VSBN Coaster Mini-Book Challenge

I am so excited to bring you this sweet little project!  It is super easy and inexpensive to create.  There are so many different ways you could embellish it as well!  Here are the complete instructions to make my particular sample.  But please don’t hesitate to shake things up a little and create a different size, color or theme!

For this book you will need:

2 chipboard coasters (approx. 4×4 inches)

(2) 12×12 sheets of coordinating patterned paper

(2) 12×12 sheets of coordinating cardstock

18-inches of wide ribbon

(2) 10-inch pieces of narrow ribbon

various stickers, alphabet stamps or rub-ons

Now to get started, you will need to cut two strips measuring 4 x 10-inches; one from patterned paper and one from cardstock.  You will also need your coasters and wide ribbon.

Place your cardstock face down.  Lay your wide ribbon across the cardstock and securely adhere in place (I used double sided tape).  Adhere one coaster to each end of the strip.

Apply adhesive thoroughly on top of the coasters and one strip down the middle (on the exposed cardstock).  Adhere the patterned paper strip on top.

Sand your edges and corners so they are flush with the coaster.  Viola!  You have created the most adorable (and sturdy) cover for your book!

Now we are going to create two accordion pages to go inside.  I cut two strips of cardstock measuring 3 x 12-inches.  I then used my ScorPal to add score marks every three inches.  (If you wanted your strips to be longer, you could just adhere additional strips end to end.)

Tie the two books closed with your narrow ribbon and securely adhere them to the inside of your book (one on each side).

Now that you have completed the basics, you can have fun and add embellishments!  Here is my final cover.  I just let it flow and went freestyle.  Don’t be afraid to layer several different types of elements & materials.  I used stickers, rub-ons and my own handwriting. (Detailed supply list below)

This is the interior of the book with the embellished accordion page covers.

And a close-up.

Here is an accordion page unfolded.  I just combined my patterned papers and threw in some fun journaling labels created with our Borders & Corners Oval stamp set and my Marvy Mega scalloped Oval Punch.

I entitled my book "Family Traditions", with the two accordion pages comparing traditions from my childhood to the ones I have imported into my own family’s lifestyle.  It was fun to revisit moments like this.  Having the two separate accordion pages would really compliment many compare & contrast themes:

He said, She said

Then & Now (for the graduate, new mommy, bride, anniversary, sweet 16)

Sibling vs. Sibling

What I Love & Hate

Have fun with the layout of these pages.  You could add pockets & tags.  Attach labeled tabs.  You could make the accordion pages out of acetate or vellum.  You can also play with what could go inside this cover OTHER than the accordion pages.  The design of the cover could be fitted with pockets inside to hold gift cards or money, making it a gift portfolio rather than a scrapbook!  There are so many possibilities with this. 

Don’t forget to post your version of this project over at Splitcoast using the keyword: NOV07VSBNC.  I can’t wait to see what you create!

SUPPLIES:

Ink- Landscape & Burnt Umber Palette inks

Stamps- Borders & corners Oval and Square from Papertrey Ink

Paper- Basic Grey Mellow Collection (floral paper), Baywood Lane (blue polka dot reverse) from Savannah Collection by Scenic Route, cardstock from Prism

Other- Treasured Times ribbon from Stemma, narrow green ribbon from Hobby Lobby, Kraft Paper Monogram stickers from Making Memories, Boho Chic Tiny Alpha stickers from Making Memories, Fortunes Numero Rub-ons from 7gypsies. Marvy Mega Scalloped Oval Punch, 1-inch & 3/4-inch circle punches from EK Success, Teriffically Tacky Tape from Provo Craft. chipboard coasters from Bazzill