Mini book for ATCs can also be modified for Zentangle® tiles

I made this little pocket book years ago before I knew anything about Artist Trading Cards (ATCs). It is the perfect size for them at 3" x 4" and an easy project as it only uses one sheet of 12" x 12" paper. The trick is finding the right paper. My first book is made from a wonderful sheet of lightweight yet sturdy paper that is almost fabric like. It feels like a suede on one side and more like paper on the other. Once I found Zentangle, it has held up well carrying either ATCs or my tangle instruction cards. There are 8 pockets so it can carry a nice variety of cards.
I took this mini book to my CZT seminar along with its modified version to hold tiles. I thought I'd share the "how to" information with you today. I even found the link to the YouTube I used initially here!
I went in search of some similar paper to what my original book was made from. Easier said than done. You need 12x12 double sided paper but I just wasn't finding that durable fabric quality. As I pondered this problem, I thought maybe I could make the solution from the faux leather technique! Here's the link to my earlier post about the faux leather. So I simply used typical scrapbooking cardstock for the faux leather and here are the results. I would suggest NOT using a white core paper as you will likely have some white, worn areas showing after going through this technique. My faux leather mini books are about three times thicker than my original, (faux leather book is approximately the thickness of half a deck of cards) but seem to be very sturdy. I simply inked and sealed both sides instead of adding fabric to one side. I'm very happy with them but am still on the look out for the perfect paper.

To make the mini book for the 3.5 x 3.5" tiles (the book is 4" x 4") modify the instructions to use a 16" x 11" piece of paper. This example is cut from a double sided poster sized specialty paper found at an art supply store. I modified the original instructions so that the pockets are only 1.5" deep.

The stamped image on the front of my original mini book (tan) is from Paper Parachute and was heat embossed. I'd like to give credit to the smaller stamp image on the pockets as well, but I just can't locate the stamp (could I have a lost stamp? Oh my!) If anyone knows the company, please let me know so I can give appropriate credit. The stamped images on the faux leather are from Stampin Up! using Stazon ink. I felt only two were smooth enough to stamp on after the faux leather technique.

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Window shopping

Can you believe a photo from last week's series was selected/displayed on The Weekend in Black and White? I'm thrilled!
This weekend's entry was taken in Wallace Idaho while walking through the historic downtown area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This second photo was taken on the Coeur d'Alenes Trail in nearby Osburn. I had intended it for the black and white entry, but it just didn't glow in black and white like it does in color.

 

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Isometric redux

I am the Diva's guest challenge this week (#173) is Redux, remix, revisit your comfort tangle(s) by changing things up a bit. I liked 'Nzeppel's look from the very beginning. When I found out the grid doesn't need to be consistent, I liked it more. Then when I realized the lines could be curvy too, I loved it! Isochor was a challenge to figure out, but once I relied on the shading, I was in awe of its look. Now to change them both up a bit... I hadn't tried 'Nzeppel using a pencil grid vs pen. Way cool. And to change it up a bit more, I just haven't made friends with the black tiles and the white gel pen, at least not before the CZT training. I still had a little problem with shading vs hiliting, but I think with a little more practice, we'll be good buddies. Thanks BJ for the cute "little black book" which has a drawing area that matches the 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 tiles!

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One stroke at a time...

Well the challenge may be The Weekend in Black and White, however for me, it was my Week in black and white...and endless shades of gray. I just completed my CZT training, class 14 in Providence, Rhode Island. What an awesome experience! Thank you to the city, the fabulous staff at Hotel Providence, all the wonderful people I met, my encouraging husband (he truly is the best) and Rick and Maria and the warm welcome from the Zentangle® family, of which I now belong.

These are some of my favorite black and white photos of Providence. This city renders/offers itself so well in shades of gray.

And just a touch of color.

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