blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577 
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Post by blemon on Jun 26, 2023 15:15:24 GMT
People, I need some help.
I bought a citrus twist TN sized beautiful album in orange, the color of the Netherlands, for my trip.
I've been working on the journal while I'm here (first with students, then my family joined me and we are in Belgium and going home tomorrow).
Anyway, it's like almost 3" wide -- just the pages. I left the album at home. There's no way I'm going to be able to use it.
So I need a new solution, something with holes as I have been using a mix of page protectors and postcards and paper cut to the size of the page protector and so many other cool and amazing things I've been gathering.
I think I'm going to have to go with binder rings but I don't like them. I will deal if I have to (just don't like the way they sit on the shelf).
Can you please send me links to really big ones? Will a 3" circle hold a stack of stuff that's about 3" tall? I can't measure it right now as I don't have a ruler but I am guessing.
But what I was thinking would work better is the ones with 3 rings like the ones Ali has with the buildable albums.
Has anyone seen those online anywhere in large sizes? The description of the travel buildable album doesn't say the size.
I would love any and all suggestions you may have (and links!).
I already have one idea which is to use binder rings but then put the whole thing in a box. I'm sure I can find a box it will fit in once it's done. That will sit nicely on the shelf, for sure.
Peas, you are my only hope.
Thanks!
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jun 26, 2023 18:25:11 GMT
Ok, so here's my 2 cents from doing a lot of mini albums, including thicc bébés that have required some DIY-ing.
Large rings are no fun to use realistically speaking. You can buy them a bit everywhere (I got mine ironically from the kitchen section at Dutch store chain Dille & Kamille so if you have one around where you are right now - they're also present in Belgium - give them a try) but I wouldn't necessarily recommend them. Why? Because you have to turn all the way around the rings. It's a long ride around those big, rigid (ahem) circles. And the larger the ring, the thicker the metal they use to manufacture them. I ended up getting ride of those XL rings in favour of string, inspired by an old DIY album from Vanessa Documented (no longer active in the scrappy sphere, alas - you can still find her under her real name, Vanessa Nguyen, on Insta although she has deleted many of her projects). bits of string strung together as "supple" rings are more pleasant to flip through the album (although I've only done 2-ringed albums this way).
I just checked Dille & Kamille's website and they still carry the 7,5cm rings (approx. 3 inches) I found. They're less than 1€ piece. I didn't like using these for flipping but you should give it a try yourself and see!
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jun 26, 2023 18:29:34 GMT
I found Vanessa's string rings from an old Gossamer Blue (gah!) project on Pinterest:  |
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,734
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Jun 26, 2023 20:00:30 GMT
What about dividing it into 2 (or more) albums?
I personally don't like the functionality of rings in comparison to a binder and will avoid them whenever possible.
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Post by lg on Jun 27, 2023 0:56:03 GMT
People, I need some help.
I bought a citrus twist TN sized beautiful album in orange, the color of the Netherlands, for my trip.
I've been working on the journal while I'm here (first with students, then my family joined me and we are in Belgium and going home tomorrow).
Anyway, it's like almost 3" wide -- just the pages. I left the album at home. There's no way I'm going to be able to use it.
So I need a new solution, something with holes as I have been using a mix of page protectors and postcards and paper cut to the size of the page protector and so many other cool and amazing things I've been gathering.
I think I'm going to have to go with binder rings but I don't like them. I will deal if I have to (just don't like the way they sit on the shelf).
Can you please send me links to really big ones? Will a 3" circle hold a stack of stuff that's about 3" tall? I can't measure it right now as I don't have a ruler but I am guessing.
But what I was thinking would work better is the ones with 3 rings like the ones Ali has with the buildable albums.
Has anyone seen those online anywhere in large sizes? The description of the travel buildable album doesn't say the size.
I would love any and all suggestions you may have (and links!).
I already have one idea which is to use binder rings but then put the whole thing in a box. I'm sure I can find a box it will fit in once it's done. That will sit nicely on the shelf, for sure.
Peas, you are my only hope.
Thanks!
They have 6x8 albums that have larger rings in the same colour. Or I use two to three albums for bigger trips 😄 |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 27, 2023 14:00:24 GMT
For my 6x8 OLW album this year I used an acrylic cover I had purchased from Color Cast Designs a couple of years ago (and if anyone knows where I can buy more, please share, she doesn't seem to still stock them). I'm using a mix of page protectors in different sizes, inserts, and outside protector pages. The album got way too big for the original rings so I picked up these from Amazon and they do seem huge: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G9DDYXH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1I'm loving having all the extra space and that the album feels way more like "me" since I can mix in whatever I want. I keep that album on a display shelf in my studio/office so I don't have the same shelf problem. That said, the bigger rings do give this weird "gap" and I think sleepingbooty has a point about flipping pages in the larger rings. I'm so happy with all the extra space, it doesn't really bug me. Not sure if these will work very well but here's some photos of the album and you can see the gap:  |
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Post by breakfastattiffanys on Jun 27, 2023 14:18:02 GMT
I don’t like binder rings either.
I remember reading that someone wanted to cut their album down, it was too wide, and they were successful doing so. I feel like it was a DD album. That might open up possibilities for searching larger albums that can be modified.
The other suggestion I have would be to bind it yourself. Have you ever watched Rosa Kelly on YouTube? She makes her own albums and leaves room for thicker pages.
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Post by kmage on Jun 28, 2023 3:29:33 GMT
People, I need some help.
I bought a citrus twist TN sized beautiful album in orange, the color of the Netherlands, for my trip.
I've been working on the journal while I'm here (first with students, then my family joined me and we are in Belgium and going home tomorrow).
Anyway, it's like almost 3" wide -- just the pages. I left the album at home. There's no way I'm going to be able to use it.
So I need a new solution, something with holes as I have been using a mix of page protectors and postcards and paper cut to the size of the page protector and so many other cool and amazing things I've been gathering.
I think I'm going to have to go with binder rings but I don't like them. I will deal if I have to (just don't like the way they sit on the shelf).
Can you please send me links to really big ones? Will a 3" circle hold a stack of stuff that's about 3" tall? I can't measure it right now as I don't have a ruler but I am guessing.
But what I was thinking would work better is the ones with 3 rings like the ones Ali has with the buildable albums.
Has anyone seen those online anywhere in large sizes? The description of the travel buildable album doesn't say the size.
I would love any and all suggestions you may have (and links!).
I already have one idea which is to use binder rings but then put the whole thing in a box. I'm sure I can find a box it will fit in once it's done. That will sit nicely on the shelf, for sure.
Peas, you are my only hope.
Thanks!
Another vote for buying another CT album and doing v. 1 and v. 2, that is what I had to do with the CT album I bought for Florida. I did all the pages and there were just too many. I used 2 albums. I just love those albums so much. |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jun 28, 2023 12:30:51 GMT
What about dividing it into 2 (or more) albums? I personally don't like the functionality of rings in comparison to a binder and will avoid them whenever possible. I don’t know if my OCD could take this. I could divide it up into Netherlands/Belgium but I still don’t think each half would fit in one citrus twist album. |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jun 28, 2023 12:35:49 GMT
Thanks for all the ideas!
Sorry I posted then got on a plane (leaving the Dutch and Belgian stores behind before seeing this).
I’m sure I can get some rings. And I like the idea of using ribbon or string.
For now my plan is to finish the album. All is finished except for printing photos, putting them in, doing a little extra embellishing, then our last four days in Brussels.
While I was there I finished up the rest.
It is so fun. I can’t wait to share it.
If anyone has the AE buildable album can you tell me how much you can fit in it?
If a can think of anything else, please share!
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jun 28, 2023 15:44:37 GMT
Not sure if these will work very well but here's some photos of the album and you can see the gap: This is a really gorgeous album. |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 30, 2023 14:53:19 GMT
Thank you blemon ! She's been pretty neglected the last 2 months but I'm hoping to pick it back up. I do love the extra space in mine. Can't wait to see how yours comes together! |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jun 30, 2023 14:58:19 GMT
I'd like to buy these: binder ringsI'm not sure how they compare to the ones Ali has for the buildable albums. If they're too small, I might just buy a buildable album and cut it down. But they're really expensive. Ali's site doesn't have dimensions of the diameter. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 4, 2023 7:11:42 GMT
I'd like to buy these: binder ringsI'm not sure how they compare to the ones Ali has for the buildable albums. If they're too small, I might just buy a buildable album and cut it down. But they're really expensive. Ali's site doesn't have dimensions of the diameter. Those rings are only 2.5”— are you sure that they are large enough? I use binder rings for a lot of things, but don't like them for albums. The lack of structure will work against you in an heavy album of mixed media like you describe. Since you have the idea of a box, maybe you can find a larger album and add orange in other ways. Plus, I don’t see orange as a Belgian color! Maybe you do need to divide it into two albums. Action stores are everywhere in Belgium and they have a little bit of everything, including a scrap section with cheap wafer thin dies. You can probably find binder rings there. |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jul 4, 2023 12:07:17 GMT
Those rings are only 2.5”— are you sure that they are large enough? Thanks for this! No, these rings are not large enough for this project. I bought them and the diameter of the ring is 30mm. I thought I could make it work but it's not going to happen. And you're right, Orange is not the color for Belgium. I was in the Netherlands for 3 weeks before going to Belgium. But only half of the album's content is about the Netherlands. When my family joined me, we started to do a lot of things so the Belgium part is about as big as the Netherlands part. I'm back home in the US and I'm sure I can find the right binder rings at Michaels. I just don't think they have the structure I need. I'm now considering two options: Cutting down a simple stories SNAP album I have. However, I just have some delicate pages and prefer to have more than 2 rings for them. I'll have to reinforce a couple of the pages. That's fine. The other option is to shell out the $20 for the Ali Edwards buildable album and cut it down. Not sure what the end result will be with that. I've seen it done and I could probably do ok but I also don't really like the pattern on the album. So I really think my best option is the Simple Stories album. I have it already. And with the bookboard cover it has, I think I can cut it successfully. I just spent the last hour looking for larger connected binder rings or anything else that would work and I can't find anything. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 4, 2023 18:03:22 GMT
Those rings are only 2.5”— are you sure that they are large enough? Thanks for this! No, these rings are not large enough for this project. I bought them and the diameter of the ring is 30mm. I thought I could make it work but it's not going to happen. And you're right, Orange is not the color for Belgium. I was in the Netherlands for 3 weeks before going to Belgium. But only half of the album's content is about the Netherlands. When my family joined me, we started to do a lot of things so the Belgium part is about as big as the Netherlands part. I'm back home in the US and I'm sure I can find the right binder rings at Michaels. I just don't think they have the structure I need. I'm now considering two options: Cutting down a simple stories SNAP album I have. However, I just have some delicate pages and prefer to have more than 2 rings for them. I'll have to reinforce a couple of the pages. That's fine. The other option is to shell out the $20 for the Ali Edwards buildable album and cut it down. Not sure what the end result will be with that. I've seen it done and I could probably do ok but I also don't really like the pattern on the album. So I really think my best option is the Simple Stories album. I have it already. And with the bookboard cover it has, I think I can cut it successfully. I just spent the last hour looking for larger connected binder rings or anything else that would work and I can't find anything. That sounds like a wonderful trip! We lived just south of Brussels for 3 years and just moved back to the states last fall. I loved exploring both countries!
These are 3.9” binder rings. I also saw 3.5” ones as well. You can always spray paint them to your desired color. I also saw some wire key chains within the search that may work. |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jul 5, 2023 1:39:46 GMT
That sounds like a wonderful trip! We lived just south of Brussels for 3 years and just moved back to the states last fall. I loved exploring both countries!
These are 3.9” binder rings. I also saw 3.5” ones as well. You can always spray paint them to your desired color. I also saw some wire key chains within the search that may work. Thanks for the link! We didn't go south of Brussels. I wish we had been able to. Next time! We went to Blankenberge for some beach time and it was great. Loved walking around for all the Art Nouveau/Belle Epoch architecture. We spent a day in Bruges on our way to Brussels and that town was so beautiful. I've never seen anything like it. We loved it. In Brussels we took the tram to the Africa Museum then took the historical tram back. That was one of my favorite things. We went to the Atomium one day. Saturday morning we went to the flea market near the castle. We saw the castle walking through that neighborhood and my daughter really wanted to go it. The staircase was so cool. We only spent one afternoon at the Grand Place. It was so busy. I'm glad we saw it! The musical instrument museum was one of my favorites. I hope I get the opportunity to teach there again. It was a very good program. Did you get the chance to visit Groningen? |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jul 5, 2023 19:58:19 GMT
Just in case anyone is watching this for ideas, I've settled on binder rings.
I do have a question into Ali Edwards to see if they will sell their binder rings separately but I am not holding my breath. I can't find the size they sell anywhere.
I looked more closely at the simple stories binder and it is also covered in paper so that is out. I thought it would work but it's not going to.
So I'm ordering binder rings from Amazon because my Michaels did not have any larger ones. My store looks like it's going out of business.
Anyway, I'm very sad about this but I just don't see any other options and while I love the idea of fancy ribbon, it's not for this project.
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jul 7, 2023 13:55:26 GMT
Ha, I know that absolutely no one cares about this but I'm posting anyway.
I got out my albums that had binder rings so that I could see if the size of them would work for this journal.
Those albums are not in good shape and they are stored in a bin. So I just can't with the binder rings.
And I'm going to make boxes for those albums so they don't get destroyed any further.
I couldn't cut the simple stories down because there is actually paper wrapped on them that is kraft colored. I know I will bung it up so that ended that idea.
AE doesn't sell those binder rings separately and I also would bung up cutting down that cover.
So I ordered another album from Citrus Twist. I will have part 1 and part 2. Last night I went through and punched holes in everything from part 1 and put it in the album I already ordered and it's great. They ship pretty quickly so I'll have the 2nd soon and will do the same. Still waiting on ink from canon so I can print photos and be done with it.
I've got a bit of embellishing to do and a couple of things to add that need the photos first.
I'll share pics when it's done. Weird for me to have 2 albums but it is what it is and now I know.
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 7, 2023 15:02:15 GMT
We spent a day in Bruges on our way to Brussels and that town was so beautiful. I've never seen anything like it. We loved it. I lived in the historical centre of Bruges for a while when I was a child.  I still return regularly, preferably in January when it's cold, grey and not filled with tourists. Very special place. If you ever go back to teach in Groningen, hit me up for some special addresses in Bruges. There's also a great way to travel by train on the cheap from Bruges to Disneyland Paris through Lille (regular train to Lille and then switch train stations in Lille - it's barely a 3-minute walk! - to grab the French speed train to Marne-La-Vallée Chessy). It's one of my special travel combos "up North". ETA: In Bruges is part of your Christmas movie rotation, right? Riiiiiiiight?  |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jul 7, 2023 15:09:16 GMT
If you ever go back to teach in Groningen, hit me up for some special addresses in Bruges. There's also a great way to travel by train on the cheap from Bruges to Disneyland Paris through Lille (regular train to Lille and then switch train stations in Lille - it's barely a 3-minute walk! - to grab the French speed train to Marne-La-Vallée Chessy). It's one of my special travel combos "up North". ETA: In Bruges is part of your Christmas movie rotation, right? Riiiiiiiight? That is so cool! I can't imagine living somewhere like that. It's like a fairytale or something. And yes, I do plan to go back. I want us to keep running this program as it's really important to have consistent options. France will absolutely be the country we visit when we do. You know I will be asking for your guidance on that. I already have a google doc of Disney Paris full of your tips! And no, I hadn't seen this movie before so it will be first on my list this year. Thank you! |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 7, 2023 15:30:31 GMT
And no, I hadn't seen this movie before so it will be first on my list this year. Thank you! And there are even a couple of Hallmark movies that are set/were partially filmed in Bruges.  Love Blossoms (2017): Love, Chocolate & Romance (2019): |
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Post by scrappyem on Jul 7, 2023 16:17:51 GMT
blemon I totally want the update and can't wait to see the album.  I was watching a W R Makers video on YouTube on their new products and I am now officially obsessed with the Cinch Thermal. Basically a book binding system that instead of rings, discs, etc it will allow you to use glue strips to actually bind the books yourself, up to a 12 inch size. I love this, especially as a hybrid scrapper, for journaling/adding words on the page. I think things would have to be relatively flat or multiple books depending on the project and how much bulk, but I adore the idea of being able to truly bind my own pages. No rings or discs needed. Here's the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLvIHNnmw3s It's starts around the 30 minute mark. Shipping in the fall.
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jul 7, 2023 21:10:34 GMT
And there are even a couple of Hallmark movies that are set/were partially filmed in Bruges. Yes! Thank you. If you know of any in Paris, I'll watch with them with my daughter. We promised her a trip to Paris that just keeps getting postponed. I hope it won't become her graduation present! I adore the idea of being able to truly bind my own pages. No rings or discs needed. This is very cool. I've been making small books for years (especially for when my girl scouts were younger) just using a booklet stapler. This is different. You could get some professional looks with that! I wonder how it would work with pages of different sizes -- or like how I make travel journals with lots of postcards and stuff thrown in. I would think anything goes. Can't wait to see what people do with it. Thanks for sharing. The price point ($100) isn't too bad either. |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 7, 2023 21:46:35 GMT
Ok, first of all (before I get distracted again), what a lovely little album, scrappyem ! I can't believe I keep forgetting to type out how cute and fun it is. I love mini albums. I love how creative they are. They are like old houses with hiding spots and hidden staircases. Yours looks beautiful with those bright watercolour touches. And can't wait to read (maybe even get a sneak peek?) how you solve your fat bébé, blemon . Nothing like a mini to take you on a journey with all the tidbits and memorabilia. As a literary girl at heart, I'll have to skip the WRMK glued binding system. Sewn all the way, baby! I understand the ease of using the glue system but oh my, I try to avoid buying this type of binding whenever possible (which is becoming more and more difficult as sewn is significantly more expensive). It ages poorly. And I'm desperately trying to keep some books from dropping all their pages as the glue ages. *shakes fist at the skies* Ugh, just yesterday I was lamenting the state of my Arcanes by great American poet Jack Hirschman. It's losing pages every time I touch it. 😭 And yes, of course there are Hallmark movies set in Paris, blemon ! 🥐🇫🇷🐩 Here's a few off the top of my head. I hope these will help pass the time as your daughter awaits her promised Paris vacation. Don't forget Paris is hosting next year's summer Olympics so things will be different and a little crazy in 2024! Love Locks with real life couple Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell: A Paris Proposal with a good ol' silly contract relationship (I love a silly contract relationship): Her Pen Pal: ETA: Do you know her preference in movies? Beyond Jeunet's famous Amélie movie, there are some other lovely movies exploring the French capital and love. Les Chansons d'Amour (Love Songs) which is about love, loss, grief and love - again! - which I absolutely love despite not being into musicals: The Dreamers which I saw as a teen but might be considered a little raunchy by US standards (incest) (explores the famous May 68 unrest/cultural revolution): A Monster in Paris which is a lovely animation movie featuring two beloved French musicians, Vanessa Paradis and Matthieu Chedid (it's way better than the trailer makes it look, I promise): The Science of Sleep by Michel Gondry: |
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blemon
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,577
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Post by blemon on Jul 8, 2023 0:08:26 GMT
I hope these will help pass the time as your daughter awaits her promised Paris vacation. Don't forget Paris is hosting next year's summer Olympics so things will be different and a little crazy in 2024! Thank you! And we are definitely not coming to Paris in 2024. No way. I don't think we're doing anything but hopefully moving into our house after a year of reno. I really appreciate all of these movies. They'll definitely be exciting to watch. We'll have to make a list of things to see. And honestly, the kid would rather watch a documentary than a movie... |
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Post by scrappyem on Jul 8, 2023 23:57:34 GMT
Ok, first of all (before I get distracted again), what a lovely little album, scrappyem ! I can't believe I keep forgetting to type out how cute and fun it is. I love mini albums. I love how creative they are. They are like old houses with hiding spots and hidden staircases. Yours looks beautiful with those bright watercolour touches. Thank you! That's very kind of you to say. I swear it's my most favorite album to date. It's been a lot of fun to create and the only thing I've consistently worked on this year. The 6x8 size feels a bit magical. That's some good food for thought on the glue-binding system. I wasn't even thinking about longevity. |
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Post by scrappydo on Jul 12, 2023 8:26:32 GMT
We spent a day in Bruges on our way to Brussels and that town was so beautiful. I've never seen anything like it. We loved it. I lived in the historical centre of Bruges for a while when I was a child. I still return regularly, preferably in January when it's cold, grey and not filled with tourists. Very special place. If you ever go back to teach in Groningen, hit me up for some special addresses in Bruges. There's also a great way to travel by train on the cheap from Bruges to Disneyland Paris through Lille (regular train to Lille and then switch train stations in Lille - it's barely a 3-minute walk! - to grab the French speed train to Marne-La-Vallée Chessy). It's one of my special travel combos "up North". ETA: In Bruges is part of your Christmas movie rotation, right? Riiiiiiiight? I lived in Antwerp for 4 years (oh so long ago now!!!) and commuted to work in Brussels 😊 Bruges was definitely a place we took visitors regularly... I'll have to look at that Christmas movie too! |
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Post by sleepingbooty on Jul 17, 2023 18:42:38 GMT
I lived in Antwerp for 4 years (oh so long ago now!!!) and commuted to work in Brussels 😊 Bruges was definitely a place we took visitors regularly... I'll have to look at that Christmas movie too! A little late to reply but yay for the Bruges love in here! Antwerp is so cosmopolitan. You must've had fun! In Bruges is not quite a Christmas movie but if people are going to claim Die Hard, I see no reason to leave In Bruges out. It's got Christmas and even snow, I say it passes the test.  I'm so glad to see it finally gain a bit of niche Christmas fame. I've been doing my best to lure people over to In Bruges since I saw it in the theate back in... 2008. The time has come!  |
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I still return regularly, preferably in January when it's cold, grey and not filled with tourists. Very special place. If you ever go back to teach in Groningen, hit me up for some special addresses in Bruges. There's also a great way to travel by train on the cheap from Bruges to Disneyland Paris through Lille (regular train to Lille and then switch train stations in Lille - it's barely a 3-minute walk! - to grab the French speed train to Marne-La-Vallée Chessy). It's one of my special travel combos "up North". 
I'm so glad to see it finally gain a bit of niche Christmas fame. I've been doing my best to lure people over to In Bruges since I saw it in the theate back in... 2008. The time has come!