paper love

I made a bunch of simple blank books for the girls. They are really into dictating stories and coloring. The stories are amazing. I made similar books for Sadie's B-Day goodie bags to give away, but didn't think to make them for us (Duh.) After seeing the stack Amanda keeps on hand, I busted these out, pronto. Genius!! I used old scrap paper I had saved and let them add blank labels. They are all different sizes depending on the size cardstock scrap. Most of these books (filled in by the girls) will be gifts for family and friends, sorry for ruining the surprise. Okay, this is getting hard, not showing stuff we are making for gifts. The smallest books are tucked in my bag for the desperately needed on the road/out of the house/waiting in line/ type entertainment.

I cut and folded these all assembly line style and then just ran them though my sewing machine with a long stitch. Then I tied a double knot and trimmed the thread. The smallest books I stapled.

Here are the books with the stickers I made for Sadie's party. The stickers were drawn freehand, scanned, and colored in photoshop.

These books about bookbinding Amanda posted look very cool, as well as the amazing wooden acorns. Wow. That shop put a dent on my wallet, but in such a good way.

Comments

[Lori]

Those are so cute! I'm totally going to stitch some up for Christmas presents for me kiddos and nieces. You are a genius!

[Jessica]

Perfect timing! I'm making similar books right now to give as gifts for the holidays, and I was debating whether to staple or stitch. I prefer the stitched look, but I'm not very good at running paper through my sewing machine. Any tips? How many sheets are you using?

[julia]

i love these! i was planning on just decorating some moleskine covers for gifts- but now i'm thinking of this instead. dang it. i thought i had it all figured out.

[Erica]

I agree - keeping the holiday handmade goods hidden is a challenge when you SO want to blog all about the fun stuff you are making. I love the mini-book idea!

[Allison Fouse]

Cool. Just last night I was wondering what I was going to do with all of these neat paper scraps I had lying around. Now I know. =)

[Vespabelle]

OMG, thanks for that link which links to the wooden acorns. My daughter and I recently made some elves (based on ones I had during my childhood) and used wooden balls for the heads. Michaels did not have a very good supply. I'm going to get acorns and elf heads! wheeeee

[Julie]

Ah -- I use homemade blank books a lot. Maddie is just like her daddy -- a writer at heart. Aren't the books so fun to read! (Seriously, where do they come up with the stories?) They will make very special holiday gifts -- super idea!

[Mandy]

Great idea! I read about Amanda's books, too, and then yesterday I finally ran some pages of paper through my sewing machine to see if that would work. Ta da! It did! I love your covers. Very pretty.

[Helena C. Rådström]

Hello, Amy

I enjoy reading your blog very much and love your work! I have an interest in sewing too but mainly making omiyages. I hope you do not mind if I tag you for a meme at

http://littlesketches.wordpress.com/2007/11/28/me-an-anomaly/

I thought your answers would be interesting!

Sincerely,
Helena

[jenni s-g]

Great idea! I, too, always have to have on-hand paper and crayons for those unavoidable moments in the grocery line or at a restaurant.

[Josie]

After trawling round the internet for two hours I figure I should just ask. Where do you get the sticker paper from ? The books and stickers just look so great together. Thanks for the neat idea.

[Samantha]

The joys of the non 9-5ers. TSK! I read your blog at work and enjoy it!!!!!
If only I could win the lotto or find me a rich man :(

[Heather]

Love the stitched gutter!These are such great ideas for b-days gifts!

[claire]

if you like all things acorny (who doesn't?) you should check out some of my dad's art on his not-so-spiffy website. he created "acorn people" to entertain us as kids-- you can see acorn people/elf/fairy paintings here http://jamesfodor.com/fantasy.htm this one's my fav http://jamesfodor.com/pic1003.jpg, he painted it for my brother and i for christmas one year... hope you have a moment to enjoy them

[amy k.]

thanks!!

I have gotten sticker paper before at office depot and office max. it's 8 x 11 and not cheap-but it lasts forever. . .I got some here in portland at paper zone

[Dee]

Such a great idea to just run them through the sewing machine! I made some with my kids yesterday and the next batch we make up (for gifts) will be stitched with with the machine.

[kim]

homemade stickers?!! love them!!!!!!!

and your books esp the stitching.

YOU're COOL!

please keep showing us the gifts, it's inspiring!!!! :)

i need to bookmark THIS post.

[pen and paper]

Oh, how pretty! Man, I wish I had room for a sewing machine. I even *have* one - an old Singer from the 70s that belonged to my mom - but I just don't have the space to set up a table for it.

[liz]

i love those little books!
i need to make them too now - what a great idea!

[michelle]

What a great idea, why have I never thought of that! I am going to do some tomorrow!

[Jodie]

Those little books are gorgeous. I think I might have to make a couple for myself.

[Amanda J]

They are going to love reading these when they grow up. What a great-- and beautiful-- way to document their childhood.

[christina(apronstrings)]

i love the books and the happy baby cookie set. so sweet.

[Lisa M]

Those books are adorable! What a great idea for kids parties and gifts!
♥Lisa

[Marcia]

Well, you did it again...shared another brilliant idea! My pile of things I want to make it getting very high--I might need to start another pile (LOL). Love the sticker idea. Thanks for sharing.

[Rachel]

I can't believe I didn't think to run them through the machine! I made some last week, and actually hand stitched them. Crazy.

Love the covers with the labels...you've given me an idea for some kids' gifts that need to be made.

[Casey]

what a cute idea!! I think they'd even be great for the grown ups who need little notebooks to keep around for quick lists and ideas. ;)

[Laura]

Ok, I'm TOTALY making some stickers AND books for my girls for Christmas! That makes a bunch of momemade stuff they're getting this year! Thanks for the ideas...

[Hope]

Loving all those books -- so simple and just beautiful. We make lots of books around here, too.

[rebecca]

omg! love love love
these little books are great - can't wait to get some made up :D
you are always so inspiring!

[molly]

stitch up the books?!! duh. here i am trying to jam the stapler up into the fold on my bigger books!
and I love the idea of adding labels. that just might put this project completely over the top for the girls. they've already pounded through the stack of books I made last week....

[Tammy]

What a fantastic idea. I think I will have to make some of these for my story-writing daughter - more inspiring for her and much better than the loose sheets of paper she leaves lying all over the house.
Thank you for putting out your wonderful blog!

[Lea]

..Yes, I am still in a bit of a pout over Amanda this week... because I HAD to order those acorns you know... and then I HAD to order little wooden people cause I was on vacation and missed out on Alicia's St Lucia doll kits... ~sigh~ Amanda is SUCH a bad influence

[Julie]

what a great idea thanks for sharing.
my 4 yo daughter will love them.
and it will get rid of some my scrapbook stash. now to just reduce my fabric stash. hehe
thanks so much
i really enjoy reading your blog
julie