Using up your Paper Stash 1

Hi Crafters

Today starts a mini series of ideas to use up your paper stashes.
If you are anything like me you have masses of 6 x 6, 8 x8 and 12 x 12 pads in the cupboard, some partly used and some brand new, because they are just too lovely to use.

Well I hope to inspire you to get all your pads out, sort them and then have a go at making some new items, perhaps something you have not made before.

I was inspired by Lyriclover on YouTube, who is running a series on using up your paper stashes, I have no doubt she will be running her series for a while and there are already eight  videos, so why not check her out on YouTube for even more ideas.

Project One is a simple one to start with, Find a simple Journal book and cover with papers. I bought 2 standard Rhino Journals and covered them with quite heavy papers from Crafters Companion, it was actually an A3 sheet, so I did not need to join papers.

• Glue the back cover of the Journal on the outside and lay on your paper with the book open  cut around the paper allowing  2cm all the way around to fold over.
• Glue the front cover and fold the paper over so the binding seam has not glue on it and can remain flexible.
• Cut the corners at angles and cut v notches at the binding seam to allow the paper to fold in
• Fold all the sides over the edge of the journal and glue down
• Open the book up and measure the insides to cut matching papers to line the inside pages cut these 1cm shorter on both sides 

• Decorate as you want.

You could make these books into Junk Journals or Memory Books by stamping and adding items to the inside

On   the left hand book I made a flap to close the book and decorated it with a 3D flower from the K & Co range of stickers (using up more stash, it really is great to familiarize yourself with your stash, its like having Christmas in July) The flap holds with velcro, and I have added a pocket and tag 

The book on the right has a belly band and another 3D sticker from K & Co. Inside I have covered an A5 envelope with the lining paper, so there is a pocket to hold your memorabilia or photo's etc.

These make pretty gifts for a young person to write about their summer break and keep their memories, or for anyone who, like me, enjoys pretty stationery and making lists. 

Why not check back for more ideas throughout July and I will be adding some of the new makes to the stash of items to be sent to the winner of the drawer for new subscribers. If you want to be in the drawer click on the FOLLOW button at the top of the page. You have until the end of July.

Dee