So here we are! Only a few more days until the big reveal at Papertrey Ink! Which means we are also getting closer to my FAVORITE holiday, Thanksgiving! I thought I would share this little project that I have created to help my family celebrate their blessings while having a special keepsake to preserve a few memories at the same time.
I cut two pieces of chipboard that measure 3.75 x 6 inches. I set one aside (to use later as the back cover) and kept one out to be used as the front cover of my mini book. I stamped on the cover with Versamark ink and a few images from Spiral Bouquet. I then heat embossed the images with clear embossing powder.
I painted over the embossed images using Ranger Paint Dabbers (Butterscotch & Terra Cotta). I used a horizontal streaking motion with both colors to acheive depth and a true representation of autumnal colors! I then set it aside to allow it to dry thoroughly.
I then used a moist paper towel to "buff" away the paint on the embossed images. You want to use small circular motions directly ontop of th embossed portions only. The true color of the chipboard now shows through the paint, giving the project a real rustic feel. (This is a fun little resist technique that I learned from Tim Holtz himself when I attended CKU this summer!)
I added a small tag stamped with "Gratitude", which is also from the NEW Spiral Bouquet stamp set. (Don't you just LOVE that font! It is one of my favorites!) A little metal embellishment hightlights the tag, allowing the resist pattern to remain the star of the show!
I decided to make the interior pages of the book from our medium glassine bags. I chose to use eight bags, therefore creating eight pages.
I trimmed the open edge from each of eight bags and punched a slot using the Making Memories punch. Regular paper punches will not work with the glassine bags (just ask me how I know!!! RE: Broken 3/4-inch circle punch! Who would have thought a glassine bag could fight back!))
I then used my brand-new Bind-It-All (with a 1/2-inch coil) to bind my book together. I ended up with a little extra notch at the top because I did not center the book correctly, (a.k.a jumped right in and did NOT read the directions!) but at this point, I thought it added "character". (Right?!?!?)
I cut tags to slide into each of the bags ( 3-5/8 x 5-1/2 inches). I stamped them with the same flowers that were used on the cover of the book and did some extensive sponging with Distress Ink. My goal with this little book is to have each guest at our Thanksgiving table write down what they are thankful for on their own tag. The book will be such a great reminder the rest of the year, and be a keepsake even after that, especially for the kids since they grow so fast. I'm sure their answers will be entertaining, to say the least!
Here is what the tag looks like when inserted into the bags that are bound into the book. I love the sofft translucentcy of them.
And this is a shot of the final book. I added a variety of ribbons to all the tags which helped to infuse some additional autumn colors along with texture.
Now, I just need to improve my expertise with my Bind-It-All and I will be able to make small gifts like this for everyone! I love making things that can be appreciate both now and in the future. It is like the gift that keeps on giving! What a great hostess gift this would make if you are traveling this year for the holiday!
SUPPLIES-
Ink: Pumpkin Pie & Chocolate Chip from SU!, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink from Ranger, Versamark
Stamps: Papertrey Ink
Paper: Confetti White from SU!
Other: Recycled chipboard (cut down to size), Butterscotch & Terra Cotta Paint Dabbers from Ranger, Crystal Clear Embossing Powder from SU!, Medium Glassine Bags from Papertrey, Bind-It-All & 1/2-inch wire coil, a variety of ribbons. Metal flower from Nunn Designs, rust glasshead brad from Creative Cafe.
