Handmade books can be made in so many different ways. I personally like using a die set to make my book. Before I start to die cut, I always have an idea of what patterned and solid papers I will use; doing this will save you paper in the end! With these two dies, the first one with a design is going to be my cover. Although the patterned paper is sturdy, I used iCraft Ultra Bond Liquid Adhesive to glue two sheets together, so I would get the designs I wanted on each side. Then I used the other die to cut my inside pages. I use the iCraft Pixie Tape to secure my dies when die-cutting them. I went a little overboard as I love this design!
(Crafty Tip} The next thing I do is get the sticker sheet that comes with the scrapbook collection, and I remove each sticker and turn it into a die-cut! I use my embossing buddy bag and run it across the back of each sticker and this takes away the stickiness of the sticker. if you do not have an embossing bag, you could also use baby powder. Sprinkle a little bit on and rub it across the back of the sticker! The main reason I do this is that I like to place stickers and die cuts on the pages to see how I want them arranged before I stick them down! I take a more hands-on approach whereas some people can already visualize it! You can also use Pixie Dots to do this as well! As you can see the sticker below still picks up some debris, because I need to refill my buddy bag!
So, the first thing you have to do is glue the pages into the book. I folded the pages and glued them on the spine using Ultra Bond glue! This is a smaller book, and I felt I used too many pages in the book, so I struggled a little bit with space. I like to use dimension on my pages (like foam squares) in a book, so I decided to place ribbon in between the pages to create some space on the spine. You can also use cardboard in between the pages, but I love the look of the ribbon coming out of the top of the book! You can braid it, use it for a bookmark, tie it in a knot, or let it hang. I tied it in a bow!
Now, it’s time to decorate the pages! I always use my Pixie Dots first, because I do change my mind a lot! They allow the die-cuts or journal cards to stick temporarily, so if you decided to change it, you can! Then, after I am finished with every page, I go back and permanently place my die-cuts with iCraft Memory Tape Runner, Ultra Bond Glue, or iCraft 3D Foam Squares in 1/16″-thick size. The foam squares are to create dimension, but I have limited space, so I use the 1/16″ as this size is not as thick. Below are all the adhesives I used making this book!
I do want to say, before everything was placed, I had a unique opportunity to use the coordinating Sparkle Stencil and the Snowflake Sparkle Paste to make certain parts of the stickers or journal cards have a glittery effect! I used iCraft Pixie Spray to hold the stencil in place. You can also use the coordinating sparkle COLOR paste too! This is such a cool idea! This collection gives you so many ways to be creative for the holidays! Also, for the book, I made pockets holding bookmarks and tags that can be pulled out and used!
The last thing I did to this book is punch a hole into the front cover and back cover to create a closure. This book is just too big to not have a closure on it! Oh, and I wanted the front cover to sparkle too, so I used iridescent Glitter Dust Spray!
I had so much fun with this collection; I am making more creative items from this collection coming out soon! Thank you for spending time with me today, and I hope I have inspired you to create with the Silent Night Collection, but hurry, it is selling out very quickly! Make sure if you do create with this collection, tag Therm O Web @thermoweb and Jennifer Long @sewastory_jenniferlong! Have a wonderful, crafty day!
