Brag Books and Journals

After my last blog posting, my friend Autumn asked how I made the journal and I thought I would blog about it -- it is SUPER simple -- and I figured I would include how to make board book albums too.

The journal starts off as a simple composition notebook. A little hint - they are cheaper at back-to-school time than ANY other...I usually stock up then...but they can be found with the school supplies at most stores any time of year. I use a sanding block to rough up the front and back covers a bit -- that seems to help the paper adhere to the surface. Then, I simply use Mod Podge (matte) to glue whatever paper or cardstock I so desire to my notebook. I usually cut my cardstock about 1/4 of an inch larger than needed and then use an X-acto-knife to trim it down to size after it has been glued to the notebook and allowed to dry. Once trimmed, I sand the paper along the sides to be flush with the edge of the cover and I decorate it anyway I want. I happen to have a Crop-A-Dile eyelet setter and I use it to set large eyelets to the front and the back in order to have a ribbon closure...but with or without that addition...the journal is SNAZZY!!

And then, there are the board book albums. Of course, you can buy chip-board albums from most craft stores, but you can find board books at most dollar stores for only a FRACTION of the price. The first board book albums I made were gifts - in particular, I made one for Granny Gerry with pictures of my kids as well as photos of my neices for Christmas...was it 3 Christmases ago?? I have made one ever since and have even begun to include the great-aunt/uncle and the great-grandparents by making them much smaller versions. The technique is the same as with the journal, however, you need to make sure that you REALLY sand the pages down well because the glossy surface of the books keeps the paper from adhering to the book pages. Treat each book page as a separate page with two separate pieces of paper meeting close to the inside fold. It is a trial-and-error experience on just how close you can get the paper to the inside fold of the book...if you try this...you'll see what I mean. If it's too far, you see too much of the board book...but if it is too close, you wrinkle the paper when it closes. Then, once the paper is glued down, trimmed, and the edges are sanded...you can decorate them just like any scrapbook page.

I thought I would include this slide show to give you an idea of what the finished project looks like. Again these have the eyelet closures, and I would REALLY recommend a Crop-A-Dile for that. They punch through a board book like it was just paper...AMAZING! :) I know...I'm a crafting GEEK!!! If you do try this project, I would LOVE to see your finished products -- please email me pics!