This art that makes me happy

Since I've been busy finishing up my projects and article for Scrap Muse , since I got home, and I cant share those , quite yet, I dug into the archieves again. This is a project I did for ScrapBook Answers Mag. Since it's Vacation time. I thought I would share this "how to". It's easy to make and really convenient to take with you in the car ect. It's made with manilla or white mailing envelopes. I slide pieces of chipboard in to the front cover (actually two peices cut in half...leaving them to meet in the middle with a space for the bend)
The directions are written out below,but it's super easy. Add as many pages as you want, as long as it will close without being to bunchy. The open flaps are great places to save paphets and bits of souvineers you pick up.

You can decorate it any way you wish. I even decorated my pen. It's a great way to use up odds and ends of supplies. Actually you could just use the basic directions for putting together the book and do a baby keep sake, honeymoon, Christmas card holder ect....

Above , shows the way I held the tie into place in the back.

If your envelopes have the peel and stick strip, just tear it off and add patterned papers there.

Sorry the shots are a bit dark, but you get the idea.Travel Journal Directions

Supplies ( I used):

9x12 inch Catalog Envelopes- by "AMPAD"

Cardstock- Bazzil and Making Memories

Patterned Papers- 7 Gypsies , Scrapworks and Carolees Creations

Vacation Themed stickers-"Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage"

Rubons- Making Memories and 7 Gypsies

Ink- Black Stazon

Chipboard bookplate- Heidi Swapp

Twill - hand dyed (origin unknown)

Twine-Hobby Lobby

Pen- Zig

Stamps-Stampabilites, Inkadinkado, Village Arts Press and River ,City Rubber Works

Chalks>>

Label Maker- Dymo

Clip- Avery

Stickers strip "click" and canvas reinforcers -7 Gypsies Brads- Carolees Creations

Directions:

To make this book, start with one manilla envelope. Cut two pieces of heavy chipboard (5 ½ x 8 ½ inches), and slide them inside the first envelope. Fold this envelope in half. (there sould be a slight space inside the envelope between the two pieces of chipboard...this will allow the book to close neatly when other pages are added. Now , for the inside , fold two envelopes and two pieces of cardstock down the middle , as you did the first envelope.(score these with a bone folder, if you wish). Punch holes, on the crease of each of these papers and envelopes, approx one inch in from both sides.To bind, lay out in this order. (opened up).Cover(sealed end to the right)First sheet of paper Manila envelope (open flap on left side) Second sheet of paper Second manila envelope(open flap on the right side)Line up punch holes. Run twill/twine or ribbon , through the two hole and tie on the outside of the journal. (approx 24 inch strip ).To attaching twill for tying book shut. Wonder tape or Tacky tape works will and is sturdy for holding the bookplate on the front cover. Run the twill under the book plate, leaving enough on the right side to tie with the other end , after wrapping around back of journal. Run the other end of the twill under the (binding tied twill) and around the back of the journal. Attach the twill in the back , to hold it in place by using the canvas reinforcers , or strips of paper. Tie on the right side.



And guess what came in the mail today??? My super super CUTE new apron that I ordered from MJ. Thanks girl... I LOVE IT! Right now I have it tied on the back of the chair to show you , but my first thought , initially was to hang it on the wall and use the pockets to hold blank tags ect... I just need to decide exactly where I want it first.

Back to work for me. Hope you are all having a good start to your week. I need to call my mama today. Today would have been my parents 68th wedding anniversary. My dad passed away 20 years ago. His birthday was yesterday. He would have been 95 years old. I'm sure this week brings back alot of memories for my sweet mama. Her and my dad had an amazing relationship. I can remember my dad saying many times.. " your mother is the only one for me". I also remember him saying to us kids (7 of us), "you kids are so lucky to have a mother like this". He was so right. Now that I've made the tears come I'll close for today. I certainly hope my children will think half as much of me as I do of my parents.

I must have been the luckiest child on earth to have had those two for parents.