the hybrid chick

I am a very dangerous person to let loose in the dollar store…I can do some serious damage to a budget by just purchasing $1 items with the best intent in the world to create something from it.

So these Coasters have been hanging around in my drawer for a while as you can imagine. I originally purchased them to make photo coasters but never got round to it.

While browsing Etsy I saw some really cute Notebooks that inspired me to try and make my own.

So for this project you will need the following:

Digital Supplies:

Sky is the Limit Journaling Labels by MKC and Courtney Wilson available at the Digichick.

These Journaling Labels are just perfect for the Papercrafter…a great base for a mini-album or quote book and just great for cards.

I created a few gift cards by just printing these out and adding to some cardstock, quick and easy!

and for the Background I used the coordinating Papers from the Sky is the Limit Kit available at the Digichick.

Physical Supplies:

• Epson Premium Matte Presentation Paper
• 2 Coasters
• 4×4 Inch Post Its/Sticky Notes
• Craft Glue
• Mod Podge
• Cropodile
• Corner Rounder
• Trimmer
• Scissors
• Post Bound Album Screws

STEP 1

I created a new document sized at 4′ x 4′ inches, the same size as my Coasters. I decorated it with my Digital Backgrounds and Journaling Labels.

Print out your Coaster Covers.

STEP 2

Before Trimming the covers apply a thin layer of Mod Podge and let dry.

Sharyn aka ShabbyShaz suggested this technique and I must be honest I am not a Mod Podge lover but this method really makes working with it much easier!

A Lot less Smears and Smudges!

STEP 3

Punch a hole in your coaster and use it as a guide for the Notepad and remaining coaster.

Bear in mind I wanted to have the Corkboard to be the backing of the notebook, punch a hole accordingly.

STEP 4

Assemble the notepad without the Sticky Notes to determine the final size/number of sheets you will need to make a nice snug fit in your little notebook.

Use your ruler to measure the open space. I thought I had a larger Post Bound Album Screw but was mistaken so I had to use this smaller one so do try and get a larger size if possible.

Punch your holes using your Cropodile or Hole Punch.

STEP 5

Using a ‘Industrial’ Strength Corner Rounder like the Paper Gator from Around the Block round your corners.

There are a few tools that are essential to me and are very good investments, one of them is a good corner rounder…I got this guy at 60% Off! I can truly recommend it!

It is perfect for little Notepads and Chipboard Mini-Albums. Rounding Corners really completes a project and just gives it that ‘perfectly created’ feel.

STEP 6

Gently Sand the Coasters to remove the plastic covering the Coasters to give the Printed Covers a surface to adhere to.

It helps to roughen up the surface so the paper can better bond to the Coasters.

Use a Foam Brush and Craft Glue to adhere the covers to the Coasters.

Let it dry thoroughly. Sand the edges to make it smooth and clean up the edges.

STEP 7

Arrange the notepad so the first and last coaster is facing upward and the corkboard backing is at the back.

This cute notepad slides open and closed and is perfect for a handbag or on your desk.

It looks like a coaster but is it?

Here it is all packaged up and ready to be given to someone special!

Other Articles by Mari Koegelenberg:

• Easy Printable Christmas Advent Calendar - December 4th, 2009
• Trick or Treat!!! - October 30th, 2009
• Halloween Banner - October 28th, 2009
• Little Monster Mini Book - October 18th, 2009
• Hula Monkey's Adventure Book - August 3rd, 2009