Aug 25 2007
For a Very Sweet Friend – More Altered BoHo
Now that I’m back home from retreat, I’ll share the gift that I made for my sweet friend, Heather Nichols. In real life, I call her ‘Pine’. Pine is talented in so many different ways, including rubber stamping, paper crafting, and so many more artistic avenues. In addition to her more visible talents through her stamping, she is also an exceptional group event planner/organizer. Our retreat is one of her sweet and seamless productions. I cannot help but be sincerely impressed by her advance vision, and detailed planning. Classes, events, materials preparation, designating kitchen/cooking, assignments, timing, allowance to suit individual requests … it just continues on in a beautiful scheme. I owe Pine so many thanks. This altered address book was my gift for her, filled with the addresses of the ladies I was privileged to share time with last week in Wisconsin.
The inspiring design of both address books was the look of old ledgers. Basic alteration and assembly were identical to my previously posted BoHo address book. I’ve just held back this photo until after retreat in order to keep it more of a surprise. We’ve all ‘gotta do’ whatever we’ve ‘gotta do’! The binding and corner covers are actually Close to Cocoa cardstock. The faux leather appearance really becomes more visible after giving the finished product a thin layer of matte Mod Podge. If you are new to using Mod Podge, a helpful tip is to try to use long strokes in one direction. If your stroke goes completely across the width or length of your project, the finished look will be smoother. Also remember that if you’ll be adding large or multiple embellishments atop the Mod Podged area, it’s possible that you can cover any evidence of ‘joined’ strokes. Finally, you must clean out your brush immediately after use if you plan to use it again – or friends, it’s officially a lost cause! *wink*
Have you tried Stampin’ Up!’s Pop-Up Glue Dots? What a great find! I’ve never really thought I “needed” those, but since they were demonstrated at Convention, I finally remembered to order them. WOW! These are similar in diameter to a dime, with a very generous amount of the glue dot adhesive that creates a super ‘lift & hold’ effect! I’ve used the Pop-Up Glue Dots to attach the Stampin’ Up! chipboard letter P, and am so delighted with the result. These will not eventually squash down … the lift is generous and has a very ‘solid’, supportive ‘feel’ beneath the chipboard. By the way, you’re welcome to contact me if you’re interested in ordering any of the Stampin’ Up! products used on this project, or if you would like to have a custom designed alteration class for you & your friends! Hodpodge Hardware in Antique Brass has been added to this book, along with a wee bit of small rope/twine that I enjoy using for rustic applications. If you haven’t altered something such as a journal, allow yourself to pick up a $1 spot notebook, journal, etc. and give it a try. You might find yourself really loving the process!
Recipe: Stampin’ Up! “Outlaw” Designer Series papers, Close to Cocoa cardstock, Hodgepodge Hardware – Antique Brass, On Board Simon Lowercase chipboard, Oval Punch, Sanding Block, Classic Close to Cocoa Ink Pad, Craft Creamy Caramel Ink Pad, Corner Rounder Punch, 1/4″ Square Punch, Twine.
13 responses so far
Bev – this is gorgeous, I am sure she loves it!!! You are such a good friend – isn’t it a great byproduct of this hobby, the great friend we make along the way??!!! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
What a beautiful book — I know she loved it!
Oh wow, this is INCREDIBLE!!! 🙂
What a gorgeous project!! I bet Pine loved it!!!
Wow, this is something else altogether, isn’t it? I mean, just WOW!! I have got to try making one of these – it’s outstanding!!
Beautiful Bev! I love all the journals you’ve been alt erring!
Beautiful book Bev, what a thoughtful gift, I really like all the girls that attended your gathering info in there, how nice to have it all in one place!!! I know I am always looking high & low for an SSUS phone number or email address. I must make a special phone book just for the group. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hey Bev!! How are ya!! This is so awesome! You are da Kween of da altered books, girl!!!
YAY bev!! I hope you win Patricias Blog Candy!! Tell yer friends!! lol
Have you ever tried to use your fingers to smooth the Mod Podge? I always do that because any brush I tried leaves strokes and I am quite a perfectionist so I just can’t stand that. Actually I can’t buy Mod Podge but I have something similar that is made in Hungary.
Absolutely gorgeous Beverly!!! I’m sure that she loved your beautiful gift!
Thanks for the tip, Meda! I’m going to try that the next time I’m using my Mod Podge!
That turned out gorgeous, and so TExas looking! I’m sure she loved it!