this is the Kraft type paper that was in the middle of the xmas gift wrap, usually it is a cardboard tube, but this year it was this lovely paper. I ended up with 2 of them.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVamdTKXgHEJl0YixlvX25gx3Gth2pLB8Bdb0w7tGc31hRsfTHczfkBlNy8KwPDdfaDul9hyphenhyphenej1F1_c1I2dYIDzS6JTdtJ9-xDe77b6VDdLXLmtfg6Of9N4jd56fQTKyLlccJyYSblWA/s320/Photo1283.jpg)
Out of those 2 pieces, I was able to cut 8 rectangles...the size of these all depends on how big your covers are going to be.
At each end I cut a finger tab using a circle punch.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0pGm2olOE4U8HXniZW_B0-e319F1Ld36uz1wysy03kjtvxevxAiHMetY-OuZzAHIH2ydWsRH9zNqtDYOHbHPk3tlqox1sxOeIQ-GpP8u5qCuJjVOecap3m3BkpglInTgc2fosk2C3v8/s320/Photo1288.jpg)
Don't throw away the leftover bits...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlQp3VGk9T4ypCuQlBrqp5QRwMSs_uORoTZQw1EQ8l8aaSPH4O1cXOouOeu0s4tCNtoLQOp2ZZGBi-MvdwSmfwrsZ1QVsxWLFouPMvKjlodzYaIxGflX7DjvCVDQxPF5LYeElpsvvQY0/s320/Photo1286.jpg)
using the cardboard from the back of old notebooks I cut my 2 covers. Mine are 6x6, whatever size you cut, will dictate the size you need to cut for the pages inside. The pages need to be smaller than the covers.
I attached patterned paper to the outside of each cover, leaving a border of the brown cardboard showing. Then I placed them side by side with a 1.5cm gap, and attached a strip of the kraft paper. I turned them over and covered the inside with patterned paper too.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Gcfm9UxJukNurFaNcQBcGczTmZrRLBk5Dj-Ck214fb_weEwd4p7pMQR3yfn3H5Us5dNR_T16tlBTaTR6-CbmRibNw5enkMQk9ZJ94MIdZKXolSDh_98qtPiDnY-NdLW_Rn24lqEhObQ/s320/Photo1287.jpg)
next I started making the pages/pockets. Each rectangle of paper was folded in half.
Attach half of one rectangle to half of the next rectangle. I joined them using strips of the leftover paper. I ended up with 7 pockets and a spare half a rectangle at each end.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJ5KejVCJzKpBdRulGEXLsxr0TaBg1MHbRGhT2Mj6hUgaiywhGYl0LEZzhNjcByuX-4OoyaVwZzksnrGH7ezR0Pa-YQTWd1pNfLeIUZsaqeo5sxROo9CzD7IhZW55iigmuSiIwpIVPBQ/s320/Photo1289.jpg)
The 2 end halves can now be stuck to the inside of the covers. Just a little glue around 3 of the edges, so that each one becomes a pocket too. Also a bit of glue in the spine will help keep the pockets in place.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAUb4khY90lZGXAKH8lMuzpN9pkAp-cLG4Ttv6Loiwyy8LBzpqhYZmQ37N8DJMlwdmr5mIiAh_yLX5xDqaN0zDOYIuFmhk9I6ES4QfqWx8sCdzm9UDACSDVGA2Vn-wVRBmfGyEVr67tI/s320/Photo1290.jpg)
After I had stuck these down, I realised it would be a pain trying to get anything into them, so I cut a deeper finger pull.
Next the pages. I cut tag shapes from an old book. I glued 2 tags together for each pocket, just to make them stronger.
Then I gessoed,painted,collaged,scribbled,distressed each tag. ( I used neocolours,prismas,graphitints,white acrylic and strips of patterned paper.)
these slip into the pockets. Each one can have a photo attached and some journalling.
I also attached some of this decorative felt to the front cover. It needs some more embellishment, and the pockets will also be decorated, but i won't do that till the photos are chosen. I will also add some sort of closure, at the moment I am thinking cord attached to the back which will wind around a big button attached to the front.
Love it.So effective and a great way of recycling stuff.It's inspired me to try harder to do something like that!
ReplyDeleteDarcy, I love this project! Beautiful work - I love the colors on the tabs. This would make a great stream session - lol!
ReplyDeleteKetsia
Thats fab Darcy :D
ReplyDeleteC
xx
Excellent recycling Darcy.. I have kept the last two washing powder boxes with no idea what to do with them but they smell gorgeous!!! Xx
ReplyDeleteFab project, great result. I love recycling and I'm always so chuffed when I see projects like yours.
ReplyDeleteJoZarty x
ohhh that's brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous, I love it!
ReplyDeletefantastic project, sadly all my tubes are recycled already, so will have to think to save at a later date
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea, Darcy!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea - love your inventiveness!
ReplyDeleteFabulous book Darcy, thanks for sharing :-) Am going to be making a book for a gift and may put some of these in.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx