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

Life Captured class kits have sold out!

Life Captured” Album Class kit 

“Life Captured”

This album measures 8 x 7″.

This album has 10 pages including covers (19 front and back) – 3 interactive flip pages, 4 pocket pages and a fun binding for the spine.

Includes:

• Pre-cut pages and pockets for easy assembly


• Brads


• Enamel Dots


• Chipboard Buttons


• Die cuts


• Journal cards


• Bingo cards


• Alphabet flash cards


• Stickers

What you will need to complete your kit: Basic class kit, double sided tape like score tape or red line tape, a tape runner will not be strong enough for your binding, wet and dry adhesive, corner rounder (corner chomper preferred) paper trimmer, scorer/bone folder, paper piercer and pop dots or foam tape.

Something Wonderful Mini tag book has Sold Out!

This is a tag album measuring approximately  8″h x 7″w.  This album does not stand on it’s own, it will lay on a table or shelf. I have displayed mine on a picture frame with a 8″x10″ opening using a cup hook and a decorative sheet of paper (“wood grain” from the collection) and stand (not included) to display on a book shelf in my home.

I have used the Teresa Collins Designs “Something Wonderful” collection, 

About the Album:

• Measures approximately 8″ x 7″.


• There are 23 pages

What You will receive in your class kit:

• Pre-cut pages


• 2 doilies


• Paper reinforcers


• 20 decorative tags


• Ephemera package


• Sticker Sheet


• Decorative Buttons package


• 6 feet white ribbon


• 1 ring


• Detailed photographed instructions

To Complete this kit you will need:

• Basic class kit supplies – Contact your local store for basic class kit supplies


• Corner rounder – Chomper by We R Memory Keepers


• 1/4″ hole punch


• Pop Dots

Sold Out! Large Halloween 9x12 album

This is a LARGE album measuring 9 x 12!! It is perfect for your coffee table or display stand. I have used the Teresa Collins Masquerade Party.About the Album:

• Mini file folders used as full pages


• H A L L O W E E N Black foil banner letters (9 total with matts!)


• Measures 12" tall by 9" wide


• This would be great to document your Halloween celebrations over the years!


• There are 10 base pages including covers


• 4 of the new interactive treat bags


• There are lots of layers and demension as yo.

What You will receive in your class kit:

• Pre-cut pages


• Set of 4 file folders


• 4 treat bags


• 4 tags


• Black cardstock mats all pre-cut


• Die cut sheet


• Embellishment sheet


• Black ribbon


• Enamel dots


• 4 book rings


• Detailed photographed instructions

To Complete this kit you will need:

• Basic class kit supplies - Contact your local store for basic class kit supplies


• Corner rounder - Chomper preferrable.


• 1/4" hole punch


• Pop Dots

A Happy Love Class kits now Sold out!

I have used the Teresa Collins “You Are My Happy” collection to create this countdown book.

I really went out on a limb here with this book!! There is SO MUCH to look at! You are going to enjoy creating this one, I’m so excited!!

About the Album:

• 21 pages (front and back) and covers


• Measures 9″ tall by 6 1/2″ wide


• This would be great to document your everyday love, special photos.


• There are lots of layers and dimension!!

What You will receive in your class kit:

• Pre-cut pages from You are my happy collection – Dots (foiled paper), Hearts (foiled paper), Pretty Flowers, Shooting Arrows, Spectacles, Memo Circles,  papers.


• Note cards sheet  – “Hello tags” of 13 journal cards


• 1 treat bags


• 4 flag toppers


• 3 doilies, 1 each: small, medium and large


• Decorative Buttons


• Sequins


• White ribbon


• Ephemera package


• One roll of black with white dots washi tape


• One roll of black/white chevron washi tape


• Paper reinforces for your doilies


• Book rings


• Detailed photographed instructions

To Complete this kit you will need:

• Basic class kit supplies – 12″ paper trimmer, Dry adhesive, wet adhesive, paper piercer, scissors, see thru ruller, A pen and pencil. Mini Sticky notes come in handy in my class so you remember where to put your photos after class if you do not bring them to the class.


• Corner rounder – Chomper preferable.


• 1/4″ hole punch


• Pop Dots


• 1 1/2″ Circle punch (or you can hand cut the circles)


• Bone folder, Paper scorer if you have one.

Dare to Dream Class Kit Sold Out!

I have used the Teresa Collins “Hello, My name is” collection to create this journal book.

This book is all about you, your dreams and your goals!!

About the Album:

• 18 pages (front and back) and covers


• 7 (14-front and back) tag/journal card mini pages


• 12 – month journal cards


• Measures 8″ tall by 6 1/2″ wide

What You will receive in your class kit:

• Pre-cut pages and journal card sheets from the “Hello, my name is” collection


• File folders and tags


• Sticker sheet


• Alpha sheets


• Manila folders


• manila tags


• Gems


• Book rings


• Detailed photographed instructions

To Complete this kit you will need:

• Basic class kit supplies – 12″ paper trimmer, Dry adhesive, wet adhesive, paper piercer, scissors, see through ruler, A pen and pencil. Mini Sticky notes come in handy in my class so you remember where to put your photos after class if you do not bring them to the class.


• Corner rounder – Chomper preferable.


• Teresa Collins Cut n' Emboss (optional)


• Cinch machine to bind your book

Sold out - Countdown to Christmas Book

I have used the Teresa Collins Tinsel & Company collection paired with the Tim Holtz small folio.
About the Album:

• Folio album


• Measures 9″ tall by 7″ wide


• This would be great to document your Holiday traditions new and old. My samples this year are from Christmas' past and the ohhh and awww photo's.


• There are lots of layers and dimension

 What You will receive in your class kit:

• Pre-cut pages from Tinsel & Company collection – Stripes, dots, Quatrefoil, Words, Damask,


• Cards sheet of 12 journal cards


• Pre-punched Countdown numbers from collection.


• File Folder Package


• Pre-cut Foil circle for cover


• Enamel Dots and Shapes


• Decorative Sticker sheet


• Chipboard buttons


• Sequins


• Ribbon


• Wood Ornament


• Detailed photographed instructions

To Complete this kit you will need:

• Basic class kit supplies – 12" ruller, Both dry (tape) and liquid adhesive - you will need enough for 25 pages. Sticky notes for photo placement, pen or pencil for notes. Ruler, Scissors.


• Corner rounder – Chomper preferable.


• STRONG DOUBLE SIDED TAPE (this is in addition to your regular adhesive) This is a must for this book - Red line tape is the best (it has the red plastic backing) I used both 1/2" and 1/4" in areas of the book.


• Paper Scorer and/or bone folder

Tag book album class kit

This is a tag album measuring approximately  8"h x 7"w.  This album does not stand on it's own, it will lay on a table or shelf. I have displayed mine on a picture frame with a 8"x10" opening using a cup hook and a decorative sheet of paper ("wood grain" from the collection) and stand (not included) to display on a book shelf in my home.



I have used the  Teresa Collins Designs "Something Wonderful".



About the Album:

• Measures approximately 8" x 7".


• There are 23 pages

What You will receive in your class kit:

• Pre-cut pages


• 2 doilies


• Paper reinforcers


• 20 decorative tags


• Ephemera package


• Sticker Sheet


• Decorative Buttons package


• 6 feet white ribbon


• 1 ring


• Detailed photographed instructions

To Complete this kit you will need:

• Basic class kit supplies – Contact your local store for basic class kit supplies


• Corner rounder – Chomper by We R Memory Keepers


• 1/4″ hole punch


• Pop Dots

Teresa Collins Flip Book with Video usning Daily Stories

Hey There! Have you had a chance to check out the new FLIP BOOKS? They are seriously so much FUN!! If you have not seen what the flip books are be sure to watch the video because pictures will not explain how it really works. It's AMAZING!! On the cover I used the scallop paper, circles paper, sticker sheet, decorative heart shaped tape and the new gems. The large circle and butterfly is from the brads.

These books come blank and ready to decorate.

To create my book I used the Daily Stories collection. My main papers are from the 6x6 paper pad. You could just add photo's and nothing more and they are beautiful with and without embellishments.

On the inside cover, I used more tape - the butterfly roll, circle paper, brads, sticker and gem.

 

This was a fun page, I used one of the cards "this is me" from the 12x12 "remember paper. Then from the 6x6 paper pad I cut out the tags from that same sheet in the pad. I kept the tags connected together and just added mini enamel dots to the center of the tag holes. I added the banner from the ephemera pack and another circle from the circle paper. On the right of my photo I added the sticker quote. Notice how once the first page has now been flipped the pull page has a row of the circles paper exposed. I loved the size of them from the 6x6 paper pad and thought it was a nice look to the book as the pages flip more of the rows of circles are exposed.

 

On the left I added layers on the left side of the page, you don't want to "bulk" up the sides that will slide into the book otherwise they may not flip as easily.

 

Here I added another journal card and decorative cirlce with a Large gem in the center. On the right you can now see three columns of circles exposed.

 

And last but not least I added a little page for journaling and another card on the right. Again, these are so fast and easy to create!! I made this book in just over an hour!! These flip books come in two sizes, this is the larger one. I am stocking up on these, they are so quick and easy to make - they are perfect for gift giving don't you agree?

New Baby book using Teresa Collins Save the Date collection

I wish that you could feel this paper!! This paper feels like wall paper!! Yes, Teresa was inspired by the feel of wallpaper on one of her trips and she incorporated it into this paper line. It is amazing!! When I received my box with all of the collections and saw this collection "Save the Date" I was stunned by the beauty of it!!

I also knew with a first look - this is not just a wedding collection. It's "core" is all about love and you can see in this post how I used it for a baby book!


The mini cover is just a journaling card!! It was so simply stated and it is perfectly paired with the mini file folders used in this book. When creating mini books often I only corner round the outside edges, not the inside where it will be binded. I also cut into strips the "guestbook" paper side b which has all of the little pink hearts on it and put on each page where it would be binded. I love how perfect it was for this book!!!



I added this page to my book to give the book more stability, I put white cardstock through my TCebosser, emossed the paper and then layered it onto chipboard. Then added all of my embellishments. I love doing this, If you have a book and it doesn't have enough pages or if your book is kind've wobbly you can easily add beautiful pages into it like I have done here.



I really wanted to show you this little flip book that comes in the package of "file folders & tags" The first flip page said JUST MARRIED, so I covered it up with the "ephemera tag" that has the calendar on it. This again would be perfect just to document your event or special occasion.



On the left you can now see the back side of the page I added to my book using the TC Ebosser. The right page is one of the file folders which are really most of my pages in this book. I left the inside blank for journaling by adding some journaling cards (not shown). The front of the file folder is BEAUTIFUL with the "from this moment on" I love how it is designed. I added another tag then the dark pink piece actually folds out, I added the brad on the flap that opens up.



This is the back of the file folder, can you tell I am LOVING the new EPHEMERA TAGS?!?



You can see I added a photo page - I just put two photos together back to back and inserted them into the book as a page! Sometimes it's really ok to be simplistic - what gives it an interesting look is how I layered it when I inserted it into the book. I layered it over the photo on the right page and when it turns you can see the "beautiful day" on the previous day. I always think it's important to look at how pages or embellishments will lay both ways when creating.



This is the inside of the larges mini file folder. I love how this looks - I matted all of my photos on white cardstock and I did the same on this journal card. Oh and yes another tag on that left page!!  OK.. SO, do you see the NEW PHOTO OVERLAYS? I have one on the photo on the right and in the lower left it says "happily ever after" in the circle. These are seriously so so fun!!!



Oh, did I mention the new GEMS are to die for?? I love the new crystal gems!!! Pretty pretty pretty!!!



Here is my last page - which is my back cover. Again, I needed a chipboard cover to give my book more stability so I did the same as before and used my TC Ebosser to create the beautiful page!!

I hope you are inspired to use this collection for more than just wedding, you will love it!!!



 

An Altered box mini album tutorial using the new collection Hello My Name Is collection by Teresa Collins

Hey everyone!! I am so excited to share this with you today!! This is a little project I made for the CHA booth using the new collection "Hello My Name Is".  I've had a lot of people ask me what my favorite of the new collections is and that's a hard one to answer because I LOVE them all for different reasons. 

This collection inspires me to share my story. This project I made is for my daughter to share her story, where she is now in life and I can't wait for her to write in it!!

FIRST, I want to share with you how I MADE this box into a book!!

ok, so I'll start from left to right - the first photo shows you that it is a craft colored, Graphic45 matchbook box. They come in three sizes and this is the middle sized one (8x8). The second photo shows the box that slides out and I cut the left side off!! Then I just cut the right side of the frame on the outer box which allowed it to open. NOW when you SCORE the left side you need to know that this will become your "SPINE", don't cut all of the way through as it will ruin it so go slooooooow and take your time. And last but not least create a template for your binding rings. I cut a strip the same height as the box and then folded it in half and used my cinch to create the holes where they needed to be. Then I spray painted it all in bright white. YOU could cover it in paper, mod podge it, what have you. Right now I'm just loving white paint on everything so there ya go! :)

So now you need to figure out how to fasten it closed. Starting from top left - I used one of the foam squares from the Teresa Collins Adhesive kits Those black foam squares are super dense so they are perfect for this!! So poke a hole where you want your "knob" add a foam square to one of the largest brads - by adding the foam square it will give the brad some height and because the legs of the brad are so long it will go through both the foam and the cover as shown in picture two (top right). Ok, so now you need to adhere your ribbon to the inside of the outer box line it up with your knob so it will close correctly. Then Adhere the smaller box on top of your ribbon lining up the top and bottom of the boxes evenly. Now when you close the book you can wrap the ribbon around your knob!

I loved the "words" paper so I cut strips and used them as my "staple" throughout this book. Have you seen the new photo overlays????? I love the sayings on them!! I added one of the new GEMS on the decorative tape. This page is actually 12" wide - I folded it to create a flap page!

This is the flap page. I cut a strip of journal cards and added them to the flap page by folding them then tied them together. So when untied, they fold out like an accordion. 

Here is the page all folded out - I used a photo on the back of the flap then added a journal card and ephemera piece on the side I am going to have her journal. 

This is one of the new 4 x 6 journal cards from the "love" paper - I love these!! I added some decorative tape to the left and a clear gem to the top center of it, So so simple!

Ok, at first glance you may not recognize ALL that you are looking at here so I'm going to point it out... That is a 5x7 photo overlay, but I ONLY had a 4x6 photo! Well, no  problem they don't have to be only for your photos. I added a piece of card stock to my page, added my photo then added my photo overlay. (sorry, It's hard to photograph them!)

This is the back page and I love all of the layers for journaling!!

I think this is my "FAVORITE" overlay!! ok, pun intended! Seriously though I do LOVE it!!!

I thought this was a fun page to share - the top paper is called "tags" and the bottom paper is called "Polaroids". Again - a great place to add more photos if you like or just use as journaling spots.

Here's another page with an accordion tag fold out tied with ribbon. I liked all of the layers in this book!! I hope you are as inspired as I am!!

When you are all done with your pages use your template from earlier to punch your pages. Add your cinch rings from the inside down on the right side of holes and up on the left, add your pages then pinch them together and your done!!

You can see here how the spine looks! So, go create one of your own! They are a fun to make and it's something you will treasure!!

~Cheri