Holiday Notebook

One year I made these altered mini notebooks for several close friends and family members, that I sent in lieu of a card. It's more like a card and mini gift all in one. The notebooks I altered came with plastic covers. I removed the front one and covered thick glossy cardboard pocket page immediately after it, with mod podge and scrapbook paper for my new front cover.

I also added some metal accents that I got a great deal on through Oriental Trading's Scrapbooking catalog. They're a great way to get inexpensive embellishments and supplies but keep in mind that some things are exactly that, inexpensive and it's reflected in their quality. What I really liked about these was the small front pocket, perfect for stashing receipts. I added patterned paper with mod podge. The other things with glue stick. The stamp has been embossed to give it a shiny raised look. I didn't have Staz On ink but with the embossing, it stayed put just fine on the shiny surface.

My idea was that the recipients could use the mini notebook to jot down clothing sizes, wish lists, things they needed to get done for parties etc. They could tuck it into their purse and bring it along on shopping trips.
I also added a little message on the inside of the back cover, just to cuten it up a little. You can see the original striped pattern on the back plastic cover. That's the main reason I took off the front one. The other was because I know from experience that mod podge doesn't always work well on shiny smooth surfaces, without a little help. I used sand paper to scratch it up a bit before mod podging on the paper. I used some fun crystal brads to give the back some bling. Ribbons tied to the spiral finished it off.I made ten of these, with notebooks I got after Back to School supplies went on clearence that year. There were several different designs and paper combinations. This was one of my favorites.

My friend Melissa told me a few years ago that she's saved her with her holiday decorations and has used it for several years. It was so nice to find out someone had used it exactly the way I had envisioned. Also, my Godmother told me that she read the part of the message that refers to the feeling like the Grinch while standing in endless lines at crowded malls, and it did bring a smile to her face.

I'm adding this to The Girl Creative's Creating Christmas Blog Fest, today's posts are on handmade gifts. To see the schedule for the rest of the week, click here. It's also part of Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design, Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple, and Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage.