Do you have a purse littered with stubs and bits that you mean to scrapbook one day? Do you have pics on your phone or photo-sharing stream (such as Instagram)? Lastly, do you have a stack of paper that you really don’t care for anymore? Well, you can make this Instagram-friendly “Smoosh” (Smash-style) book in an afternoon and get your memories out of the digital world and into your hands. And it’s a stash-buster, too!
You’ll need:
- 12 X 12 ” paper that you don’t love anymore
- cereal box cardboard cut to 6 X6 inches
- Gesso
- Watercolorsk, Spray inks or mists (optional)
- Foam Brush or palette knife
- Paper trimmer
- Book binding method of choice (I used the Cinch)
- Adhesive
- Die-cut Month Tabs (optional)
To create the book:
- Cut your 12X12″ paper in half. Fold the pieces to create 6″ squares. Use a tape runner to adhere them together, leaving one side open for a pocket, if desired.
- Using the gesso, apply a thin coat over the papers to “knock back” the designs. You can apply with a brush directly onto the paper, or use a stencil to create a new pattern or texture. Tint with spray inks or mists if desired. Set aside to dry.
- To make the covers, apply strips of paper on top of your cereal box cardboard. Repeat step 2 and apply gesso and color to the covers. Set aside to dry.
- Assemble your book using a book-binding method of choice. If you don’t have a designated machine, you can use a hole punch. Measure 2 inches from the top and bottom edges and punch each page individually. Use a library ring from the office supply store to hold your covers and pages together.
- Print out your photos using a drug-store app (I like Walgreen’s because they connect with Instagram and print perfect 4X4″ photos.) Trim to 4 inches square or less using your paper trimmer, if necessary.
- Organize your paper ephemera, ticket stubs, and photos by month. Use the die-cut tabs to separate and organize your media.
- Now “smoosh” your papers and photos into your book. Add a little journaling to jog your memory!
I was able to share this project on Scrapbook Soup TV, which airs on some PBS stations. Luckily I’m able to share it with you!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments!
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This is awesome! It looks like a quick craft my son (8) and I would enjoy doing a rainy afternoon. Plus, I am sooooo behind on my scrapbooking that I might feel some sense of accomplishment if I can get something – even the cell phone photos – done. Also, I love recycled crafts and using a cereal box is right up my alley. On my immediate to-do list!
I just got a Cinch, and now I know what my first project might be. The video was really helpful. Thanks!
Love your “Smoosh”! I have got to find some of that gesso in a dauber and get my Cinch out. These would make great gifts for crafty friends! Thanks, Jenny!
Kris- you won’t find the Gesso in a dauber commercially available. I simply filled my Color Glide Pro (which I reviewed) with my favorite Gesso. Here’s the link to the review so you can learn more about it:
http://www.crafttestdummies.com/craft-product-reviews/color-glide-pro-painting-tool/
Wow, the Color Glide Pro is slick, slick, slick! Definitely can use some of them in my craft room and beyond. Storage plus quick cleanup are real pluses. Thanks much for the heads up, Jenny! I really appreciate your reviews and videos!!!