I've found that when I gather a lot of my elements and photos together and place them in a tray I can usually find and use more of my stash. It's really about what flows as you are putting the album together. I chose to mirror cut some of my patterned papers and elements. By mirror cutting I was able to have the exact same image in reverse on the other side of the album. This makes it a lot easier if you're worried about the adhesive possibly showing through on the opposite side. Paint is another great option to use on the clear canvas as it allows for texture and camouflage all in one step. Once painted I layered patterned paper, photos and embellishments to finish the acrylic page.
Acrylic albums can be gorgeous and intimidating all in the same breath. We love the look of them, but how on earth are we supposed to create one that looks pleasing to the eye from both sides. It’s true, acrylic albums can be daunting but once you create one you’ll be hooked, I promise! With a completely clear canvas for you to create and tell your story on, you can be as simple or elaborate as you want, and it’s still going to be absolutely stunning.
Let’s talk about beginning the album and some choices you can make for embellishments and design that will get you started creating your own acrylic album.
1. When choosing patterned papers, it’s always a plus if you chose one with a double-sided design. It can eliminate the worry of what’s seen on the opposite page and make a coordinated album all at the same time. But wait, you say your favorite patterned paper isn’t double sided, that’s completely ok, you can use single-sided patterned papers. It just takes a little planning in your page design.
2. Embellishments do wonders for our layouts and projects for adding extra detail and emphasis. They are doubly important in an acrylic album because they can be your best friends in camouflaging the “white side” of patterned papers and photos on the page. Some great items to consider for aesthetics and camouflage are:
• Flowers
• Felt
• Rub-ons
• Buttons
• Bling
• Die cuts
• Alcohol Inks
• Masks/Stencils
• Pre-printed transparencies
3. Let’s get to the sticky part of this album. What’s going to hold it all together you ask? Well, you’ve got quite a few choices. When Cheryl Mezetti, one of the ultra talented design goddesses from Creative Imaginations was asked what her glue choice for acrylics were, she said “Zip Dry”. I have to totally agree, Zip Dry is my #1 glue choice, and its ultra clear and dries just like the name says! Another glue option is Glossy Accents by Ranger Industries. It goes from bottle to project to DRY in 5 minutes. Glue Dots are famous for holding lumpy bumpy embellishments, and they are almost completely invisible too. So definitely have these in your adhesive arsenal for the acrylic album projects!
4. Now that we’ve discussed the options for patterned papers, embellishments and adhesives, let’s talk about designing with a see-thru page. Mirror image designs are fantastic for acrylic albums; you have virtually no worry about the “white side” showing because each side of the layout is an exact copy of the other. You can design with paint too! Use paint as your background and apply photos, patterned papers and embellishments on top of that. The paint will camouflage the “white side”, or use some of those fabulous flowers you’ve been saving for the background of your page! Layer photos, patterned papers and embellishments on top of them and you’ll not have to worry about the design on the other side.
Regardless of the way you chose to design your album - have fun and you’re sure to become hooked on the acrylic albums!
Supplies:
• Adhesive: Zip Dry (Beacon Industries), Glossy Accents (Ranger Industries)
• Album: clear acrylic (Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs)
• Bling: swirls (Prima Marketing Inc.)
• Buttons: Autumn Leaves
• Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
• Chipboard: alphabet (Scenic Route), labels (Prima Marketing Inc.), hearts (Heidi Swapp)
• Die Cutter: Silhouette (Quickutz)
• Flowers: Whisper (Prima Marketing Inc.)
• Ink: chestnut ColorBox Chalk Ink (Clearsnap, Inc.)
• Paint: Crimson (Heidi Swapp)
• Patterned paper: Ledger (Making Memories), Sea foam Dots (BoBunny)
• Ribbon: red (Offray), vintage lace
• Rub-ons: Urban Lily
• Stamps: Rhonna's Christmas Swirls Clear (Autumn Leaves)
• Transparency: Hambly Screen Prints
I design for Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs and I've been fortunate to be a part of many online design teams. I'm Mom to one beautiful preschooler who is the light of my life. I also have my blog http://detailsoflife.blogspot.com where everyone can catch up with my comings and goings.
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