First and foremost HAPPY FLIPPING NEW YEAR! I've been totally slacking in my blogging and making but I have a good excuse... I haven't felt like it. I'm a stinker. What can I say.
Happily, something has kicked me in the pants and I've been back at it.
For a long while now I've been trying to make great mini vinyl LPs. I didn't want a paper copy printout of an LP, I wanted a cool little actual record looking thing. Finally, after a gazillion attempts (not even exaggerating) I think I've cracked it. Just look at these gorgeous little things!

I won't share my process just yet. It's taken me a good long while to figure this out for myself. I'll just sit on it for a bit and savour the craftgasm of my victory.
Super pleased with the LPs, really happy with the record sleeves, and the covers too. I'm just sickeningly pleased with myself to be honest.
The fact that the first wee albums I've created are double LPs is kinda a weird coincidence. I was psyched about it first because I thought "Great! I've got the template set up. It'll be a breeze!" Alas, when looking at the original big people versions the records slip inside in different ways. This one, Morgan Wallen "Dangerous", opens and the albums slip in beside the center fold.
The second wee album I made, Frank Ocean's "Blonde", the LPs slip in the ends of the cover.
I know. Who cares?! What difference does it make?
There are times when "it'll do" is enough. Other times paying keen attention to detail, putting in extra effort is part of the fun and gives an extra sense of satisfaction.
This flipping album drove me nuts. It was a rabbit hole I was not prepared for. There are like a million different versions of this thing! Coloured vinyl. White cover. This. That. The other. Why does this thing cost $2000!?! What do you mean it was only available for sale for 24 hours? Why the hell are bootleg copies $300+?
If you ask me the process, the learning, the effort, all that stuff makes for a successful project even more than the actual result at times. But the best is when all those things mesh perfectly to enhance the result.
Sure, most people wouldn't give a hoot about which way an LP slid into it's cover. BUT the people who love those albums would know. It's those details that tug at memories and heartstrings.
The image below shows the marketing pic for the original album on top, and my 1:12 scale reproduction below. Yes the toning is a little bit off but I'm so fucking pleased with myself. I AM GLOATING!!!!!


But what now? I've prepped about 100 little LPs for something.
I like the idea of creating a top 100 albums list in miniature. I got a look when I mentioned it, but I think it would be a fun challenge.
I also like the idea of creating small collections. Offering sets of three super cool albums in all sorts of categories: old country, ska, punk, new romantics, grunge, blues, blue grass, jazz.
Then I thought that maybe I'd create them as people made requests.
I'm not sure. What do you think? Would you make a whole record shop? Or just a few mini-albums to carry with you always?
I hope you've been well, lovelies. I have missed you. I've missed making.
Beautiful Nichola! And I do care how the record fits, it needs to be the way the real album fits in. Keep up the Lovely work!
ReplyDeleteThose are fantastic! I have missed your posts and am glad you are back.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling you've experienced of tomorrow is another "Shelter in Place" Day like it drags on and on but, you've kicked it's butt and nailed it with your creative albums with record!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of your vinyl and hope you're considering Country Music as an album set.
We've missed your posts and happy to see you're back!
You ROCK!!! I have one musician friend that I would make a special album for, he is a huge Nick Drake fan!
ReplyDeleteSo if you ever come out with a tutorial I'm willing!
Fantastic! I've made 1:12 scale albums and records before, but your's look soooo much better than mine. Can't wait until you share the process.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
There is nothing like a craftgasm! And you deserve it.
ReplyDeleteI know I would love a couple of my favourite LP's done like this. If you did requests I would def buy.
You are freaking amazing! All I can say is Wow!
ReplyDeleteAmazing, and the attention to detail is great! I'm sure there are both types of people out there, ones who care that it's as close as possible to the real thing and people who, like me, only care that it looks like a record. If the process makes you happy, you should go for it! These are amazing any way you look at them!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you are posting and making tiny adornments. I have missed your daily blog postings so much. You have been such a mentor to me to make imaginative and down right cute things. Please come back to us! Stay safe and Healthy Nichola
ReplyDeleteWow! These are great!
ReplyDeleteCrazy cool..
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