Card Organizer

Earth Day is almost here (April 22nd) and there is a challenge at Paper Crafter's Corner to create something, anything, with a paper based product that is languishing in my stash (the unloved paper used for the cover and back of book), or use something that will be thrown away because it cannot be recycled (the book itself).  There were other options, but I found this book in our trash right after my Mom cleaned out some left over items from my Father's passing.  It is a great size for a long desired project... a card organizer.  I am always missing birthdays and special occasions because time slips away.  I don't have a smart phone, so I like the idea of an old fashioned reminder when a card should be mailed. 

 

Although I didn't film the process, I will tell you how I covered this book so you will have a head start if you want to try something similar.  After I sanded the book, I used Mod Podge to adhere the patterned papers.  I applied two coats to the book itself, letting them dry in between, and one coat to the paper, letting it dry.  Then a final coat to both and adhering.  My experience is this will create a very strong hold, no matter how rough I get when handling the book.  I stamped a background stamp of brickwork for added dimension and the finished the binding edge with suede.  This I adhered with PVA glue (a strong book binding glue).  I finished the edges with a washi tape that is also glued with Mod Podge.

Inside front cover.  I want to finish the inside of the back cover is the same way but need to wait for a new Nat'l Geographic to find smiles that will work.

 

 There were 3 bonus entries for this challenge by using a country other than my own, using peace in some way, and including instructions.  I was not able to photograph my work in progress so I only have two additional entries for the smiles I found from India, Asia, and Japan, along with a map of Canada.  I used peace as part of my thoughts on why I wanted this book.

I hope everyone takes a few minutes to think of what you can commit to this year to create a better world in some little way (or a big way if you can) for Earth Day.

 

1. Create something, anything, with a previously-used or long-languishing paper-based item from your stash, or something that is begging to be repurposed - no buying anything new! - See more at: http://papercrafterscorner.com/blog/papercrafting-challenge-earth-day/#sthash.RXR3iQOD.dpuf

1. Create something, anything, with a previously-used or long-languishing paper-based item from your stash, or something that is begging to be repurposed - no buying anything new! - See more at: http://papercrafterscorner.com/blog/papercrafting-challenge-earth-day/#sthash.RXR3iQOD.dpuf