Faux-Midori ~ Fabric Travelers Notebook Tutorial

Are you a hoarder??? Well, I wouldn't say I was... However, I have been saving the DISCONTINUED Grunge Paper for a special project. These were widely available 12x12 grunge paper packages that came with 3 sheets to a package. I'm so sorry, if you don't have any... check your best friends stash - you never know who may have a few sheets to gift you!!

Supplies used: Pretty Fabric, 2 sheets of 12x12 grungepaper, bias tape, elastic cording, 5 eyelets. Tools used: eyelet setter, scissors, Elmer's spray glue, sewing machine, corner rounder.

I have fell into the "planner addict" hole of goodness!!! Needless to say, I fell head over heals for the Japan style Midori - specifically the Travelers Notebook. If you are not familiar with this type of planner I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend that you check out this video:


She has a ton of great videos, website and if your on instagram you should follow her!!

Anyways, back to the tutorial...

You will first want to adhere (spray adhesive works great!) two sheets of the grungepaper together and cut to the size you like. The typical height is 8 3/4" and the width really depends on how many inserts and accessories you use. For this one I cut mine to 9 3/4". From your trimmings you can also make a pen loop... or not. This is the first time I've made one with the pen loop, so it's up to you. Corner round your corners once you have it cut to size.

To add your bias tape I used double stick tape and just peeled it and added the bias as I went. I opened the flaps of the bias so they are on each side so both the inside and front appear "finished". This takes a little patience, take your time - it's super cute when it's completed. Treat yourself to some chocolate - you deserve it!!

If you are adding a pen loop, attach it now to the middle-ish top of the right side. Yeah, I stapled mine...just to be sure since I have not used a pen loop in the past. It'll be covered up so it's all good. Just be sure to check the legs of the staples and make sure they are not sticking up or doing anything wonky.

Now you'll want to cut your fabric with enough allowance to fold it in about a 1/4" or so and sew it onto your cover. I want you to pause a moment first... make sure your needle is the RIGHT needle to sew with, I switched mine out to a big one just in case. When you get to the pen loop your machine may want to act up, get all clunky and loud, so if it does, I'm just saying you may want to manually crank it... just saying...

Now for an easy step, Trim some matching felt for your inside, spay the heck out of it with the spray glue and adhere it to the inside. It looks so pretty now!!

For your elastic cording your going to need to punch some holes and to help with the fraying of fabric it's a good idea to use eyelets too. From the top and bottom your first hole should be about 3/8" (that's three lines on your Tim Holtz ruler) the 1/2" from that first hole then one in the center.

Cut about 16" of your elastic cording. From the top of the book take one end and go through the top hole and up the bottom, take the other end at the bottom of the book and go through the bottom hole and up the top one and tie the ends together. Your book should bend a bit, you don't want the cords to loosey goosey.

Then cut about 8" for the center add a cute charm before you tie it off and same thing - needs to be a little snug so stuff won't fall out.

And just like that you are done! Super cute right??

~Cheri

March Tumbler of the month using the TC Ebosser

I've had some questions about the tumblers I have used over time. I DO have several of the different Starbucks Tumblers.

This is the COLLAGE IT tumbler, the website says it is currently not available but I have seen it at most Starbucks stores.

Here's the question I get with this one, how do I decorate it?  This particular tumbler I think is for simplicity. Not the tumbler I typically use when adding embellishments. But if you do have it, then how would you create with it? Because you can't add a lot of "layers" it's a great way to showcase your favorite photos, a drawing your child has created for you, a favorite piece of paper. Something along those lines.

So today I am sharing one of the fun ways I have decorated mine using the TC Ebosser!

To start, slip your template out of the tumbler and trace your template onto your sheet of paper. I have a place I keep all of my different templates so I know where to find them all each time I redecorate or change out my designs. Once you have it traced, cut it out.

I enjoy this embossing folder with all of the cabbage roses on it. So I thought it would be fun to play around with it this month. So run it through your TC Ebosser.

Once I had it embossed I very lightly added some pink ink to the page. I used the Tim Holtz distress Spun Sugar ink over the raised images. This paper is from the Teresa Collins Save the Date collection and it has an amazing texture to it!!

Once I finished inking it I used the pearl powder in Blush over the top by using the medium pen then sprinkling the powder over the top then dusting it off. Once done, go ahead and slip it into your tumbler.

I want to mention, I truly enjoy making these and switching them up every month, I am not paid by Starbucks, it's just something I LOVE playing with!

I hope this inspires you and helps those of you that have asked me to share something with this tumbler.

If you are looking for the stainless steel one that you can create with more layers and shown in many of my other posts here is the link: http://www.starbucksstore.com/stainless-steel-create-your-own-tumbler-16-fl-oz/011025477,default,pd.html?navid=PDP

Don't forget to set your clocks forward this weekend!

Is Static Cling getting you down? Tips, tricks & a giveaway!!

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​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​WINNERS✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿WINNERS​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿WINNERS​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿​✿

From Facebook: Loey Hossler cool!

From the blog: Marnie!

Please email me at Cherinspirationsatgmaildotcom with your information and I'll get your packages of sequins mailed out to you!!​

Have you ever been knee deep in a project and darn if you don't spend more time trying to get the sequin off your finger than on the project itself?? Some days that's just how I feel. I LOVE using sequins but man of life that static cling is annoying, especially when your glue dries before you can put it on your project, right?!? So, I have a SOLUTION for you! Yes, it's a little trick I figured out...



We all have those plastic containers that we get our washi tape in from Teresa Collins - right!? Anyways, take your washi out and store it somewhere else. Now, just spray a LITTLE spray of some static guard, like count to ONE, just a little is all you need, you don't want to drown your sequins or discolor them in any way or have a residue on them. TRUST me, I did all of the experimenting for you. ;) **Be quick and do not over saturate metal sequins - if you use too much they will have a residue that is not pretty - just saying... Yes, of course it happened to me and I lost the whole sparkly bag during my experiment, however, if you use just a tiny spray - again just count to one and you should be fine.



Now quickly put your sequins in your container and give it a shake, like count to ten.



Then pour them out onto a piece of scratch paper and let the static guard finish evaporating. see, no residue!! And VOILA no more static cling!! Now you can put them in what ever container you use.



To adhere my sequins I like to use the liquid adhesive that comes in her Xyron adhesive kit.



I just add a little dab of the liquid glue and then layer my sequins on and done!!



So, in celebration of FINALLY figuring out how to get rid of static cling, I'm having a giveaway. YES, I am giving away TWO brand new package of SEQUINS from the YOU ARE MY HAPPY collection!! You have two chances to win!!!

#1 JUST LEAVE ME A COMMENT here on my blog

#2 SHARE THIS MOST HELPFUL POST with your friends from my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Cherinspirations and leave me a comment on facebook how much you liked the tips and tricks today!!

I will be randomly choosing the winners - one from my blog and one from my facebook page on Monday (February 3rd) night.

Good Luck!!

Ok, also MORE good stuff happenings, While at CHA Teresa filmed some great video's with Scrapbook Expo and well, I'm totally stoked since she used one of my projects in two of the videos!! So, I HAVE to share!! Plus they are all about the LATEST and GREATEST and you should know all about it!! :)

Transparencies: http://vimeo.com/85314111
Stencils and Modeling Paste: http://vimeo.com/85313742
Flip books: http://vimeo.com/85313437
Albums Made Easy: http://vimeo.com/85313213

So there you go!! Tomorrow I guess is the big game day. I apparently know who I'm rooting for since my man got me a "special" T-shirt so I KNOW!! Lol, I just want to eat junk food and watch all the new commercials - remember the Calvin Kline one from last year - that wasn't a bad one to watch!!

part two: Tutorial on completing your journal book!

HOW TO CUT THE PAPERS TO RE-CREATE THIS BOOK:

Essentially you will end up with 54 journal pages front and back! Here is a little template on how I cut them.

I used the following sheets of paper from the Now & Then collection 9 sheets one of each paper for my inside pages from the collection:  Floral, Newsprint, Damask, Collage, Red Flowers, Clocks, Bee, Wood Grain & Words.

Your going to cut 7 inches from the top on all 9 sheets.

Then with all of your 7 x 12 sheets:

Cut off 3 1/2 strips - These will be your 9 journal cards.

Fold the remaining side in half. - These are your 9 folded pages.

With your 5 x 12 sheets:

You need pull out the following four papers: Floral, Clocks, Wood Grain & Words papers - These will become your 4 tags {See the below Diagram.)

With the remaining pages you will create "fold out" pages as shown in the diagram above. 

To make your tabs on the pages that fold out: Score your tabs 1/2" and only apply adhesive to the bottom part that will be on the page itself. That gives the tag enough wiggle room when you open the page so it will open flat enough for you to write on. :) :) :)

You are looking at the page all folded out, the tab is on the fold on the left on the other side of the paper. I love all of the room to journal and add things.

Here are some other ideas on how you could use this book:

• Document "highlights" from each month next year and include instagram photo's from your phone!
• Keep track of special events - birthdays, anniversary's etc. You could use this Year After Year!
• A mini "Smash" book - This collection offers Decorative Washi tape - a great way to start out with something a little smaller and unique!

I hope this inspires you to create a fun new little book! For a little more fun in getting you started in creating a new little journal book I am having my first give a way!! 

I am giving a way ONE 6 x 6 designer pad from this very collection - NOW & THEN! You will love this, I hope you win!!

Leave me a comment on my blog and I will pick a winner Thursday, comments will close at 7pm Thursday night and I'll announce the winner Friday morning, Good luck!!

Another Christmas book wit Tutorial using My Minds Eye "All is bright" collection & Graphic 45

I think I have an issue... I have now made 5 Christmas books, all different, and I LOVE them all!! And they are all for different purposes. I think I might be running out of display room in my house come this Christmas. I just love the holidays though and you can never have to many, and I am taking a class with Teresa Collins this weekend with my mother in law.. and guess what?? I'm taking the Christmas count down album class!! So that will be #6!! 

1. Start out using the 8 x 8 Matchbook box from Graphic 45

2. Cut the top off of the box that has the window. Gently score the inside left side, do not go all the way thru, you are just creating a "flap".

3. Cut off the left side of the "inside" box.

4. Wrap the outside of your box and window: 

Glue the inside of the box to the outside of the box first with the opening on the left facing the flap side (both should be on the left.)

Then wrap the bottom and sides. This is the template that I used, but you can wrap each side individually if you want. (The red dots are the opposite of this paper.) Once I was done wrapping my box I added the matching Washi tape to it as your sides using the template above do not reach to the very edge. 

Then add paper to the outside of the "window" part of the box.

At this point all of your outside pieces should have paper on them. Don't add paper just yet to the inside of your box.

For added fun I painted all of my edges at this point, this is totally optional, I just happen to love to paint everything (ask my husband, he'll tell ya! lol!!)

5. Punch a hole on the right side of your box about 1/4 from the lip. If you have a grommet or ring or even a paper reinforcer to use around the hole then go for it, if not it's all good! Now cut off about 18 inches or so of the red and white twine and fold in half. Tape the string in the middle of the box and up the side then pull your folded side through the hole you punched. This keeps the string really sturdy since you will also be covering it with paper when all is said and done.

For the "knob" on the front - add three pop dots to the post of your brad of choice. Line up where the ribbon will wrap around your brad, pierce a hole for your brad. Insert your brad - because you added pop dots to your brad it won't go all of the way in. This "wiggle room" will allow for the string to wrap around it. Glue and bend the back side of the brad.

6. Grab some chocolate, it will take you to your happy place. Let's add some hinges! I like to line up my hinges then mark the holes with a pencil then make the holes with a piercer.  Now, you may notice that your brads may seem a little short but they aren't, give them a little glue and bend them back as best as you can, then go get your hammer and hammer them, voila - those baby's aren't going anywhere! I like to hammer the fronts too, I like the texture. :)

At this point go ahead and decorate your spine before you get to #7.

NOW you can add paper to the inside of your box, the inside of the spine and the back of the window. You will see you had to wait to do this until all of your hardware is on so you can cover up the brads from the hinges, knob and the string for your closure.

7. Take a piece of scratch paper and cut it to the length of your book and fold it in half. Punch holes using a binding system or hole punch. This will create your template where you will put your holes on your book spine. Trace your holes from your template and punch them using a punch or hole setter. Cut your wires to length, then insert them into the punched holes from right to left. For a step by step photograph tutorial on how to do the binding check out my blog here: Binding tutorial

8. What your spine is going to look like with the rings and hinges.

So... Your inside pages! FUN TIME... 

I used the matching 6 x 6 paper pad. There is a little strip up at the top with a hole. You COULD and most people do cut that off so you have a true 6x6 piece of paper, but hey, this isn't a card, it's a mini book. I like to just go for it so instead of spending time cutting the tops off, I covered them in WASHI tape! Super cute, plus my pages are 1/2 taller now, BONUS!!

I love how these pages are pretty much decorated just add embellishments, brads, bling, layered stickers, chipboard pieces & buttons. Once you are done punch your holes in your pages.

Slide all of your papers in then you will need to pinch the wires together with your fingers. 

I hope this inspires you to create something outside of the box! HA!  This album will be at the Creating Keepsakes Expo in Bellevue this coming weekend, look for The Hens Den booth!! 

Merry Paper Linen Paper Joy Paper 6 x 6 Pads Twine Rhinestones Layered Stickers Decorative Tape Decorative Buttons Decorative Brads Chipboard Elements 12 x 12 Stickers 8 x 8 Matchbook Box Metal Hinges

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