Sunday, July 1, 2012

Altered Book Homework: Chapter 11: Pockets

Did it seem like I fell off the face of the earth? Have you been here and haven't heard from me? I've had a computer meltdown and haven't been able to get on the computer or the internet. Luckily, I had a few things ready to go and this is one of them. In fact, I'm at a friend's right now, making sure this posts on Sunday morning. And hopefully, I'll be back online soon so I can visit you, too. But for now, just accept that I am working on getting things "chilling" again.

If you recall, last week's AB lesson was about pockets. One of the participants is BJ of CCraftCorner, who is concerned about the lack of pages left in her AB. So I'm going to devote this lesson to BJ and anyone who might not have as many pages in an AB as they had hoped.


Remember how I showed some of those yummy backgrounds we made a few weeks back?


We're going to use a few more of those pages. But first, measure your page width.


Cut two pages the approximate width of your pages. I made mine narrower than the page width because I have made these pockets using CS and heavy paper. If your backgrounds were made using anything much heavier than copier/printer paper, you might want to consider this too in order to reduce the excess bulk. However, if your background paper is thin, make your pockets the same width as your page.


Fold the background paper right sides together, then cut at least 4" long. While still together, cut the rectangle into triangles.


One of the nice things about this is, you have equal and symmetrical pockets for both sides of your spread. Adhere to the page, or just lay them on the page in a "dry run."


Repeat, turning the triangles in the opposite direction, then repeat again turning the triangles back in the original direction.


Continue until you have as many triangle pockets as will fit on your page. Depending on the size of your pages, you can get at least six pockets in a two page spread.


Here is one side of a page of pockets from my Time AB. For these pockets, I staggered the size and the color, although it's hard to tell with all the tags I've added.


Of course, you don't have to stagger the pockets. You can always make them slightly longer with each pocket. When I made these, I started at the top as before, and measured the tag length, then cut the pocket to size. Here is an example from my Money AB. Again, it's hard to tell because I have loaded these pockets with so many tags, ATCs, and memorabilia.


For my final example, I tore triangles to make sign-in pockets for my Buffy the Vampire Slayer Round Robin AB. Each person had a place for her individual tag she provided. One gal created a mock CD for her tag. Mine was the green tag on the top right. Yep, I'm a Spike fan.

I hope this has given you an idea what you can do to enhance your altered book real estate. If you want to play along, but have limited pages, I suggest you make either tags or ATCs that represent the homework assignments, such as backgrounds, magazine images, frames, etc. You will have increased your coverage considerably this way.

Please don't forget to look for a zipper, one that will fit the width or not quite the length of one of your AB pages. Although I haven't been lately, when I was visiting the thrift store, I would see them all the time. So, they should be easy to find and not cost much, either.

I am also linking to Creative Every Day, so if you came from a link,
please feel free to enter my blogoversary HERE. There are no commitments or obligations, just a comment letting me know you dropped by.

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15 thoughtful remarks:

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Was going to say I loved the triangle pockets and the ones from your 'Time AB' but as I scrolled down I realised I would've been saying it about them all, they're all fantastic and a great idea :-)
Anne x

BJ said...

WOW - Elizabeth you are FANTASTIC. There I was preparing my Summer of Colour posting for tomorrow and remembered I had done yet another magazine spread finishing off my Summer section and was about to link in to lesson 11 when I saw this as I paged down and thought that looks like what I need and sure enough you devoted it to ME. I am honoured and YES YES YES it is just what I need. I'll be starting Autumn/Fall next and thought pockets of background ATCs would fit the bill as it is the season of wonderful tree colours. Perhaps I could make the pockets like tree trunks/branches........... Oh you have set my imaginiation off just right. Thanks a million. BJ

Rita said...

How clever! :):)

Kat W said...

I've never made multiple triangle pockets like these - what a great idea!! Thank you for showing me how. They look great on a double spread like this. Can I ask please - what medium do you use to adhere your pockets? When I've included pockets in my art journals or on cards etc I've had some bad experiences with glues not quite being strong enough. When making pockets recently from card I used super glue to be sure but just wondered if you had a favourite.

Hope your computer issues are remedied soon.
Hugs
Kat Xx

Dianne said...

Great idea! And I love the paper you painted for them...

Carol said...

Love this idea!!! Off to make some pockets :0)

Dawn said...

OOh Elizabeth, what fab examples my lovely, really make for gorgeous double spreads. Thank-you for doing this, bet BJ is relieved bless her.
Lol, don't know what you're doing to me but my imagination is running riot under your fab tutelage. Just as a teaser my pages for next week feature electrical tape, food packaging and fabric!! I am having so much fun doing your course and am so grateful that my sister pointed me in your direction.
Lots of hugs for you and Bleubeard x x

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Elizabeth,

Yikes - I thought I had lost my computer a few weekends ago.... so I know what you are going through. It's stressful, isn't it. Glad you have a friend where you can go over and post!

A confession, I haven't been following the AB posts - do you do them every Sunday? And when did they start? I think I'd like to go back and start from the beginning. I've seen (on many blogs) just how much fun everyone is having doing this.

I'm sitting in Starbucks as it's still hot here and this place is air conditioned!

Hugs,
Kay

gina said...

What a clever way to make pockets, Elizabeth! So sorry to hear about your computer problems -- it can be very frustrating! Have a good week!

SandeeNC said...

wow, awesome idea Elizabeth!! Love the angled pockets! Sorry to hear about the computer problems, we miss you! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

carol l mckenna said...

Very creative tutorial and love the results ~ wishing you well with your computer ~~ thanks, ^_^ (A Creative Harbor)

Carolyn Dube said...

I love how you used the colorful papers you made! The pockets are fabulous with all the goodies in your altered book!!!

Karen Smithey said...

I really like the staggered pockets! I've only ever put one pocket on a page, so you've inspired me to try something new! Love the look of all the tags, etc.!

G.Dowell said...

Very clever idea. I'd love to make some pockets in my journal!

Kezzy said...

Wow what a brilliant idea, they also look fantastic, I bet it's great after some time going back and delving into all the pockets at the memories :-) Kerry xxx