Stitched Notebooks

I really like to write in visually appealing notebooks but they are so much more expensive then the plain ones.  Here is a solution for free.

Take your scrapbook paper scraps and a few sheets of plain white paper (or any paper of your choice for that matter) and turn then into pretty little notebooks. 

If you can sew a straight line on your sewing machine you can make these.

Look through your scraps and decide what size notebooks you want to make.    In the photo below I have two separate pieces for the front and the back and one more small piece to place on the top. 

 Cut you paper about 1/4 inch smaller than the finished notebook.  Stack all your layers together.

 Place the top portion on the finished stack.  In the photo below I have cut one piece of paper for the front and back and just folded it in half.  In this case I didn't put a top portion on. 

 Take your finished stack to your sewing machine and stitch it together.  I lengthen my stitch to the longest possible and back stitch a few times on each edge to prevent the thread from pulling out. 

 Sit back and enjoy your new supply of pretty little notebooks.  Stick them in your pocket, purse, car, desk....  you get the idea.  Now when you have a brilliant idea you can write it down. 

I have a vivid childhood memory of sitting next to my Mom while she made larger versions of these out of lined paper and construction paper.  She would always make us a few stitched notebooks in preparation for a road trip.  My girls (10 & 8) can even make these for themselves. 

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My skirt made it into the top 15 designs for the 

Shabby Apple Dare to Design contest

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Mine is #14

Felt Owl Tutorial #2

Here is the next installment of the felt owl tutorials.

You can see the first one here.

How would you like to make this?

or this?

Use the template below to cut out your felt shapes.  Cut two of the body and one of the belly and two of the wings if needed.  To make the eyes just cut circle of felt.  Play around with their shape and size to change the look completely.

For this cute fellow - 
Running stitch on the wings and nose
For the belly I just made long parallel running stitches
The eyes – Starting on the back stick your needle and thread up through the center of the eye and them back down on the outside edge. Repeat all the way around the eye.

To make this one -
Basic cross stitch on the nose
Whip stitch on the eyes, wings, and center contrast

For the hanging loop you can use ribbon, strips of felt, or a loop of embroidery floss.  When you use embroidery floss or thin ribbon tie a knot in the end to create the loop.  The knot will help ensure that the loop of floss doesn't pull out of the top.  

I like to sew the front and the back together on my sewing machine but you could do it by hand as well.  On both of the owls you will need to fold the wings out of the way when you stitch around the outside edge.


Use the templates on any of your favorite crafts. In the photos you can see how I made not only hanging ornaments but keychains, small stuffed animals, attach a pin back and you have a brooch, you could even shrink the size of the templates and make hair bows. Only use one layer of felt and you can applique the shape onto your favorite bag or the end of a winter scarf. Use your imagination and see what you can come up with.

________________________

Do you want to win this skirt ?

Click here to learn more

My skirt made it into the top 15 designs for the 

Shabby Apple Dare to Design contest

You can go here to vote - PLEASE :)

Mine is #14