Mini Envelopes Layout

I've been making a lot of mini albums lately and am now itching to get back to traditional 12x12 layouts! I made this layout just for fun using Truly Grateful and my Mini Envelope cut file.

Here is a process video so you can see how this layout came together from start-to-finish:

I started by die cutting a mini envelope from all 24 patterned papers in Truly Grateful using my Silhouette Cameo 3. To add interest, texture, and detail, I machine stitched around the envelope edges (before assembling them) using a Brother sewing machine, white thread by Coats & Clark, and a basic running stitch. To complete the envelopes I added super sticky 1/8" double-sided tape to the edges of the bottom flap and folded each envelope up.

For the background I chose the salmony-pink polka dot B-side of Paper 01 and did a little mixed media: I splashed watered down white acrylic paint across the background and created a few larger drops by pinching the paintbrush bristles. Then I came in with Pastel Dreams & Tropicals watercolors and splashed coordinating colors on top.

While the background was drying I searched my computer for photos to use and found a trio of pictures of cute Janey girl. I used one of the photos twice to make (4) 1.5" square photos and trimmed them out leaving a white border for contrast. Here is my tutorial for creating small photos. With four photos and four letters in her name, I added Thickers to spell JANE.

I stuck all of the envelopes in place in somewhat rainbow order and tucked the photos into four of them cascading down the page. Time for embellishing! I used all kinds of bits from Truly Grateful and decorated each envelope with things Jane loves from birds and butterflies to flowers and hearts. I used a smattering of Cardstock Stickers, Puffy Stickers, Epoxy Stickers, Ephemera Die Cuts, and Wooden Buttons.

For the journaling I found two little Journaling Spots, wrote on them with a black pen, and tucked them into the envelopes. I love this interactive element! It won't be legible inside a page protector but can easily be pulled out to read.

All-in-all this layout came together in just a couple hours! I hope it inspires you to pick up my Truly Grateful collection and Mini Envelope cut file!

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you again soon!

SUPPLIES: Patterned papers, stickers, buttons, die cuts, Thickers, embellishments: TRULY GRATEFUL; Cut file: Mini Envelope by Paige Evans; Die cut machine: Silhouette Cameo 3; white acrylic paint; Watercolors: Pastel Dreams & Tropicals by Prima; Sewing machine: Brother; Thread:  Coats & Clark