Mini photo album

Have I mentioned that I like working on all sorts of little books? 

Oh yes, I guess that I have talked about them here, here and here...

One more can't hurt, right?

I've been thinking for a while now that this business card holder would make an excellent mini album for my purse, so I finally picked it up from Target this week. 

I have come to the conclusion many of my projects contain the same basic elements: a Heather Bailey product (in this case, fabric) and Mod Podge. Can you really go wrong with these tools at your side?

After taking the book apart, I began applying Mod Podge, which allowed me to adhere the fabric (pre-cut to fit) to the front cover.

I pulled loose strands of fabric along the edges to encourage fraying. 

Then, I applied a top coat of Mod Podge.

While the glue dried, I sewed buttons onto the elastic that wraps around the front.

Just because.

Once it was almost dry (because you know that I am not patient enough to wait), I put it back together, pictures included. 

I will be pulling this out to show everyone my beautiful book - I mean, my kids. My beautiful kids.

Name badge protector scrapbooks

Don't you hate it when you come up with a concept that makes you feel like the most innovative person ever, only to find out that it's already been done? It sort of leaves you feeling deflated and questioning if you could ever come up with anything that is truly unique (or am I the only one with Dramatic Eeyore Syndrome?).

 

Which leads me to my latest craft...

 

I have been wanting to make a mini scrapbook out of name badge protectors for a while now (I had never heard of them before; it was all my own idea!), and tonight after putting a simple one together, I did a google search to see what was out there. Let's just say, I am not all that avant-garde. 

 

But, we are going to pretend that I was the first person to come up with this idea, ok? Thanks!

Here's another tip that I didn't come up with - if your paper cutting blade is dull, run it along some foil to sharpen it. 

I do love my paper selection; cherries and strawberries get me every time. As do polka dots and scallops. 

I haven't filled it yet, because I am trying to decide how to use it. I think I will create a mini family album for my 2 year-old (another quiet church activity). She would love flipping through the pictures, and the plastic will protect it from her grubby little fingers. 

When my oldest was just a toddler I created a similar album with pictures of various animals so that we could teach her their names and sounds - sort of a custom picture book. I might have given it to her a little too young though, because she mainly used it as a teether. 

 

Another idea is to use this same concept as a portable idea journal. It could hold paint samples and fabric swatches, so that anytime you are out shopping, all of your ideas are already in your purse. 

I'll be sure to keep those recycled ideas comin'.