Mini Album Post Sandy

Hello my crafty friends!  It is soooooo good to be back on my blog and in my craft space, you have no idea!!!   The past two weeks have been quite a disaster here in Jersey being hit with the horrific and life threatening Hurricane Sandy only to be followed by a tremendous Nor'Easter this past week.

My family lost power as the eye of Sandy hovered over us.  I can honestly say that I was scared while the storm hit, bundling up the kids in whatever hats/gloves/scarves we could find and heading into the basement for safety with water and non-perishables. We continued bundled for 4.5 days; battling a 59 degree house day and night; living off pop-tarts and non-perishable items.  We lost our phone, internet and cable - cell phone towers were hit hard so calls were unable to connect or dropping when they actually did.  Thank God for my battery operated radio - it was a lifesaver and chance to feel that we were still connected to life. 

We are so lucky and blessed that that was the worst we endured here in my town.  

After Sandy hit and we braved the power outtage that time, we got hit with another storm only 2 days after getting our power back on - this one bringing a foot of snow and more flooding.  We then lost our power for another 3.5 days....reliving the craziness of the last week.  It has been quite emotional to say the least.


Anyway, I am finally able to sit down peacefully and create..much needed therapy lemme tell you!  We have a birthday party to go to this Sunday for my husband's cousin's daughter who turned 1 recently, and I thought I would make another mini album and stick a gift card inside it.  I used the tutorial from Marla over at Lake Avenue Design's YouTube video, which you can find by clicking here.  

Here is the front cover constructed with chipboard and covered in patterned paper.  There is also the side view tied up in some lavender gingham ribbon I had in my stash:

Here is what the album looks like as soon as you open it up:

Here is a shot of the album expanded and all the photo mats that are tucked into pockets can be used to hold wallet size photos.

 
Let me tell you, the directions were simple and so was this album to make - I did most of it in one day while the kids were in school.  They make such a cute little gift idea, don't you think?!

Only 20 minutes from our house is the actual shore where homes have been destroyed and our beaches and boardwalks were washed away. There are so many of us in Jersey that are now homeless, without food, clothing, toys for their children, etc.  My husband has quite a few friends that have been left with nothing.  A severe blow right before the holidays.   It makes me sad knowing that a lot of the places where I made some of the best childhood memories are gone for now until they have the opportunity to rebuild and restore what was lost.  So if you have some extra change laying around and feel it in your heart to give, here is a link to the Hurricane Sandy NJ Relief Fund.  I'm thanking you in advance if you choose to donate -it would be a tremendous help to those suffering the continuing, devastating effects of this storm.

Hope you have a wonderful day!
~hugs
Sara

Challenges:  
Top Tip Tuesday - We're all hearts
MIM - Always Anything Goes
The Ribbon Reel - Crochet Lace/flower and ribbon/twine