Paradise Window Journal

It's that time again! Welcome to my stop on Club Scrap's Paradise Blog Hop.

I've created a 5x7" journal with papers from the Paradise Collection. The 1x3" window in the binding exposes the brightly colored inside pages. The pages are stitched onto the wrapped book board covers with black waxed linen thread.

Here are a few tips for creating one of your own.

Materials:

(2) 5x7" Book Board Covers

(2) 1.25 x 2" Book Board Spines

(2) 5 x 9" Outside Covers

(1) 3.5 x 9" Outside Spine Wrap

(1) 11.25 x 6.75" Inside Cover Wraps

(12) 9.5 x 6.75" Inside Pages

(12) 20" Pieces Waxed Linen Thread

Tools Needed:

Bookbinding Glue & Foam brush

Paper Trimmer

Bone Folder

Grid Ruler & Craft Knife

Cutting Mat

Piercing Awl & Stitching Cradle

Needle for Waxed Linen

Assembly Tips:

Align the top and bottom edges of the spine boards with the covers to create a window in the spine. Adhere the outside cover wraps, and cut an "x" into the window with a craft knife.

Adhere the flaps to the inside cover and burnish with a bone folder. Disguise any remaining exposed book board with a black marker.

Temporarily place the inside spine cover in place, trace the location of the window onto the spine cover, and cut an opening slightly larger than the marked area.

Adhere the inside cover.

Fold the inside pages in half and pierce stitching holes 2" from the top and bottom edges of each crease. Thread the needle with waxed linen and follow these steps to stitch a page:

1. Enter the bottom pierced hole from the inside of the page, leaving a 6" tail.

2. Exit the page and go through the window in the spine.

3. Bring the thread around the bottom of the window and bottom edge of the page, and exit the same stitching hole.

4. Enter the top stitching hole from the outside of the book cover to the inside of the page.

5. Bring the thread around the top of the book cover, through the window and back into the top stitching hole.

6. Remove all slack in the thread.

7. Tie a knot and trim excess thread tails.

Repeat stitching process for a total of twelve signatures.

Thanks for taking the time to view a little paradise here on my craft table. Next on this marvelous hop is the talented Deb at Deb Duz Scrappin'.

Enjoy!

Kay

Christmas Thyme

Welcome to my stop on Club Scrap's merry Christmas Thyme Blog Hop. Christmas is such a fun time for crafting, so today I've created a greeting card and a cute little house-shaped mini album with the Christmas Thyme UM Rubber Stamps.

Christmas Thyme Garden Shed Mini Album

Christmas Thyme Stamped Greeting Card

The shape of the 3.25" stitched book was inspired by the garden shed image on the Christmas Thyme  Unmounted Stamps.

To make the inside pages, stamp the shed onto cardstock to create a template without the snowy portion of the rooftop. Score and fold ten 3x5" pages horizontally in half and use the template to shape the roof line.

Stamp the garden shed onto cover weight paper and adhere to mat board with Bookbinding Glue. Trim with sharp scissors and paint back of cover with ivory acrylic. Be sure to paint the exposed edges of the mat board, as well.

Stitch the pages together with waxed linen thread and adhere the covers to the pages.

Stamp the inside pages and save room for Christmas photos from the season!

How about a handmade card to accompany this darling handmade book? Open the front door of the garden shed to create a fun, interactive greeting!

Stamp the shed image three times and shade with colored pencils.

Cut along the top, right and bottom edges of the door with the help of a ruler, cutting mat and craft knife.

Several sentiments from the UM stamp sheet are designed to fit within the door. 

Kelly at Serendipity and Whimsy is your next stop on this holiday hop!

Wishing you a very merry and wonderful holiday season!
Kay