the hybrid chick

Keep backups in this neat little book of those essentials that you would miss if you had to to a reformat or restore. It is amazing what programs and software you may have put on your pc over a number of years that you realize you can’t do with out until they are not there.

Don’t ask me how I know that.

You could even use if for digital essential supplies that you have added to your photo editor – like actions, brushes and styles.

This album is simple and easy to put together. Just decide how many discs you want to store in it, create a page for each one and perhaps some spares.

Here is how I did mine.

Measure up the size you want to make it. I used an approximate 6″ x 6″ format. The outside covers are 6.25 x 6.25 inches and the inside pages slightly smaller. This is also perfect size if you are using A4 cardstock to print on. Print it border-less and fold in half and this creates the perfect pocket size to hold a cd.

I made a template out of a scrap print run and cut the front fold to the side so you can see the angle I have used. Keep this as a template for tracing the pages later. Then print one piece of cardstock for each page. For my album I printed various patterned pp on the front and back to give bit of variation through the album but keeping it all in the same colour tone.

I chose papers from the Mega Collab kit at The Digi Chick this month.

This kit titled Limitless: The Collection, is available together or in 2 parts – Open Sky and Daydreamer. They all co-ordinate beautifully and are just gorgeous digital or printed out for hybrid.

The covers are glued to spare chipboard and then Mod Podged over to make them more durable. Let them dry overnight or a bit longer before trimming them to size. I find by doing it this way you can easily get the glue all the way to the edges without too much mess.

Then fold all your printed sheets in half and trim them down to your chosen size. Trace the angle and cut it off too. I also printed out little labels from Roben Marie Designs Studio 365 Journal & Date Bits. On these will be written the name of the cd and also any pertinent information like license codes and download id’s. That way should I need to re-register anything it will all be there together.

Inking the edges gives them a nice finish too – especially on little bits like tags where you have a scissor cut edge.

Then just bind it with your chosen method. I have used my trusty Bind It All however you could use a couple of  O or D’rings, perhaps some sting or ribbon also with just a few punched holes. All of these would like quite nice.

Then to dress it up. My front label is printed and cut out, then inked around the edges. Attaching it with some 3d or mounting tape gives a nice bit of variety to the front. Add some layered flowers, some Scrappers Floss from Karen Foster, pretty ribbon and whatever else you fancy.

Displayed, or on a bookshelf – now you’ll be able to find all your discs in one easy go.

Other Articles by Shabby Shaz:

• Wedding Gift Frame - March 5th, 2010
• Love Notes - February 14th, 2010
• Stitched Christmas Card - December 7th, 2009
• Romance Pack - November 25th, 2009
• Travel Notebook Diary - November 4th, 2009