the handmade touch

Updated to add on July 16, 2009: This tutorial was featured on Tip Junkie! Welcome to all of you visiting from there. Feel free to take a few minutes to browse around my blog. Whether you're looking for crafts, tutorials, or organization...it's here (and more)! Thanks for stopping by and hopefully sticking around!

Looking to create a cute, inexpensive,
useful, easy, and unique gift?

I have the fun pleasure of being the Creative Activities Leader for my local MOPS group. Some of the challenges of preparing crafts for our MOPS monthly meetings are that I need to make sure to find something that is inexpensive, easy to complete with a variety of craft abilities, and something quick (less than 30 minutes). But since I love to be creative, I'm always up to the challenge!

I found the following idea while visiting Paper Zone and thought that it would be perfect for January's craft!

The MOPS moms loved it, so I thought I would pass the idea along.

Here's a quick and easy how-to...

Step 1: Purchase blank notepads (I found a pack of five 4x6 notepads at the Dollar Store).

Step 2: Using a piece of 12x12 scrapbook paper (designed or plain) cut a 4x12 strip (or whatever size of notepad you will be using).

Then wrap the piece of paper over the notepad starting in the front.


**Note: If using the 4x6 notepads, there will be a small strip on the back of the notepad at the bottom that will have no paper (see picture below).


Step 3: Choose how you would like to decorate the front cover. I used some rub-ons I have in my scrapbooking supplies.


Step 4: Decide where you would like the ribbon to be by placing it between the back of note pad and back cover (keep in mind where you have added your embellishments on the front).


Step 5: Using Modge Podge, glue the paper to the back cover, making sure you have put the ribbon in place, as well.


Step 6: Turn it over, tie a bow and you have your completed project!! You can even add a large magnet strip on the back to hang on the refrigerator for some handy (but cute!) scratch paper.


Here are a couple more samples I had used for MOPS (with a few minor embellishment changes than what I had the ladies create).


This one is a birthday gift for a friend of mine. Today's her birthday!! (Hope she doesn't check the blog today to spoil the surprise!)


Being crafty is what I'm hooked on for today (and most days).

To see what others are "hooked on", visit Hooked On Houses for Hooked on Fridays!

Happy Crafting!!

And, don't forget to check out my scalloped punch craft challenge ending March 5th. Are YOU up for the challenge?