...with a Christmas Countdown Bonus Project!
This is a holiday Christmas card keeper. I got the idea from Angie at the Simple blog, who got the idea from Donna D., who wrote up her instructions for creating a school papers keeper here.
These are just the coolest things, if I do say so myself. Basically, you take a bunch of manila envelopes and create a super-duper fabu keeper for all those yearly greetings!
Here's what you will need:
*five large manila envelopes (I think mine are 9.75x12"). You can use more if you want to include more years in your organizer.
*two 12x12" sheets of patterned paper (I used Reminisce)
*two 12x12" sheets of coordinating cardstock (or additional patterned paper)
*two 10x12" pieces of cardboard/chipboard
*letter stickers (I used Reminisce and Paper Salon)
*hole punch (I used my Crop-a-dile)
*two binder rings (right now mine are pink; I need to get two large metal or red ones).
*fabric tape (I used 7Gypsies)
*stamps and stamp pad
*label stickers if desired
*masking tape
*embellishments (I used Reminisce)
*trimmer
*adhesive (I used my Cheetah)
Step One: Cut an inch off the end of each of your chipboard sheets. You will be using that inch, so don't throw it away!
Step Two: Place the pieces about 1/4" apart and attach them using the masking tape. The tape will be covered, so don't worry about the color. Why are we doing this? To make the covers easier to turn, don'tchaknow...
Step Three: Adhere the patterned paper to the covers. I used a separate, contrasting piece of paper to the 1" strip on the ends.
Step Four: Repeat on the inside, using the solid cardstock.
Step Five: Using the fabric tape (or gaffer's tape, or binding tape) cover the seam between the chipboard pieces.
Step Six: Measure about two inches in from top and bottom and about 1/2 inch from the side, and mark for holes. Then punch!
Step Seven: Tuck the flaps of the envelopes under. They will stay thusly until you fill the envelope and then you will seal it. The only reason you tuck them is so they don't go flapping around and annoy you. If you are not easily annoyed as I am, feel free to leave 'em hanging. Your choice, of course!
Step Eight: Using the cover as a guide, punch holes in the bottom (i.e., not the flap end) of the manila envelopes.
Steps Nine and Ten: Using the leftover parts of your patterned paper, decorate the manila envelopes. I put a strip of about an inch down the side of each, and then added a stamped year sticker.
Step Eleven: Repeat for each envelope. I staggered the year sticker just 'cause it looked so darned cute.
Step Twelve: Because I cannot resist, I added little round stickers from the Reminisce sheet as tabs. I put one on the front and one on the back. Awww... I also added a swirly journaling line using my Chatterbox template. I will fill each one in as the year comes...
Step Thirteen: Using your letter stickers and embellishments, decorate the cover. I added the date on mine (not shown in this photo) because I plan on making more in about... oh, five years.
Step Fourteen: Add your family's photo and card to the front of the envelope, add the year's greetings inside, seal it up, and sigh with relief. Ahhh...
These are great. I made the originals that Donna did for my girls school stuff and they are fabulous. No more piles of papers stacking up all year. I save a few each month and into the envelope they go!
Posted by: Ginaj | December 10, 2007 at 01:31 PM
I soooo need to do this! That would alleviate some of the piles in my house! Maybe after the holiday rush! LOL!
Posted by: melita | December 10, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Super COOL! Can't wait to try this one! :)
Posted by: Maria | December 10, 2007 at 04:52 PM
I love it, thanks Lain!
Posted by: MamaSheg | December 11, 2007 at 01:22 AM
Hey, this is cool! It would be fun for birthday cards too. (um, I save everything.) So easy to make too. Sorry I have been absent lately. Dh home and lots going on. ;)
Posted by: Mary c | December 11, 2007 at 09:48 AM
That is the CUTEST!!! I am totally saving this idea and lifting it. :)
Posted by: Cheryl | December 11, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Hey lain - Loved you're I Was Here Layout in the new Simple. Also, I need a podcast / I want to scrapbook tonight! :) Happy Holidays - Katie
Posted by: katie scott | December 11, 2007 at 03:04 PM
Thanks for another great idea...where do you get these things..? LOL it must be really crowded in your head!!
Posted by: Amy | December 11, 2007 at 09:24 PM
So very cute! Sorry I have been MIA...I had the last of my finals this morning...whew glad that's over! I can't wait to sit down and make some of these cute things!
Posted by: sockiepuppetsmom | December 11, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Hey Lain,
I know you'll probably blog about your podcast when you get up in the morning, but since I'm so far in the future (LOL) I have already listened to the podcast. I actually like just listening to you talk, so don't be sorry about not having all your stuff together.
I was excited to listen to your podcast so I made my kids skip their Christmas music/story on the way to school to listen to you:).
Also, I liked the outtakes at the end:). My son said, why does it just keep saying the same thing over and over?
Posted by: Kylie | December 12, 2007 at 04:14 AM