Sometimes you see something and you think, "WOW! That must really be difficult to make." So instead of giving it a try, you pass it by. Well, here's one of the items I'm including in my auction package this week and it really is super easy. In fact, this one was created in less than two hours. Wouldn't this make a nice gift for someone celebrating a memorable birthday? And really...aren't they all memorable?
I'm going to share several pictures here and then I'll give you some simple instructions.
This is a paper bag album and if you can fold paper bags, you've got it made! My personal hint to you would be to create base pages for every page you put in your book. Then, when you have the entire page completed, adhere it to your page. This will make it much easier and there will be no "mistakes." Plus, paper bags are fairly flimsy and you don't want brads or whatever you use actually pushing through the pages. Much, much easier to add these items to a base page and then adhere it as one page to your paper bag. This is more like the "grouping feature" if you are working digitally.
You can make this type of scrapbook in so many ways and with as many, or as few, pages as you wish. Think of it this way: When you fold a bag, you have four pages -- a cover, a back cover and two inside pages. For each bag you add, you are creating four more pages. So if you want an eight page book (including your cover and back page), you need only two bags. Plus, I love using the inside of the bags for mementos, journaling or whatever floats YOUR boat. Here are some more of the pages.
Here are pages 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5 and 6 (center pages showing binding). Click on any of the pictures and they will enlarge.
These are pages 7 and 8, 9 and 10 and the back cover. Again, if you click on any of these pages, they will enlarge.
Keep in mind that you can bind this type of scrapbook in any way you choose. I've used the Crop-A-Dile and ribbon, but you could just as easily use jump rings, a Bind It All, or staples. If you choose staples, cover the staples with a piece of cardstock wrapped around your book and then put your Cover and Back Cover Base Pages over the piece of cardstock that covers your binding to ensure it doesn't come off. I've done these many ways and no matter what -- they are all just as cute and just as much appreciated.
See how I've used the bag openings to hold journaling pieces? These pieces are large enough to hold pictures, cards that people have given you, tickets or just whatever you desire to keep with the memento of this special event. Because I've made this one a birthday scrapbook, it would be nice if you asked all of those people who attended the big event to sign one of these sheets and make a comment to the Birthday Person! As I always say, you are only limited by your imagination.
When I put these books together myself, I alternate the bag openings, just to give the book visual interest, but you can have all the open ends on one side of the book as well if you choose. And because the pages really aren't that big, you don't need a great volume of Designer Series Papers to make these books.
If you have any questions about paper bag scrapbooks, ask away and I'll be happy to answer. Just drop me an email and be sure to put "Paper Bag Scrapbooks" as the title so I can find your question right away. This particular book was made with the Celebrations Designer Series Paper, along with the solids and ribbons that match.
Hope your Easter was blessed and that you got to spend it with family and friends! Praise God for our Risen Lord! And thanks for stopping -- I appreciate you and your comments!
