Junk Mail Notebook Update

Here is an updated photo of my junk mail notebook. I've added tabs. By tabbing one notebook I can have every list all in one place and be able to find the correct list easier. I tried using ball chain to "hinge" the notebook and that didn't work very well. One side snapped. I guess I'll lace it again. I am going to look for large key chain rings - the ones with a hinge - our local hardware store doesn't stock them and I think they would work really well. Otherwise I cleaned my craft room a bit last night and am looking forward to some sewing again. Happy crafting!!

Junk Mail Notebook

Do you find yourself writing lists on the back of envelopes or junk mail? Well, this is the craft for you. I don't know who to give the credit to for this idea. I know I've seen a version of it some where but I just can't remember where. Anyways, this is how I did it. First I decided on what size I wanted it to be - I thought a forth of a regular sheet of paper made sense. Then I found some pretty paper and covered all sides of the cardboard. Then I started to think of ways to bind it all together. There are several options - you could fasten eyelets like I did for the blue one. Then you have to punch holes in all your scrap paper and "sew" it all together. (Which is no big deal - it took minutes) Or you could use bolts, washers, and wing nuts. Again, you're punching holes - but not sewing (or lacing) anything together. Or, you could use the big clip fasteners you find at an office supply store. No hole punching - easy peasy lemon squeezy. I like all the ways. If you click on the first picture it will get MUCH LARGER and you will see what I mean. Just make sure you use a good dryish stick glue. The glue in the picture (the UHU glue) is wonderful and only .99 a stick last time I checked. It's a good idea to really press the paper down so your glue gets good contact with both the paper and the cardboard. I used a tiny brayer - or I've been known to pull the cuff of my shirt down over my hand and rub that way. ha ha. I've been using the blue notebook and it works great. Here is what it looks like when it is open using the eyelet/lacing method -

I like that the cover opens all the way. I had to hinge the other covers by scoring the cardboard on the inside of the cover so it would fold up. If you're confused I could send you a picture. This is a great way to use all that junk mail - and halved business-size envelopes. The bonus with the envelopes is you then also have a pocket for your coupons.

Oh - I know my crafting area is a disaster - I thought about hiding the mess - but then I'd just have to get it all out again to make more. This is real life baby! This is how crafting happens when you don't have a plan and just wing it. Oh - and SLW your comment on the last posting was funny - what do you mean you don't have that gene? I've seen some pretty amazing scrapbook pages you made! It's all there - you just have to use it!