DIY Smashbook

I’ve missed ONE Make Something Mondays in over a year and the one I missed, I posted the following morning because it was over Christmas. I think that is decent. So, today, I am going to take Monday off. However, I still want you to get the enjoyment of crafting on Monday.

I went in search of a craft that I would probably make and that you would probably enjoy. Until today, I had no idea what a smashbook was. I was scouring the internet for craft ideas to show you guys and I found a DIY smashbook. What the heck is that? It is like a scrapbook, but more awesome. I found this craft/DIY project at Little Birdie Secrets. The following images, text were written/taken by Little Birdie Secrets. I hope you enjoy it because I think it is an awesome idea! I would definitely make something like this.

Our featured notebook is a simple composition book (we found it at Target for $.50) covered with patterned paper and a little ribbon. Your child will never have to ask to borrow a pen or pencil again with this clever design. (We scraplifted this idea from a Close To My Heart ad.) Plus those mini pens and pencils are adorable.

Cut a piece of cardstock to fit the front, back, pen area, and spine of your composition book. Glue all pieces on using the adhesive of your choice (we like Mod Podge, but be sure to smooth out all the bubbles with a brayer or bone folder). Lightly sand the edges of the paper so it “becomes one” with the notebook cover. We zigzag stitched along the seam through the paper and cover with a sewing machine just for fun.

Cut a piece of ribbon long enough to wrap around and tie a bow, plus a little extra for the pen loops. Zigzag stitch the ribbon in measured spaces to accomodate pens and pencils (be sure to use the pen or pencil as a guide so it’s the right size). Secure the rest of the ribbon to the book with a little MonoAdhesive or double-sized tape so it doesn’t slip off.

We used a Crop-A-Dile to punch two holes in the cover and place large eyelets at the top. Then we tied a little ribbon through them and attached a scrap of paper with a stylish paperclip. This would be so cute with the owners name on it instead of “notes.”