Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Photo Album for our Hosts in Japan

Thanks to SJOX44 on the Cricut message board for the inspiration.  My DH and I will be traveling to Japan in a few days.  Their custom is to present a gift to the host upon arrival.  Well I was at a loss as to what to give Mrs. Kitano because she speaks/understands absolutely no english.  Two years ago, I made cards and through the interpreter, Mrs. Kitano kept saying they were art to be hung on the wall.  I explained to the interpreter that they were cards for her to write in and mail.  I took it as a compliment but wasn't sure if she knew exactly what I had given her.  After our return home, I put together a scrapbook of all the wonderful things that Mr. Kitano had his office take us to visit (Pagoda's, Nishiki Market, shopping, whirlpools, etc.)  I included the photos that Mr. Kitano had given me of the class that my DH taught while there.  I mailed them the scrapbook.  That was over two years ago and they are still talking about the book.  Apparently, they keep it in the office and show everyone.  I definitely take that as a compliment.  This time I wanted to make an album that Mrs. Kitano could put photos in of her family/grandsons.  All the words are in Japanese.  This is my version of SJOX44's inspiration.  I hope you like it.


My DH built the base box out of plywood and I covered it with the Konnichiwa line from Basic Gray.  I added the handles and the writing says "Family".


I made the top out of chipboard.  I covered it with Bazzill card stock and Konnichiwa.  I edged/inked it all in Espresso.




This is the inside of the box without the book in it.




The photo album.  I used a sheet from the Graphic 45 Bird Song line and added diamond glaze to the Geisha and butterflies.





On the inside cover, I made three tag holders and tags.  The first page says "Kitano" at the top.  I embellished with Cherry blossoms.  It holds a 4 X 6 photo.




These two pages can hold 3 X 5 photos.




Another 4 X 6 photo page and Hexagons cut from a silhouette die.  I used my Cricut mini to cut out the grandsons names.  I embellished with a little bling.




I made a holder and covered it with lots of lanterns from Graphic 45 Bird Song.  I added different size dimensions so there is three layers.  I used CTMH Art Philosophy to cut the chipboard and card stock for the photo holders.  I added eyelets and tags.  The next page is a 4 X 6 photo holder embellished with rub-ons.




The left page has a belly band.  I took part of a sticker from the Konnichiwa line, placed it on colored card stock, and pop dotted it on the ends.  I cut two pieces of covered chipboard, one for a 4 X 6 photo and one for a 3 X 5 photo.  I cut two frames from CTMH Art Philosophy and glued them to the chipboard pieces to create tags.  The next page has a pinwheel from the Konnichiwa line and a 3 X 5 photo holder.




Last page is a mounted 4 X 6 photo holder with a sticker from the Konnichiwa line.  On the back cover I made another holder and cut three pieces of cardstock covered chipboard for 3 X 5 photos.  I then added some bling.




The three tags on the front cover.




Photo holders with eyelets and tags.




Photo holders with tabs.




Photo holders on back cover.


9 comments:

  1. Fran, the box and the album are just beautiful! The thought that you put in to this really shows through and your host is going to be thrilled to have this!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a gorgeous gift -- you did an outstanding job!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm do glad I could inspire you, great job

    ReplyDelete
  4. It's lovely! I am sure it will be treasured for generations!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you ladies for the love. Now to start on the next project.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Stunning album!!!!! I am sure they will be so appreciative of your generous and beautiful gift. Have a safe trip.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is stunning!!! I love this! I know they will too!

    ReplyDelete
  8. OMG, this is absolutely stunning. What a beautiful gift!!! TFS! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gorgeous! What a beautiful gift!

    ReplyDelete