I have a simple notebook idea to share with you today that uses some of Poppystamps slightly older dies in conjunction with those fabulous Art Deco Phrases. (And yes, I am ignoring the weather outside and the impending cold months ahead with a bright and cheery 'Spring' themed design. It's no secret that I don't like Winter)!
This one's just perfect for gift giving and can easily be adapted back into a regular card.
Here's how it was made...
I've started off by creating a bright inky background.
Then I've cut it to size (10 x 10cm).
Use the Scribble Circle Collage die and cut so that it hangs slightly off the edge, then glue a same sized (10 x 10cm) white 'back piece' into place and distress all edges as shown.
Stamp and heat emboss three small flowers from the Little Kindness clear stamp set, then choose a sentiment from the Art Deco Frames and Phrases clear stamp set and ink/heat emboss that, too.
Cut it to size and leave everything to one side for now.
Ink up the stems and the flower centres from Ragged Daisy as shown. (I've used this photo layout so you can quite clearly see which part of the stem gets cut to create the extra piece that's needed).
I've used a mixture of these three ink colours and I just keep going until I'm happy with the depth of colour.
Assemble as shown, adding a small rectangle of cardboard behind the sentiment first to add a little more dimension and visual interest.
Then add several thin layers of varnish to protect.
Make a front and a back cover measuring 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches. You will want it to be thick enough to be durable, but not so thick that you can't hole punch through it. (In this instance, two pieces of scrap card from packaging glued back to back with regular card stock sufficed).
Add a strip across the front cover using the Big Hexagon Border Layer craft die, then use Tim Holtz Collage Medium 'Crazing' to seal and protect both sides of both the front and the back covers. (I like to vary my brush strokes when applying Collage Medium as it adds to the texture/distressed look that I favour. However, for those of you who struggle with this look you can use your fingers to apply it for a smooth/more even finish).
Cut insert pages to the same size as the covers. I've used paper from an art sketchbook as it's a little thicker and therefore far less likely to tear.
As both the front and back covers (as well as all of those inserts) will need to be hole punched, I suggest the following method...
Use a scrap piece of card to make a 'hole' template and (if you have one) an 'L' shaped stamp positioner 'old style' tool that will help you keep the pages 'square' whilst you punch. (Tip... If you don't have one of these but can get your hands on some Lego blocks you can make your own)!
Thread everything together, being sure to keep enough slack when tying the knot so that the pages can turn.
With this basic style you can even hang the notebook so that it's always accessible and not hidden under a pile of craft supplies!
Thanks so much for stopping by today. If you do decide to have a go at making something similar I would love to know...
Supplies
