A mini book I made for a little girl down in the complex who had a birthday last week. She loves popping in here to see what I have been up to and loves to do anything crafty, so I thought she might like this to put her summer holiday photos in.
It started out as a child's board book. I pick these up in charity shops when I see them, they make great mini books or just chipboard covers - 3 pairs from one book!
I learned the hard way not to just leave the book intact and try to decorate it... my pages tend to be on the 'fat' side and the board book usually ends up not closing at all. I now remove the pages from the spine and trim them up and punch them with the BIA.
Because the books are made for very young children they tend to have a very shiny coating on them so that sticky finger marks can be wiped off... this makes adhering paper to them a tad more difficult so I always give the pages a good sand down so that adhesive keys to them.
I also made her a little box to keep the book in. I thought if she collected stuff from her holiday, postcards, pictures etc that she has somewhere to keep them all ready for when she starts to fill the book up.
Lots of pockets and tags for her to journal and add things.
A mini book I made for a little girl down in the complex who had a birthday last week. She loves popping in here to see what I have been up to and loves to do anything crafty, so I thought she might like this to put her summer holiday photos in.
It started out as a child's board book. I pick these up in charity shops when I see them, they make great mini books or just chipboard covers - 3 pairs from one book!
I learned the hard way not to just leave the book intact and try to decorate it... my pages tend to be on the 'fat' side and the board book usually ends up not closing at all. I now remove the pages from the spine and trim them up and punch them with the BIA.
Because the books are made for very young children they tend to have a very shiny coating on them so that sticky finger marks can be wiped off... this makes adhering paper to them a tad more difficult so I always give the pages a good sand down so that adhesive keys to them.
I also made her a little box to keep the book in. I thought if she collected stuff from her holiday, postcards, pictures etc that she has somewhere to keep them all ready for when she starts to fill the book up.
Lots of pockets and tags for her to journal and add things.
I used Luxe papers for this project and a 1" red o'wire. 
Wow what a fab idea ....and sooo gorgeous too! Great way to recycl too great work
ReplyDeletekazx
Ooh Annette it's gorgeous, I started out with children's board books a long time ago but had the same issue with the lack of closure and it always seemed to have problem where the pages met - why didn't I think of just dismantling them! Mind you haven't done one since I got my BIA - just goes to show that when things don't quite work we have to reinvent them for ourselves! The colours are gorgeous - hope you are having a fabulous Sunday
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous little book and a very lucky little girl. The colours are wonderful and the idea is great. TFS xx
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, that is simply stunning. And how lovely that it is for someone who you know will especially appreciate all the hard work that hasw gone into it!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea using the board books - will definately look out for those in the charity shops.
Love the mini book, off to play with my bind it all now, if I can find that childrens book I bought from the charity shop. I knew I would be able to do something with it.
ReplyDeleteThat mini-book is stunning!!! Thanks for sharing the how-tos and tips, also.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful project, I'm sure the little girl will be delighted! Great idea for altering old board books :)
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered about altering these board books - thanks too for all the tips, as always - I may be brave enough to have a go myself now! I love the wqay you have left pockets and journalling space and the box to keep all the bits together - brill idea.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, I must dust that bind it all off and start using it instead of glancing at it on the shelf every now and again!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab present - another great mini book Annette.
ReplyDeleteToni :o)
fab book, a lucky girl to receive it :) Will have a look in the boys' room for baby books I can use before I throw out. Come to think of it I also bought an extra pack of board books for this reason....4books in the £1 shop :)
ReplyDeleteOK, I'm not a little girl and I'm not actually going away for a holiday this year, and I don't live in the complex near you. BUT I would LOVE to have this - I can almost hear her delight - good on you.
ReplyDeleteShe will love this its fantastic. I love the ladybug on the cover. x
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! The next time I pick up one of those books, I may just buy it! I could never figure out how to alter them either!
ReplyDeleteIt's adorable!
This is gorgeous Annette, I love the colours you have used and the recycling element - Fab as ever :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky girl to get something so gorgeous with it's own matching box and all!
ReplyDeleteAs the recipient of some of your wonderful creations myself I just have to say that you are as thoughtful as you are talented - the world could do with a few more people like you my friend :o)
Oh wow, VV, you have the biggest heart. She will be so exited, all those little pockets and hiding spaces. Love the colours and everything. I know just how special it is to own a VV original. :)
ReplyDeleteStill trying to find my feet. My stuff is still all in boxes. Just feel the days fly by. Cant get over the flu, seriously going to go back to the doctor tomorrow.
I smiled at your post on my blog of those pesky monkeys. Yes they are pesky and scary, but there are little babies and they come and sit on the wall outside. But yes, do not take kindly to having the rogue in my house.
tons of love
Val
Seriously stunning! x
ReplyDeleteWow, you make beautifull books and other projects. I've just spent some time looking through your blog :)).
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the Netherlands
from Monique
Annette you just have the most beautiful ideas. The colours are stunning and I am sure that the little girl will love it. What a wonderful box for her to keep her summer in!
ReplyDelete