimal, so the tie closure works just fine for me. But, yes, those adjustments can certainly be made to fit your preferences. If you look at the photos of my previous project (there are some in a slideshow “sneak peek” video and others on the tutorial itself), you will see that even with the truck pull out fully extended, the page isn’t really extending beyond the parameters of the book. If anything, it just rests on the table it is standing on. I think it comes down to personal preference. A lot of people give 1/4 inch clearance for pages and hinges on their books…I use 1/8 inch because I like having my pages really fill the cover space. As crafters, that’s kind of what we do, right? Put our own personal touch and spin on things. Lol! Thanks, again, for watching and commenting. I love discussions like these! 😁

[@Deakar59]

You should apply to be on CCC design team

[@user-cc9vt5ph1b]

Where can I purchase the corner miter tool you usr

[@shychckcrafter]

Thank you for this tutorial. May I ask where did u get your spacers?

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Aww…you are most welcome. Here’s a link to the spacers I use: www.countrycraftcreations.com/products/country-craft-creations-album-spacers-set-of-3 🌻

[@thomasfraga1639]

How does the chipboard from Amazon differ / compare to the chipboard from countrycraftcreations

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

The chipboard at Country Craft Creations is labeled “Heavy weight” and the chipboard from Amazon is “medium weight.” They are both the same thickness and other than the labeling I’ve not noticed any difference. There may be differences as to how they are manufactured and Tamra would know more about that than I do. Hope that helps.

[@FaithAnne955]

How thick is your chipboard... ? Strength wise... do you feel this type of hinge is as strong as or stronger than the ‘normal’ hinge?

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Hi, Faith! Thanks for your great questions. The chipboard is Grafix medium weight chipboard. And, yes. This hinge is every bit as strong if not stronger than the traditional or “normal” construction. The hinges themselves are constructed in the common mountain/valley hinge/gusset method. It is just that the attachment utilizes a method that provides more articulation and therefore less stress on the hinges themselves. Similar to a case bound book, it isn’t fixed to the spine. Thanks, again for the questions. I love having crafty conversations. ☺️

[@dlbueche9738]

Just found you and absolutely love your style. I am searching for a smaller mini album like 8 x 10 or a little smaller. Could you recommend which one of your albums gives a variety of page styles? I appreciate any suggestions you may have. Thank you.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you so much! I’m currently working on a tutorial for a small 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 album and should have that posted in the next day or two. The only other full tutorial that I’ve posted so far is for the 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 album here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6O2h4qknr9_aqs It has a nice variety of interactive elements including a pop up page as well as a slider element. I’m hoping to post others in the coming weeks. Are there any particular elements you would like seeing? Perhaps I could try to incorporate some of your requests. I’m having so much fun sharing my projects and meeting new crafty friends. Thanks, again! I really appreciate your feedback, and welcome any and all questions, and suggestions. ((hugs)) 🥰

[@edmywil]

Why do you do the spine like that?

[@paulhurst-ed5lg]

How do I find you web sigh I’m new to making albums thank you.

[@nancyrogers6896]

Great tutorial!!! When you cut out the corners do you go right up to the chipboard or do you leave a tiny bit or cardstock?

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks so much, Nancy. I cut them exactly the same way Tamra does. She is the creator of the lay flat method. When cutting, don’t go all the way to the chipboard. Just cut right on the fold line created. Then fold each side back and hold your scissors alongside the chipboard and pivot them slightly to cut a slight angle beyond that fold line. The thing I do differently is that I cut the miter after cutting the squares and trimming slightly

[@carlasweet5049]

This is great! I have never seen pocket pages added to an album that way either! I am afraid of glue, especially art glitter glue as it dries so darn fast and there is no real wiggle time. But I am glad to see you use glue for most of your construction as I do feel it is stronger in its binding to the paper fibers than scor tape. Question...the expandable hinge, it looks like it might not hold up over the years as it seems vulnerable to tearing as it isn't anchored down to the back of the spine..what are your thoughts on its durability? Again thank you for this great tutorial!

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thanks so much, Carla, for your great feedback! Yes, Art Glitter Glue does dry fast. A great alternative that I’ve found is Reptile glue. It is identical in pretty much every way except I think it gives you an extra 30 to 60 seconds to set. A glue that takes even longer to set would be Bearly Art Glue, though it is different in its ingredients. AGG and Reptile glue are nearly identical. Bearly Art Glue has some synthetic additives that make it cold weather stable I think. As far as the gusseted hinge goes, I actually find it is stronger. It greatly relieves the stress in the hinges by allowing movement from the spine. I do add a decorative strip over the attachment but that is purely for decorative reasons. It may add some stability but it really doesn’t need it. The glue bonds the fibers in the same way it would if the hinges were glued directly to the spine, and, like I said, it relieves the stress. So I find it to be much more structurally sound. When I was working on hinge attachment prototypes, I added a tyvek strip at one point. Wrapping it over the gusseted hinge attachments and onto the spine. It really didn’t do anything except add bulk and cause me to have to add more paper to cover the tyvek. In the end I did away with it all together. I learned the method of attaching the pages from the great Tamra Merrill! 🙌🏻 She is also the creator of the lay flat method and a brilliant designer. It is by far my favorite way to add pages as it allows you to line them up perfectly every time. I hope that helps. Thank you so much for your great questions. I love having discussions like this and welcome any and all feedback. And, if you ever have suggest, please don’t hesitate to share them. I learn so much from my crafty friends! 🥰

[@carlasweet5049]

@@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline Thank you. Also do you use artisian card stock for the hinge system too? It is about 84 lb paper. I also use it for my album construction and have had good luck with it...though I did get some tears in it (probably my fault). I will be trying your expandable hinge method. Your hinges are 5/8ths of an inch long (a tab longer than typical 1/2 inch hinges) and your gussets are also 5/8's of inch, and your front and back gussets are 3/8's. So calculating out the size of the spine would be adding the number of gussets (the more pages the more gussets). correct? I made my first mini album watching Tamara's 7 hour long beginners guide to making an album. I follow all her designers..and now you. Everyone has their own twist on how to do things and I like seeing them all.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

@@carlasweet5049 yes. I use artisan cardstock for my hinges, pages, and to wrap my album. I have only had cracking with the black cardstock once. That was last winter. I think it got dry form the furnace being run in my house. I now keep it in the plastic it comes in and haven’t had any issues since. I like a 5/8” gusset because I tend to make pages that are heavily decorated with lots of interactive elements. If you make pages that are more streamline, a smaller gusset would suffice. I only use a 3/8” gusset on the front and back because I usually have a pocket somewhere on the front or back and don’t need as much room. And, I use 5/8” for my hinges because they tend to be heavy with flips, flaps, and pretty stuff, lol! So, yes, to calculate the spine width the way I make them you would first determine the number of pages you want and then add all the gussets. Basically you would add 3/8 for the front, 3/8 for the back, and and 5/8” for the gusset between each page(s). Example: for 2 pages, I would add 3/8” (gusset at front) 5/8” (gusset between p 1&2) 3/8” (gusset at back) For a total spine width of 1 3/8” Then, to determine the size needed for the hinge, you would add 3/8 for the front, 3/8 for the back, and 1 1/4” for each page (5/8 x2 for the hinge) and 5/8” gusset between the pages. Example: for 2 pages, I would add 3/8” (gusset at front) 1 1/4” (p.1) 5/8” (gusset) 1 1/4” (p. 2) 3/8” (gusset at back) For a total of 3 3/8” piece for hinge. An easy way to do this is to use your scoring tool and literally count the grooves along your scoreboard. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Tamra and her designers are BRILLIANT! I’m only sharing the way I do it, and it is by no means the only way or even the “right way,” lol! And, I agree with you whole heartedly. I learn so much from seeing how others make things and then am able to modify it to suit my needs. For example, I use a 5/8” gusset and 5/8” hinges because I make pages that hold a lot. It probably isn’t necessary and a 1/2 inch gusset is much easier to calculate! 😳🤣 But, I like the extra room and I like being able to cut a 1/2” decorative strip to go in between the pages, too. so…it’s just how I do it. I’m so flattered that you have subscribed to my channel. Thank you. It is such a compliment and I’m very grateful. ☺️

[@MsQueenmother]

Thank you for explaining how to calculate the size of your spine and hinge. I never know how big of a spine I need

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Hi, Pamela! It’s my pleasure. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I’m most grateful! Hope you and yours are having a fantastic weekend. 🌻☀️🌸

[@lindagarnett5567]

Love your tutorial I have a couple of questions why do you use the expandable hinge? And doing the pages like this do you use the top of the page as a pocket because most people have the pocket on the side??

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Thank you, Linda. The gusseted hinge attachment allows the pages to lay flat when opened. Here is an explanation as to why I would want that along with pictures on my instagram: instagram.com/p/CZPtOfCvGxF/? As far as the pockets go, yes. Attaching the pages in this way allows for pockets on the top. Personally, I prefer pockets on the top because I feel like my inserts are more secure and I like the look of pretty things peeking out of the top of my books. For me, it is reminiscent of pretty bookmarks, lol! If you look at my “sneak peek video of my album tutorial you will see I have tags with ribbons in the pockets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHWXeX2ohtljock I think a lot of this just comes down to personal preference. I like having my pages really fill the space of the book. If I were to have pockets on the side I fee like I would have to reduce the width to allow for the inserts to stick out without being damaged going in and out of a bookshelf. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I hope that helps.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

If interested, you can also see how the tags peek out of the tops of the pocket pages in the valentine version here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4bNhKqFodt8bbs

[@lindagarnett5567]

Thank you Caroline. I was just watching the video of you decorating the winter album. So I looked at your picture of the different hinges and I see what you mean. I love how you did the snowflakes I love Lawn Fawn and the magic iris. I have a scan n cut to. But all I do with it is cut out stamped images so didn’t realize you could scan and cutout the snowflake you will have to show us how you to that lol. The last album I did I did do the pages like you did but I just glued them shut as I didn’t want anything in the pockets it certainly is easier doing it that way. I’ll have to try your gusset hinge attachment I just have a lot of trouble with folding little score lines so don’t know if I’ll get those 1/8 inch ones done. Lol Thank you again. I’m going to sleep now.

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

@@lindagarnett5567 I had trouble with folding 1/8th, too. I found that if you fold the two 1/4 inch ones first and then gently run your bone folder along the space between, the paper really will follow the path of least resistance and fold on that 1/8” score mark with ease. I hope that helps.

[@carolynhill614]

Could I ask please where you bought you metal corner tool? TIA

[@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline]

Hi, Carolyn. This is where I bought my mitering tool: www.colorwayarts.com/products/metal-2-in-1-trim-miter-tool-corner-miter-tool-long-metal-miter-and-trim-tool I have it listed in the video description along with other links if you want to check out some of the other items I’ve used. Thanks so much for watching! 🥰

[@carolynhill614]

@@CraftingCreatingWithCaroline Thank you so much for the link & information. Sorry, I missed it above. Loving all your tutorials. 🥰