I posted these for the first time a few years ago, and they remain one of my favorite projects! I thought it was good time to bring it out of the vault, and share again!!!
We all love to give gifts to those we care about and appreciate, but being on a budget is part of my life, as I’m sure it is yours. I”m going to share with you one of my favorite gifts to give, and not only is it absolutely darling and super easy to make, it cost me less than $5! It’s a purse-sized photo holder that’s the perfect size to tuck into a purse or diaper bag, and everyone you give it to will love it. Think teachers, mothers, grandmothers, friends, and more!
There are very few supplies that you need, and it comes together pretty quickly. They’re so fun to personalize, both with different papers and monograms. The book is made up of clear name badge holders, held together by a silver book ring, and embellished with ribbon and scrapbook paper. LOVE!!!!
{ITEMS YOU NEED}
-name badge holders (2.55 x 3.35 horizantal)
-silver 1 inch book rings
*You can find both of these items at Walmart, in the office supplies section. I’ve also had luck finding them at Target. Funny enough, I first checked at Staples and OfficeMax, and neither of them carried this smaller size. They did, however, carry the next size up–I think it was around 4×3–and if you wanted to do a slightly larger size, it would be cute too.
-scrapbook paper, cardstock
-desired embellishments
-distress ink
-ribbon
{DIRECTIONS}
1. Cut 2 pieces of scrapbook paper to fit the front and back cover.
2. Embellish as desired. I used coordinating scrapbook paper for the piece along the bottom, and used a stamp to add the monogram. I distressed all the edges using Distress Ink (Vintage Photo).
3. Insert front and back covers in name badge holders.
4. Stack together however many name badge holders you would like for the photo book, making sure that the front and back badges are facing the right way. Slide them on the ring, and close.
5. Tie 4-5 pieces coordinating ribbon on ring.
Ta-da!!! Darling photo books that make the most perfect gifts!!! The name badge holders come in packs of 12 (at Walmart), and cost around $3.50. Add in one book ring, scrapbook paper scraps, and a few pieces of ribbon, and you’re around $5. It’s easy to make several of these at a time, because the book rings and name badges come in packs. You can make at least 6 books out of one 12×12 piece of scrapbook paper, and ribbon scraps are perfect for this project!
Anonymous says
Adorable!
Anonymous says
This is so adorable!
I love that everything can be easily purchased too!
In the spring I am going to start hosting a craft night and these would be just perfect!
Thank you for being so creative!
Anonymous says
So cute.. Perfect for granmothers which is part of what i was lacking this year! Thanks for sharing the idea! :)
Anonymous says
cute!
Anonymous says
What a cute idea. Anyone would love to get that as a gift!
XOOX
Jen
Anonymous says
Wow – your blog looks awesome! LOVE the new look!!! :) Great project too!
Anonymous says
That is such a great idea. I love it.
Anonymous says
Wow! Another thing I just MIGHT try ;) Thanks!
Anonymous says
do you think photo paper would make it look good as well?
Anonymous says
Hi, I love you blog. I just found your page and love all the projects you featured.
See ya soon. Merry Christmas
Anonymous says
The Fishman–you mean instead of the scrapbook paper?
Anonymous says
I love this idea! I am definetely going to make them! Quick question…what is distress ink? I have seen it as a stamp pad…do you buy it in a bottle, tube, etc.? Thanks!
Anonymous says
Holly–It looks like an ink pad, and you can get it at any scrapbook store or craft store. The actual name is "Distress Ink", and comes in a variety of colors.
Good luck!
Anonymous says
These are awesome! What a great idea, and actually doable! I have way too many pics with my new hubby… I'm always looking for new ways to show them off!
www.uvinyl.com
www.uvinyl.blogspot.com
Anonymous says
I loved this, and made some of my own for Mother's Day last year. Thank you for the great idea.
http://craftsforarainyday.blogspot.com/2011/01/purse-brag-books.html
Anonymous says
That's really lovely. I like the color of that craft. I think discounted photo papers would be perfect for printing the photos to be placed there.