A Place in Time...

...the start, the book and January & December.

Graphic 45 produce some wonderful ranges but like always, there are some I like and some I'm not so keen on. They also tend to be slightly more expensive than my 'run of the mill' choice of papers so when I do treat myself they often become items for stroking rather than using LOL

When I saw the "Place in Time" range I had to have a 12x12 pad as the papers are wonderful - but I just couldn't bring myself to use them. Then projects started appearing on t'net and I was so tempted to break into it...but...so I got a second pad. Okay, I know that's daft but there was one project that I'd seen that I really wanted to have a go at but still couldn't bring myself to cut into those lush papers.

A number of sites by folk who went to CHA Winter 2013 mentioned a super class by Laura Denison (Graphic 45 DT member) - a lovely 6x6 mini book created from the 12x12 pages. Lots of folding to create pockets and 'hidden' spaces. A friend of mine was even lucky enough to attend a class at the Artistic Stamper with Jennie Boxall where they created one of these super little books full of tags and interest. Poor Suzie was given a shopping list to fill whilst there as I wanted to 'play' too.

So starting with this little collection...

...I made a start.
Most of the examples I have seen on the web use the word block paper from the stack to cover the outside of the book but I wasn't keen...

...so I bought another Graphic 45 paper which has a lovely kraft look to it and is covered in clock faces - very apt; don't you think?
The folded pages create the spine of the book...

...and ribbon ties hold it in place so that it doesn't 'over-stretch' but still allows it to be flexible to accommodate lots of tags and embellishments.
The edges of the pages are inked in colours that 'fit' with the theme of the page...

...boy did I have fun going through my collection of Distress ink pads to find suitable colours (and yes, I got mucky).
This is my January page...

...everything needed came from the paper stack (each month has a base sheet and a sheet of cutable ellements). I did add a couple of gems and might even add some stickles to the 'snow' on the word January.
Here is December...

...I think a few red gems will get added to this.

I need to have a sort through my collection of Baker's twine so that I can finish off some tags but the whole book is going to be a "work in progress" for some time - I do not intend to rush this.

I did sit last night and cut out all the elements for each of the papers...boy was I organised - a little poly bag for each month so I know what goes where. However, even with cushion grip scissors my hand is complaining today so I think crafting may be a little limited for the rest of the day (ouch).

I'll keep you up to date with progress on this project - probably a post everytime I've completed a couple of 'months' - but if you'd like to see more projects using this range of papers, do hop over to the Graphic 45 site as the design team blog has some super projects. There are lots I'd like to try but the first thing I'd have to do is lay-in a stock of papers LOL..........................................................