Time Traveler Pt.2 - Ladder Wall Hanging by Kim

I wanted to make a photo album keeping in the era of the Time Traveler’s paper collection. At least to me the paper speaks as if from a Victorian time period! So I decided to make a photo album that can hang on a wall rather than sit on a table or shelf. They always made me think of a Jacob’s Ladder, not sure why, but they do! This little photo album can be hung on a wall, either side facing out or folded and kept in the little Memory Box. 

1. For each photo I die cut 2 each of  the same paper using Spellbinders Labels 3, second to the largest die. Then I die cut one of the pieces of paper with a circle die, I used a nesting circle die. Make sure that there is approximately .25” of paper on all outer edges! 

2. I used clear acrylic bubbles called Shaker Bubbles for the “glass”. They fit perfectly inside the die cut circle. You can also upcycle acrylic packaging, like what all the Spellbinders dies come in If you can’t find them or don’t want to use the bubble.

If you use packaging, then die cut the flat acrylic with the same Labels 3 die. 

3. I used Tim Holtz Found Relatives pack for my “family”. They just seemed to go with this project and I was able to find a faux couple and their children! But any photos or pictures can be used. You can also add some tiny trinkets and/or charms inside the bubble with or without a photo. Die cut the photos with the Spellbinders Labels 3 die. It’s all right if the photos don’t fit the die exactly, just as long the photo fills the entire die cut circle.

4. Adhere the die cut paper “frame” piece to the bubble. Cut the bubble outer edges to fit the outer edges of the “frame”. Adhere that to your photo.

5. If  you like the distressed and ink look, now is the time to do that. Both the framed photo piece and the back die cut piece. 

Of course I used TH’s vintage photo!

6. Put a brad in all four corners of the framed photo piece, this will help keep it together. 

7. In keeping with the time period of this set, I decided to hang all the photos vertically with a ribbon. If you’d rather display the photos horizontally, put the ribbon in the opposite direction. I used a double sided satin ribbon (although it’s hard to tell in the photos), but I’d recommend using a grosgrain ribbon. You need an inch between each photo piece to be able to fold the album and fit it in the box. Cut the ribbon with about 3” to spare on each end - top and bottom. That way you can add a bow at the top and cut a nice notched tail at the bottom.

Adhere the ribbon to the inside of each die cut back piece with an inch of space between each back piece section.



 

8. From the Time Traveler’s collection brads, I put a large brad at the top and a small brad at the bottom on the back pieces. Through both the paper and the ribbon.

9. You can embellish with flat-ish ephemera such as flowers, enamel dots, gems or fussy cut pieces either before or after you adhere both sides together. For me I was easier to embellish before.

10. Using a strong double side adhesive like Scor-Tape, adhere both sides together. The back die cut piece with ribbon and the front die cut photo piece with photo and bubble.

11. Sew a bow or flower on one side of the ribbon at the top, and I added a beaded gem drop on the other side. Your Jacob’s Ladder mini photo album is ready to hang or place in the box as a keepsake! I made the bow using the Zutter Bow-It-All, love that tool!

Hope you enjoy this,

Kim