A Notebook from the Pleasanton Expo

This project is way cool. It was a Make & Take from the Oohlalal Designs Booth at the Pleasanton Scrapbook Expo a couple weeks ago. I changed the notebook holder to be with black fabric, the orientation to open just like a book, embossed the heart, and a chipboard frame with flat back pearls for "Friends". Finished project size is 9-1/4" x 10" x 1/2". The background chipboard on top of the black fabric came "naked" - ink was applied directly from the ink pad on top. Ranger's Distressed Walnut Ink was used throughout the project. The dress form can be purchased already embellished with the ribbon and rose along with safety pin+charms. See Christine Delgadillo's blog site for additional information: http://www.oohlaladesignoriginals.com/. Christine teaches amazing scrapbook classes in the San Francisco Bay area so be sure to look her up!

Here's the black chipboard frame with the flat back pearl adhered with dimensionals.

Here's my version of the inside notebook. I decided to add slanted pockets to both sides. The right side to hold the lined paper which can be later replaced with a new one. The left side is a pocket to hold various loose note. A pen is added: I have decided to use Kraft paper with the black seam binding for the pen holder - this last task to be completed. That printed paper on the right pocket and top of the notebook? It's the packaging from the dress form used - love that recycling!

This is the original notebook with a black/Kraft color cloth background (already assembled) and the "Friends" banner.

The notebook cover was to flip up as shown:

This is how I revamped a cover: Cut out chipboard - I happen to use a mat board (which is thicker than chipboard)

Apply a spray adhesive on the chipboard and position onto the black fabric:

Apply sticky tape around each shipboard piece. Do not remove yet. Corners need to be made first !!!! Each corner is made in the same way: remove a small portion of the sticky tape at the corners, pull corner toward the center of the chipboard (see yellow arrow), add another square piece of sticky tape, then carefully start to fold up sides after removing the rest of the sticky tape.

Finished corner should result as follows (see yellow arrow):

After all the fabric has been secured, adhere Kraft card stock to the inside. Be sure to score in between each side of the 1/2" spine so that the "book" will crease properly. After adhering and scoring the left inside cover, the right side Kraft card stock can be accurately cut to finish the inside. No specific measurements for the pockets - just be sure the "seams" are hidden underneath the edges. Add a 1/2" fold over to the pocket slant edge - it adds strength to the opening. The decorative paper is then added.

I really like this project and will be making similar ones involving fabric!!! !