I know, I know it is way too early to think about Christmas…right? Or is it? Throughout the year I find myself collecting bits of information that will help me as I select gifts to either buy or make for my family and friends at the holidays. Things like…Vanessa likes Peerless Coffee best, or Rick wants the 5-minute Pizza cookbook and Debbie’s present is under the guest bed behind the box of ribbons. The problem is finding all those little notes I write to myself throughout the year. If I just had one place to write them down and keep the information, a place I’d remember to look when I’m ready to get started. Some people go to their latest electronic device, but I think I would rather use something handmade…and with supplies I already have on hand.

When I saw this great paper album by Melissa Thiesse, I knew I was on the right track. Melissa used a file folder (brilliant!) covered with various scrapbook papers and trims to make a fabulous photo album. But, what if I used fabric to cover it instead? I could use the same process I did in Spectacular Cards and Make Spectacular Books (click here for pdf) by replacing the paper base with a sturdy file folder….

I am so pleased with the way this project turned out! The finished dimensions of the notebook are 6 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ and about 3/4″ deep.

I followed the instructions Melissa gave for creating all the folds (on both sides).  I trimmed away some of the excess, but left a little wiggle room that will be trimmed away after the fabric is in place. Once the fabric was ironed onto each side, I trimmed or “squared up ” (using my ruler and rotary cutter) all the exterior edges of the folder, including the front flap, to the size I wanted. Next, I rounded my corners using the Corner Chomper by We R Memory Keepers. With a wide zig-zag stitch all around the edges, I was on to the the next step.

I know I’ll be “in and out” of this book quite a bit during the course of the year, so I wanted a ribbon that would hold up to such wear. I chose some red twill tape, about 1/2″ x 40″. I added a casing to the back of the book to keep the ribbon in place. The casing piece measures 2″ x 5″ and was centered on the back.

The cut size of my paper is 11 1/4″ x 8″  with folds at 5 1/4″ from each of the shorter edges. This leaves a nice center spine that corresponds to the center spine of the fabric cover. I embellished a couple of the pages by sewing a die-cut tab I cut from a Quickutz (Lifestyle Crafts ) die to the edge. Then I added a few bits of Tim Holtz Paper Tape just for fun!

I used a Tim Holtz small ring binder insert that I keep securely in place using a #6-32 x 1/2 screw and matching dome or cap nut from the local home improvement store (make sure to test each screw and nut to make sure they fit together BEFORE you leave the store – just sayin’). I centered the ring binder and drilled the holes through the paper and the cover with my Japanese screw punch. Then I screwed the ring binder in place.

I also added a few envelopes to the center of the book so I could keep my receipts all in one place for those inevitable returns that happen after the holidays. Jenni Bowlin stickers are perfect to help remind me what goes inside.

I added one of my favorite pens, a Pigma Micron 05 with some skinny red cord so, in theory, I should never be without!

To embellish the book I used Diesel die-cut letters from Quickutz (lifestyle crafts). I found a canvas tag way back in my stash drawer and I embroidered “2011″ on it using a back stitch and some pearl cotton. I wish I knew how to thread sketch—that would have been even better!

I used my Sizzix Big Shot machine to cut the 4″ circle for the front. I glued it in place with a little fabri-tac.

I plan to use my book quite a bit this year. And once the holiday season is over, I will turn it into my 2011 Holiday Memory book. I’ll switch out the receipts for photos and if necessary add new or additional pages so I’ll have plenty of room to tell all the stories of the 2011 holiday season.

Thanks again to Melissa for getting me started!!  Make sure to check out her blog as she has lots of great ideas to share!

Related posts:

1. Spring Potholder project
2. Caged Creature—free Halloween project
3. Meet the Insul-Fleece Craft Pack and make a Christmas casserole carrier
4. Fabric and fast2fuse Heart Ornaments
5. Monkey Around Lunch Bag Project