Tuesday, November 23, 2010

TUTORIAL: Shopping List Notebook

I found these cute little Peanuts journals in the Dollar Spot at Target.  I had planned to make some journals from scratch and have them bound at Office Max, but for what I needed, these little ones worked perfect.  So here's a little gift for friends, teachers, co-workers...for holiday lists and stashing coupons for savings!

Here is what you will need:
  • a small journal from the Dollar Spot at Target (or any little journal will do)
  • two sheets of coordinating cardstock or scrapbooking paper
  • scissors
  • double sided tape (Target brand works fine)
  • permanent scrapbooking adhesive (optional)
  • ribbon
  • coordinating stickers or chipboard 
 
First, cut two pieces of cardstock for the front, size 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches.  Then cut two more of your coordinating paper in size 6 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches. Then place the double sided tape as shown.  (I also put a long piece in the middle of the wrong side of the paper and along the spine edge of the paper to keep it in place).

Now, fold in the top and bottom and then the outside. 
And then clip the corners.
Place your coordinating cardstock on the inside cover of the journal to hide your folds from the outside cover. I used the double sided tape to adhere. 
Add some stickers and some ribbon to the spine and the front cover. I had these cute cardstock flowers and pretty gathered ribbon that worked perfect (the ribbon helps hide Charlie Brown's stripes...as much as we love him, his stripes don't match my paper!)
Then cover the back of the journal just as you did the front.  Add an envelope to the back inside cover and embellish as you wish...just not to much...the book won't close if you have too many pretties! You can tuck coupons in the little envelope.  I made these for my two dear friends and added Huggies and Pampers coupons for their little ones.  They loved them!
Here are a few more pics of some that I finished... 


And one little before/after shot: 

A little gift for less than $5.  Useful, pretty, and easy to make!  Have fun!

2 comments:

  1. these are adorable. i am always up for making handmade things and a journal/notebook actually is next on my list...i'll let you know how it turns out :) i will have to use some of your tips for sure ♥

    ps i will email you back shortly!!!

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  2. I just love your stuff!! Thanks for posting instructions. HUGS!

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