Making an Album - Beginning to End - Lay Flat Method

Hi there!! We have a full tutorial for you today. Creating an album from scratch, from beginning to end. It may seem like a daunting task, but it's really easier than you might think! The only problem is, once you make one album - you just might find yourself ADDICTED!
Please note that I personally learned this from ‪@michelleallenacreativeoper6112‬ but also understand that ‪@countrycraftcreations‬ was the originator of this amazing design.
If you're interested in the products used (and that we sell) here are the links!
Bearly Art Glue
fabbulouspaper...
Chipboard
fabbulouspaper...
Measurements
Chipboard
2 pcs @ 6 1/2" x 6 1/2"
1 pc @ 2" x 6 1/2"
Cardstock (65 lb)
2 pcs @ 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" (outside front & back cover)
1 pc @ 5" x 8 1/2" (spine cover)
2 pcs @ 6 1/4" x 6 1/4" (inside cover)
1 pc @ 8" x 6" (hinge)
*with the 8" side at the top, score at 3/4", 1 1/4", 2", 2 3/4", 3 1/4", 4", 4 3/4", 5 1/4", 6", 6 3/4", and 7 1/4"
Cardstock (110 lb)
3 pcs @ 6 1/4" x 6 1/4"
3 pcs @ 7 1/4" x 6 1/4"
*with the 7 1/4" side at the top, score at 1/2" and 6 3/4"

[@NanneeB]

Great tip about the “bendy” right way to place your chipboard!! Thank you, great video!

[@naddsn6374]

thank you very much! this is so immensely helpful for a beginner like me! Thank you for being so generous in sharing your knowledge and for the efforts to create such tutorial videos - so much appreciated! all the best from Germany all the way over and up to Canada 🥰

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you so much for the lovely comments. Happy Crafting!

[@Rhaevyn-Hart]

I'd love to see this after you embellish it all. I don't see how they can lay flat since your binding is pretty similar to the stacked deck binding which never lays flat. Thanks for sharing though, you are very detailed and entertaining!

[@kcastillo0319]

Very good tutorial and is great for beginners. I'm on the fence about the flat method vs. wrapped method although I haven't tried flat yet. About the only thing I do differently is to leave a 1-2" flap on the hinge to provide more support. I never considered the warp of the chipboard. Great tip. Kay in Dallas, Texas

[@PaperHugsByMaryLou]

I love that you used the lip of the score board to keep the spine even!!!!😃🥰💞 TY

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Eye balling things is really not my Forte....lol. this seems to work pretty well for me. Hope it helps!

[@darlenedalgleish773]

I love this video! Thanks so much for your clear instructions. Please ignore the comments about rambling. I didn’t think you rambled at all. The extra tips that you provided were awesome! I can’t wait to make this!

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you so much for your feedback! I'm chatty....what can I say...lol. I'd also love to be able to give crafters of all abilities the inspiration to create all of the projects. Happy Crafting!

[@melodymueller3149]

I love this video. I love the 1 inch border guide. You are so clear and understanding . I love some of your tools you used. The tips were really helpfull.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you so much for your kind words. So glad you found what can sometimes be a big challenging to explain, easy to understand. Thank you for watching!

[@lulucastro7344]

Thank you so much. I needed a video to use up my 6x6 pads and my 12x12. Great job!

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

You're most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mzo707x]

Wow! I think you are terrific. Thank you so very much for this informative video. Tfs. Please don't quit! From, bay area 😊calif

[@lorrainebarrett2294]

Many thanks from Sth Australia. I'm new to your channel and so glad I found it! My previous minis have never sat flat, and I never knew until now how to correct that. Thankyou for explaining and showing how to position the signatures 1/8" up from the spine - such a simple fix, which was previously unknown to me. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou! Your explanations are clear and easy to follow. Cheers 💝🇦🇺💝

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

I'm so glad you found my page too!! The lay flat album was a game changer for me too! So happy I could share it.

[@PaperHugsByMaryLou]

I love that you put the measurements so clearly!!!🤩 Thank you so much!🤗😇

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

You're most welcome!!

[@alexistroncoso9710]

Thanks a lot, Love the details for every step. ❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉😅. A new fan of this channel.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you....and WELCOME!!!!

[@lauriemyers3]

Great tutorial! I needed a refresher! Thank you also for listing the measurements in the description!

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

You're most welcome!! We always try to ensure the dimensions are in the description for easy reference!

[@Michelef4]

The only problem I had was at the end of the tutorial, there was nothing to put onto the base pages. I was hoping for a complete book to be able to decorate. I ended up finding another 6 x 6 finished album tutorial, and used the page designs from that. I’m not good enough at these yet that I can just design my own full pages. I appreciate learning this new system, and I want to thank you so much for your time and talent.💕💕💕💕💕

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you so much Michele for your comment. I hope to be making more albums and hopefully inspiring more creativity!

[@fraupertello]

Thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

You're very welcome!

[@karengreiss9899]

Love this video.Beginner friendly for sure!

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

So glad you enjoyed it! I always try to make the instructions as simple as possible that anyone could follow....especially a beginner!

[@shelleyweidenfeld4013]

Hello I just found you, finally another Canadian I can follow, thank you for your video, I can’t seem to find follow up video, for this , decorating , let me know if you have , thank you ❤️

[@shelleyweidenfeld4013]

Never mind I think I found it, I jumped to comment to fast, sorry thanks again

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

@shelleyweidenfeld4013 no worries...glad you found the video....and our channel!

[@anitaholmes6824]

Just stumbled unto your channel and am happy to hear you are Canadian, I am in AB ! I use Art Glitter glue and had the freeze happen and ruined several bottles so am never buying it again. I heard that Bearly Art is exactly like the Art Glitter Glue so will look into your shipping info. Going to check out your channel and subscribe!

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Welcome to our channel!!! I can't tell you how many times I ran out of Art Glitter during the colder months. So happy to have found Bearly Art....and am carrying them in store!

[@anitaholmes6824]

@@fabbulouspaperemporium I can't seem to find any shipping info on your website....shipping to AB?

[@melindap.ullrich4564]

Love how you connect the front and back covers to the spine.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

We agree! This is now our "go to" when making albums. The creator of this method is a genius!

[@jackieturner3033]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@lindahyden]

1st time, love it

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

So glad! Thank you!!

[@melissaventura1224]

I prefer to make my covers this way also. No cracking on the spine this way.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Very true!

[@user-zt2sq5ow3d]

Thank you for sharing this album base…

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

My pleasure. Glad you like it.

[@user-zt2sq5ow3d]

@@fabbulouspaperemporium I do make photo albums but I’m wanting to just make the bases of albums and then decorate them as and when, so this is perfect for that for me 💗

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

@@user-zt2sq5ow3d That's perfect! The decorating is the best part!

[@kallimccarthy9104]

Excellent tutorial.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you!

[@Decomad]

Love this video! Thank you for sharing it ❤

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you!!! This is one of my absolute favourite ways to make an album.

[@Decomad]

@Fabbulous Paper Emporium your explanation tricks and demonstration is awesome!

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

@@Decomad I really appreciate your feedback!

[@jeannettegauthier3459]

Love your video and detailled explanations. I would like to know why you do not use tyvek. I always thought it a must when making albums? TIA

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you for your comment. I've actually never used Tyvek for my albums and so far....so good. I was only recently (in the last few months) introduced to tyvek and will be using it in some upcoming projects. I guess time will tell which method prevails.

[@jeannette_carterieplus]

@@fabbulouspaperemporium thank you for responding. Glad to know it is not really needed for this type of album. I wouldn't know really where to put it. I am working on this for my grand-daughters graduation. Wish me luck LOL

[@jeannette_carterieplus]

Is there a part two to this tutorial for decorating inside?

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

While I don't have a specific video that continues with the decorating of the inside, there are a few albums in the playlist that go through the interior design.

[@lvetoscrapbook1178]

This is a great tutorial!, new Subbie thanks for sharing

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you so much!!

[@debblws1961]

Liked your video. What is the knob you have on the square you are using for cutting the tape?

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thanks for the message! It's actually a pop socket (normally used on one's phone).

[@debblws1961]

@@fabbulouspaperemporium what a great idea. I think I’ll borrow it. 🌺

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

It's a pop socket!

[@carmenlawrence2421]

awesome

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you!

[@lindastrohbehn5886]

Can you please tell me what tool you are using to cut your scor-tape?

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

I made it with a pop socket and a small quilting ruler (I believe it's 2 or 2.5").

[@xvxv711]

Question can you add a waterfall (?) to the inside covers? To add more pictures? I don’t know if I worded that right, I’m trying to learn terminology and I’m going to use this to try and build my first one. Thanks for spending and energy on these videos.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Absolutely!!! The covers are sturdy enough to hold waterfalls.

[@lisagd22]

Great tutorial! You explained everything really clearly, and I appreciate that you put the measurements. I'm thinking of making an album for an upcoming wedding, but I want to make it bigger so they can add 8x10 pictures. Am I right in thinking that, with the exception of the hinge, I can just add 2 inches to the width and 4 inches to the height? For the hinge, I would add 4 inches to the height and continue the scoring pattern if I add more pages? Thanks!

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you so much for your comments. Something to keep in mind is the number of signatures/pages you'll be including. For the larger albums, I normally keep the pages to 4 as they can get heavy if you're adding a lot of interactive features. I actually am just finishing up a wedding album (actually for a 50th wedding anniversary) which has a cover that's 8 1/2 x 10 1/2. I have the hinge at 7 7/8" high and 11" long for 4 signatures. The pages in this album at 8x10 but you could make them slightly larger to give yourself a border.

[@lisagd22]

@@fabbulouspaperemporium Thanks for the advice about the pages. I don't plan to have multiple foldouts like I've seen in some videos. Katya at Lunar Sun likes tons of foldouts, which look fun, but I think for a wedding album, it should be kept simple so they have room for bigger pictures.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

@@lisagd22 Absolutely! Then you'll not have to worry about the bulk or the weight. Hope you have lots of fun making it!!

[@lisagd22]

@@fabbulouspaperemporium Thanks!

[@johannevinet5083]

I picked up so many tricks . I will binge to your other videos over Christmas. What cardstock brand do you use to cover the chipboard ?

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

As far as solid cardstock goes....I just use the Michael's brand recollections. It's works well for me.

[@johannevinet5083]

@@fabbulouspaperemporium thanks

[@lindajohnson7447]

Where do you get the small square that you cut the tape with. It looks like a ruler with a small handle on top. I have never seen one. Thank you.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

It's a quilting square or quilting ruler with a pop socket on it. I believe I purchased both on Amazon. Super handy!

[@ryneashaw1572]

Why do you not reinforce the spine with Tyvek for added strength?

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

You can. I've never added tyvek and thus far haven't had any issues with my albums. With that being said, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt!

[@annemariecaister5624]

Where can I find part 2 of this tutorial to make the pages please?

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

The rest of this album was created in "Mini Album featuring the Great Outdoors". It will be in my Folio and Album Playlist. I have 2 parts.

[@xvxv711]

Hello I see in the description that there are two types of card stocks, I’m having trouble understanding when the switch happens. Could someone answer / help me?

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Certainly! Whenever possible I like to use 100 lb cardstock when making the pages (or signatures). The rest of the cardstock would be 65 lb. This is not a must, as sometimes I can't find 100 lb cardstock in the right colour, so I just use 65 lb cardstock for everything. Hope that helps!

[@xvxv711]

Thank you for answering

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

@@xvxv711 My pleasure.

[@WendyS996]

Heavy weight card stock isn't necessary to build base pages. If you have a quality 65 or 85 lb card stock, you can use it for the entire album. After adding your designer (pretty paper) the page will get heavy. Also remember if you plan on using magnets, they won't work as well going through several layers of heavy card stock. This is a great video and wonderful for beginners, just remember you will find your own style and what works for you.

[@yolandaperez2174]

Isn’t this a Kathy King patent hinge?

[@kazoomi2]

Yolanda. Doesn’t that patent hinge have a 5 scores per page? This is pretty traditional hinging that has existed long before her patent. It works very well.

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

I did do some research into the patent. From what I read, since I'm not charging for my tutorials or even selling the albums, that a license is not required. I've not seen her method or hinge system, so I can't speak to the similarities. I also noticed that the patent extends to the US, Asia, Australia and the UK but there is no mention of Canada being included. I still thank you for bringing this to my attention, as I'll be looking into it further.

[@WendyS996]

This is NOT patented....Kathy's hinge has an extra score line per hinge. She tried to patent this but couldn't.

[@kazoomi2]

@@WendyS996 Thanks, as that is what I remembered too from way back. At the time I remember the discussion was that this hinging method had basically been in use for at least decades and the patent office said it couldn't be patented. I thought the extra score was to help make sure you didn't put the tunnel page too far back towards the spine as that mistake would lead to a book not laying flat. The extra score might also make the page lay flat as it can flex a bit in something other than a straight line if the pages behind it are thick. I remember seeing the one she patented on one of her videos (she eventually took those down or restricted access which is fine) and I found it to be rather confusing to me. For me, it was just easier to hinge this way and make sure I didn't put the page too close to the spine. My pages aren't so thick that they bother me, nor detract from the album, when the book is open. I'm sure the patented method is fine but for me it wasn't necessary.

[@WendyS996]

@@kazoomi2 yes! There is an extra score line that the page sits above. It's to help the page sit flat. That is the one that's patented..not this one.

[@sharonhemmingsen144]

Nice presentation but OMG, this could have been much shorter without all the extra talking.

[@gaylenicholson5826]

WAY WAY TO MUCH TALKING

[@siobahngoodwin7337]

Does youtube pay by the word? Wow

[@jettielewis8677]

New to the channel - having said that you give way too much infomation -- You tend to ramble stick to what is needed for the album - I found myself saying okay I get it move on! Otherwise a good album

[@fabbulouspaperemporium]

Thank you for your feedback. I'll definitely be mindful of over explaining.

[@joycegifford8826]

Take two pieces of the card board you are using to PROPERLY measure the width of your corner cut. You are leaving TOO MUCH paper and you are not pinching the paper into the corner and that’s why you have that FOLD over look.