Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Holiday Notebook

One year I made these altered mini notebooks for several close friends and family members, that I sent in lieu of a card. It's more like a card and mini gift all in one. The notebooks I altered came with plastic covers. I removed the front one and covered thick glossy cardboard pocket page immediately after it, with mod podge and scrapbook paper for my new front cover.

I also added some metal accents that I got a great deal on through Oriental Trading's Scrapbooking catalog. They're a great way to get inexpensive embellishments and supplies but keep in mind that some things are exactly that, inexpensive and it's reflected in their quality. What I really liked about these was the small front pocket, perfect for stashing receipts. I added patterned paper with mod podge. The other things with glue stick. The stamp has been embossed to give it a shiny raised look. I didn't have Staz On ink but with the embossing, it stayed put just fine on the shiny surface.

My idea was that the recipients could use the mini notebook to jot down clothing sizes, wish lists, things they needed to get done for parties etc. They could tuck it into their purse and bring it along on shopping trips.
I also added a little message on the inside of the back cover, just to cuten it up a little. You can see the original striped pattern on the back plastic cover. That's the main reason I took off the front one. The other was because I know from experience that mod podge doesn't always work well on shiny smooth surfaces, without a little help. I used sand paper to scratch it up a bit before mod podging on the paper. I used some fun crystal brads to give the back some bling. Ribbons tied to the spiral finished it off.I made ten of these, with notebooks I got after Back to School supplies went on clearence that year. There were several different designs and paper combinations. This was one of my favorites.

My friend Melissa told me a few years ago that she's saved her with her holiday decorations and has used it for several years. It was so nice to find out someone had used it exactly the way I had envisioned. Also, my Godmother told me that she read the part of the message that refers to the feeling like the Grinch while standing in endless lines at crowded malls, and it did bring a smile to her face.

I'm adding this to The Girl Creative's Creating Christmas Blog Fest, today's posts are on handmade gifts. To see the schedule for the rest of the week, click here. It's also part of Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design, Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple, and Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage.

12 Friends Said:

Mama King said...

You are so thoughtful! The time and care you put into your gifts is amazing.

♥ Noelle ♥ said...

FAB idea!! how do you find the time??? hehehe

Rebecca said...

Amazing like always!

Anonymous said...

Another wonderful idea I love. Someday I will be making stuff! Have a great day!

Becca said...

Katie I love it! I love OTC! They hav ethe best stuff. I've never used their scrapbook stuff! I need to give it a try!thanks for linking!

Katie said...

Love the notebook. I did something very similar for several of my friends last Christmas. However, you certainly went the extra mile by adding the special messages to the inside!

Jaedyn said...

I love this! I'm all about notebooks and this one is so cute. :-)

Unknown said...

Katie, this is absolutely awesome! Love.

Vickie said...

The notebook would make all that Christmas planning fun. I would want to do stuff just so I can use the book!

Sam said...

What a wonderful idea! My mother in law is always jotting notes down on scraps of paper she finds in her purse. This would be a great gift for her!!

Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog said...

I love it! I have so many little notebooks, but I can never get enough of them. They are so useful and your turned out great!

Steph @ somewhatsimple said...

I love those!!! Thanks for linking!

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