Thursday, June 30, 2011

DIY Brag Book

So, I wish I could take the credit for this cute and fun idea, but it was actually a craft that Cilla brought home from "school" or MDO.  These make the cutest little brag books that any grandparent would be proud to carry around!
I actually made them for the grandpa's for Father's Day.  And then I made one for Flint's aunt, Cilla's Coke Coke!

This one is the original.
The plastic covers are just heavy baseball card protectors.  The ones I used were really thick plastic from a sports card shop, but you can get a thinner plastic, if you choose to.  
Supplies you need: 
Plastic Card Protectors
Scrapbook Paper
Pictures that can be cut down to sports card size
Key Chain Ring
Ribbon
Paper Cutter or Scissors
Hole Punch

I had an example, so that I knew what size to cut the paper and pictures.  But you can use a sports card for sizing.  
First, you must put the scrapbook paper in each card protector.  I did front and back.
Then you will need a heavy duty hole punch.  I actually used my 3-Hole Punch.  It took a little trial and error before I got it right.  But, it seemed to be the strongest punch that I could find.  I actually broke a little single punch trying to punch through the heavy plastic.
Next you need to cut your pictures down smaller than the scrap book paper and small enough that they slide below the punched hole.
Slide pictures into plastic protectors.
Decide the order that you want your plastic protectors and put them on the key ring.  I did 8 "pages" which was a total of 15 pictures if you choose to make the front a cover.  I layered scrapbook papers and printed a message in photoshop for my covers.  But, Cilla's teachers did a "C" on her's and I thought that was super cute!
Lastly, cut strips of ribbon (I did about 6 on each book) and tie them around the ring in a double knot.  Trim them down to the size that you want them to be.
Viola!  Your very own book of your favorite pictures.
I have actually thought about making one for Cilla with a picture of each of her friends so she will remember to pray for each of them by name!  Or you could do this with vacation pictures.  The possibilities are endless.

6 comments:

Tiffany said...

Great idea! Thanks for sharing

Jennifer said...

That is so cute! I am going to do that in my spare time . . . seriously so adorable! Thanks for sharing.

The Henrys said...

I love this idea and think I will use it soon! Thanks so much for sharing!

Janette @ The Johanson Journey said...

Very cute idea!! I love it!! I wish I could think up things like this on my own... have you checked into Pinterest? There are a plethora of ideas out there and I just can't even wrap my head around them all! Anyway, I'm addicted. hugs!

Katie said...

So cute! Great idea! You did wonderful job. ; )

Loved seeing ya'll yesterday. How did today go?

sarah @ life {sweet} life said...

SO cute!! I will have to try this sometime. Thanks for sharing!