Calendars and Notepads

So why have I been making all these Christmas things in July? My friend, Pam, and I are planning to do a craft show. This is our first, so wish us luck:) The first project idea came from Pam and I just adore it! You can run off the calendar from various online sources. I used the freeware from Red Castle: http://www.red-castle.com/software/software.htm. The stamp set is a retired set from Stampin' Up! but you could use any of their tree stamps. I never would have looked at this set and imaged what a tiny bit of coloring with markers could do to make it so adorable on a punched shape! I just used designer paper from my stash and 3 colors of cardstock, Early Expresso, Wild Wasabi and Baja Breeze. These would make great gifts and I'm making a few of them!! You just make a card, then on the inside you put two of the seasons (winter and spring) after 6 months, you just untie the bow, turn it inside out and  you have calendars for the next 6 months. Isn't that a clever design?

Pam has lots of buttons, so she sorted through and found these really cute ones for the matchbook notepads. I have about 8 more to make and I'll be finished:)

These are a couple of the bags I've sewn using the fabric set called "Flirtatious" from Stampin' Up!" We're going to make card sets to go in them. We thought the "Delicate Doilies"stamp set and the doily die cut would coordinate beautifully with the fabric.

Clear Case Notebook Gift

I first saw this gorgeous project on Pinterest. At thiswebsite. After adding this to my list of projects I must figure out how to do, I found some free directions on LeeAnn Greff’s website. I thought this was the most gorgeous thing I’d seen!!! Then I realized it is practical too. As LeeAnn pointed out, you can keep your notebook in your purse and it doesn't get all raggedy on the edges. 

Materials

• Stampin' Up!  DVD cases (4 for $5.95) 
• Designer Series Paper 3 coordinating pieces: (case liner: 10 5/8" x 7") (notebook top: 5" x 2)         (inside pocket: 8 1/2" x 3")
• Circle or oval punch
• Sticky strip
• Thin pen (RSVP pens are too fat)

1.       The junior legal size note pads will need to have 1 1/16 inch cut off the bottom. If you don’t have a paper cutter that will do this, the office stores do this for you for a small fee.

2.       Leave the notebook loose instead of adhering it to the case so the user could remove it for easier writing and to replace when the tablet is gone. The notebook topper is 5" x 2" and can be secured with sticky strip. This can be embellished with a die cut strip or ribbon if you like.

3.       Before placing the 10 5/8 by 7-inch dsp inside the case, consider the pattern on your paper to determine if you’d like ribbon, die cut or some other embellishments on the cover. Adhere those then simply slide in the case.

4.       To make a pocket to hold receipts etc. cut a coordinating piece of dsp 8 1/2" x 3.  Fold it in thirds and secure it in the back and on the bottom with Sticky Strip. Use a circle or oval punch on the front edge in the center so you can reach inside the envelope more easily.  Depending on the designer paper you select you may want to embellish this pocket with a die cut or ribbon before adhering it to the inside of the case.
edited 7/30/2012

Hey Pam, I got mine started:)