Christmas Countdown... Project #10

Yes, it's true... Christmas is only 15 weeks away! Ack!

But don't stress yet... instead, get scrapping! Here's the first in a series of ten weekly projects to shorten your gift list and get your holiday spirit soaring. These are quick, cute, and cheap... so hit the dollar store, crank the Christmas tunes, and let's go!

PROJECT 10: UBER-CUTE COUPON BOOK

I don't know about you, but as a mom, scrapbooker and crafter, I have tons (figuratively, not literally) of coupons. For the craft store. For the shoe store. For the bookstore. My challenge is keeping them easily accessible and organized, because as soon as they drop into the black hole of my tote bag, I won't discover them until the expiration date has passed. What a bummer that is!

So here's my solution:

I took a little tiny photo album that I got on sale for $.60 at Michaels (they tried to convince me this was not a photo album and thus not eligible for the "40% off all photo album" special but I threw a major fit... yes, it was only $.40 difference, but it's the principle of the thing, KWIM??)

Supplies:

-Mini PHOTO ALBUM with removable cover insert:

-1 sheet  cardstock (I used Bazzill Bling) and a few pieces of coordinating scrap cardstock and patterned paper
-McGill folder file punch
-Corner rounder
-Circle punch
-Rub-ons (I used Heidi Swapp's newest print rub-ons)
-Dollar sign rub-on (I used Basic Grey's Wholly Cow)
-Heidi Swapp bling
-Prima flower
-Adhesive

1. Slide out covers and measure to use as templates for front and back (mine measured 4.5" by 6.25"). Cut two pieces of cardstock for front and back.

2. Play with patterned paper and coordinating cardstock to find a design you like. I wanted my front and back to look different so it is easier to find the right thing in my capacious bag.

3. Adhere when you're happy, or when you realize "Curious George" will be over in 15 minutes so you'd better get a move-on. You could certainly use a Xyron or Cheetah to adhere the papers, but because these are going to be protected in the plastic cover, I just used a regular tape runner adhesive (permanent).

4. Using rub-ons, write "The more I spend... the more I save." Chuckle quietly to yourself and pat yourself on your back for being so clever. Add dollar sign rub-on, bling circle (swearing several times when the rhinestones come off the adhesive), and flower for added fun. Round corners because you just can't resist.   

5. Carefully slide the covers into the front and back.

 

6. Using the file folder punch, punch about 10-12 file folder tags from different cardstock scraps. Label, and adhere in a staggered fashion on the pages of the book. My categories: Craft stores, clothing, restaurant, activities, office supply, other. I also punched out a few extras and stuck 'em inside the back cover for future use.

7. Smile, and cross one person off your list!

Other uses for this book: receipts, gift cards, to-dos, shopping lists for stores, etc. How cute would this be with a gift card or two slipped into the appropriate categories? LOVE IT.

Come back tomorrow for a bonus project made with the leftovers from this project (which itself was done out of leftovers).

Comments

[tammy b]

lain, you crack me up!

cute project btw ;)

[Annie]

Love this! I think I can cross ten people off my list with this one. Can you say assembly line?

[Mary C]

You have been listening in on me when I scrap - (swearing several times when the rhinestones come off the adhesive).
This is totally cute. I am going to make me some.

[bcre8uv]

So, sooooo clever!

And I'm glad I'm not the only one who has trouble with those bling circles.

~T.

[Christel]

I will be making this I love it!!! Bling circles huh!! Never seen 'em. Remember I am in the South, in the boonies, not alot of that stuff trickles down from Atlanta!!!

[Rebecca]

Love instructions that make me lol! I need one of these things myself. Can I be on your Christmas list?

[Debbie]

This is a great project. You are starting to inspire me to make some holiday gifts. I kind of had to promise my family that I wouldn't go crazy staying up late making holiday gifts this year, because last year I was totally cranky by the time Christmas arrived, from lack of sleep! But your project is making me think...if I scale down the number of projects this year...
(just don't tell my hubby or kids, LOL)!

[Katrina]

I have been using the same photo album for grocery store coupons for about 2 years, but it NEVER(double underlined) dawned on me to jaz it up. THANK YOU!

[Kelly Jo]

This is so totally CUTE! And I can feel your frustration with Michael's.
Thank you so much for sharing. I Can Do This! =)

[Etta]

Forget those other people! I'm making one for myself! (I know, I'm so in the Christmas spirit!)

[melita]

Awesome project! My sister is the coupon queen, but I am sure she doesn't have a coupon book as cute as this one! That's one person I can cross off my list! Now off to Michaels to see if I can find this album!

[Ramona]

Wow, you daredevil you! Risking a fight at Michaels AND using HS Rub-ons... I made something similar for recipies last year. Not much going on coupon-wise here in Germany (and I really envy you for having coupons!)

[Nicole]

I love this and can think of several people this would be perfect for! I'm going to enjoy making these and cracking up everytime I read the instructions :)

[amymarie78]

I'm so excited by this project... and imiagine that I have one of those little albums hanging out in my stash waiting to get beautiful. Thanks for the great idea.

[lisa]

This could be just the thing for me! I have one of those albums laying around collecting dust, I have the punch and haven't used it much, AND I never have the right coupon at the right time. TFS - this goes on my project list for tomorrow!

[robin]

Thank you! I need motivation to make my Christmas gifts and need to begin yesterday. Keep them coming. I can even spring for the whole dollar, don't need to use my coupon or wait for a sale.

[cheryl]

Okay, I seriously LOVE this idea!! I'm thinking that it would be a great gift for teachers, aunts, etc. And I love the idea of making it into a gift card holder. I may do that for my niece and nephew!!!

[laura]

girl, that is CUTE!!! seriously, thats all the time till christmas!? good GRIEF!

[tonya]

I'm still alive! This is an adorable project, I may be making one in the near future! Today I made the photojojo notebook, it rocked! I've had too much sugar and caffeine today, can you tell??!!
xo, t

[Kathy Blake]

You are a hoot!

Great project! I think I am going to make some of these!

Thanks a bunch!

[moki]

I'm an idiot! I know you're over here on this blog all the time and I still haven't updated my blog reading list...Raesha just clued me in to this and I think it's fabulous! Thanks!

[raesha]

Sweet chica - how did you attach the tabs?? Glued or stapled???

[Lela]

I'm following your countdown now. I'm glad that I'm not too far behind. So, what did you do with the .40 you saved? ;-)

[Jennifer]

What size pockets are they? They look like there is one pocket per page. That may help me slide those long coupons in so I don't squish them up and forget I have them! Do they make one up photo pockets? I'm also trying to think of how to do a cheat sheet so I can remember to use them before the expiration date! What a clever altering project!

[stephanie]

Very cool idea! Thanks for sharing ... I've already made two of these. :)