At a class this week, I showed my ladies how to make these cute covered notebooks. Simply find a plain notebook (look for coloured paper pages to really make it special), approximately A5 size. Using 1 sheet of 12x12 paper, simply trace around the notebook and make two covers for the front and back. I tend to make these separately and not try and fold around the binding as it becomes too thick. When you add the black 2" stripe of black card it will cover up any rough edges. Now I was lucky when I made the demo and stamped all the details after I'd stuck them on, but actually do all your decoration beforehand in case you make any crafty errors!
I then used favourite frame stamps and my favourite small font typewriter stamps for the "bright ideas" title. Next get out your paints and paint in a few details, here I did the bird and tiny flowers in the big frame, and the butterfly in the long one. Once dry simply glamour dust over the painted parts to create a shine and to make it look like you might have stamped in different colours. I then added a little more glamour dust around the circle of the stamped image. Next finish with a couple of leaves (punched from pretty papers) and a bit of bling to add 3D and depth. Once you have stuck the covers back and front, then fold a strip of card in half, and put a couple of brads through the front side. Glue and double side tape the strip in place...doesn't it look like the brads are holding it together???. Finally ink around the edges to give a nice vintage feel and get ready to...........................................well you didn't really think I'm going to actually use my notebook did you...what if I write in a mistake and have to start again...............no I'll just admire it for a few days more then maybe stick some stuff in first, like cuttings or maybe I'll buy a new pen just for this notebook...we'll see! why not make a few yourself this weekend.
ok...so what was the pressie bit to the title?? well one of my lovely clients brought me this fab rubbish bag which a very clever friend of hers had made...I suggested her friend make some more to sell to all of us, wouldn't you agree?? just post a comment if you'd be interested and I'll see what I can do.
Have fun xx
