Vintage Gifts from Mom

Sometimes, the Birthday presents that are two months late were well worth the wait! Look what my amazing mother made for me!

My mom is this stupidly talented woman, who can make intricate masterpieces out of paper. I swear to you...I have no idea how she does it. I sit there, looking at all her supplies, and I'm confused as hell as how to even glue two things together, let alone emboss and embellish my way to a freaking DiVinci piece of artistry.

For my birthday this year, the big 25, she made me a photo album that is beyond any normal photo album you will ever see in your life.

More information and photos after the jump!

Seriously, this album is awe-inspiring. My mother nailed it...it's so perfectly matched to my personality it's insane. Vintage papers, luxurious fabrics, brass findings, and imagery pulled right out of some of my favorite themed books.

The spine of the book. Covered in velvet brocade with a small owl and  a large cameo. Yep, it screams IZZY'S BOOK.

Take a look at the image below for instance. Those patterns on the paper, the faux patina...it's beautiful. See where the paper goes from Zig-Zag, to a light blue? That flips open, to reveal a fold out section where I can fit even more photos, or journal spaces.

Please click on this and look at it as large as possible. This is the front inside cover, and first page.

The album is filled with fold outs, pockets, and other fun interactive portions. Seriously...my mom knows me too well. I love any book like that! Even with all the extra hiding places, the book isn't super bulky or difficult to handle.

One of the intricate embellishments. There are tons of these, scattered through the book.

One of the pages is just two large tags, which can be pulled out. Awesome of photos or writing thoughts on!

The embellishments throughout the album are simply stunning. There are butterflies, vintage shoes, dress forms, crystals and pearls galore! Did I mention the brass filigree, and lace? Because it's dappled through the book as well.

Another gorgeous embellishment! She even made sure to add tiny pearls in any place she thought I might like them. 

Another set of tags, tucked into a pocket on one of the pull out pages.

Many of the interactive portions are closed with flat magnets, making sure nothing moves unless you want it too. Others are closed with ribbon ties, or a clasp. One of my favorite features is the waterfall, shown on the right page of the photo below. The waterfall is closed with a beautiful, blue gem encrusted, clasp. I can fit 5 photos in the waterfall alone, or 3 photos and an accompanying journal entry about it. One that one page!

Another set of pages. More flip outs!

A close up of the clasp used to keep the waterfall, from the image above, closed and secure.

When you unwind the twine around the buttons, this section turns into a massive pull out, nearly as long as my arm! So much space to put photos!

I am just so stupidly in love with this album! I can't wait to start filling it with my favorite photographs from my various adventures. I think my Steampunk and Civil War photos would be perfect for this album, and maybe some of my favorite handwritten notes and letters from friends as well. I have the room to fit anything I could want!

This is one of the pull outs. The papers are beautiful!

One of the tag pages. The flaps close with magnets!

Oh, I forgot to mention all the photo mats tucked into the edges of the pages too! In all, there 6 full pages, with over 75 places to put photos, letters, song lyrics, whatever I could want to! All in a book only 8 inches wide, 8 inches tall, and 3 inches thick. Impressive.

Side one of the photo mats and tags.

Side two of the photo mats and tags.

If you want to have an album of your own made, my mother is more than happy to put together one for you! Just send inquires to: KennedyGraceCreations@Gmail.com

Did I mention she's super reasonable on price for all the work she puts into these? It's shocking how much money you can save over getting a similar album on eBay or Etsy.

Love and Lightning Bugs,