I made this scrapbook from recycled materials to celebrate some of the "highlights" of my relationship with Jeremy. I listed out ten things that I love about our life and then used a highlighter pen and cut them into strips for each page. It's the perfect small book for our coffee table at home.
Here's a look at each of the inside pages. I printed out ten photos that I love, they don't necessarily have anything to do with my list of favorite things. The pages are super simple... just a photo, a journaling strip and some washi or masking tape.
Here's a look at the front and back of the book, as well as the inside of the last page. I loved using recycled papers to make the book.
Here's a little bit about how I made this book. First, I saved papers for a few weeks. Anything that could be used to make a scrapbook, I saved. I used a girl scout cookies box, several paper shopping bags, a fabric bag and some cardboard coffee cozies.
Step 1: Trim all pages. I chose a 6x6 inch size for my book. The pages don't have to match exactly, but they will be easier to bind if they are nearly the same size. Step 2: Use masking tape to bind all the pages together on the inside of the book. Step 3: Continue adding more and more pages until you have 10 inside pages and 2 cover pieces attached. Trim excess tape from each page as you go. Step 4: Use as many pieces of masking tape as you need to to bind the outide spine of the book together.
There you go! This is a super simple way to make a journal or scrapbook from scratch with recycled items. After this just add the photos and journaling to your book!
A few tips for the highlighting.... I printed out my text and then highlighted it, but I had problems with smearing (seen above). To prevent this problem, I used the smeared version as a guide to highlight a blank sheet of paper (I held them together against a window) in the same spots. After the blank sheet was highlighted I let it dry for 5 minutes and was careful to put it into my printer in the exact same direction as the first pieces printed. Then I printed the same text over the highlighter areas and this took care of my smearing problem!
Have fun creating your own highlights book! xoxo, elsie
ahaha, very cool! how creative!
http://www.tinacious.me/
http://www.tinacious.me/
Posted by: Tinacious.Me | March 27, 2012 at 02:47 PM
Love this! Taking Brown Paper Bag Book Covers to a whole new level :)
ps - I've been following you here on Bloglovin' for a while an I LOVE LOVE your style, so unique and fun :)
Posted by: Jessica | March 27, 2012 at 02:52 PM
Such a great idea! I love how creative your projects are. I would like to pick your brain!
Kindness is the best accessory,
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca Kelsey | March 27, 2012 at 02:53 PM
Awesome!!! I love this idea of using recycled bags! I may just have to make one!!
-Miranda
http://paperthoughtsfabricdreams.blogspot.com
Posted by: Miranda | March 27, 2012 at 02:53 PM
Such a cleveri idea! I love how everything came togethet : )
Posted by: Tori | March 27, 2012 at 02:54 PM
I LOVE this!!!
xoxo - http://cachecloset.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Katrina | March 27, 2012 at 02:54 PM
This is such a fun idea. I can't wait to try it out!
You are so creative, and I love reading your blog.
Posted by: Katie | March 27, 2012 at 02:57 PM
Such a great tip about highlighting before printing - I always have this problem!
Posted by: my honest answer | March 27, 2012 at 02:59 PM
Love the minimalist designs and the unified theme!
Material Fixations
Posted by: Material Fixations | March 27, 2012 at 02:59 PM
I'm so gonna do this for my next journal. Thanks you inspirational lady :)
Posted by: Nicola | March 27, 2012 at 03:00 PM
Oh this is so nice! :D I will definitely try this too at home! Think my boyfriend would also like it very much! I also wanted to say I really enjoy reading your blog! X Lots of love from Belgium!
Posted by: Saar | March 27, 2012 at 03:06 PM
can't wait to make one!
jillian&hannah
http://hitherandthitherblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Posted by: jillian&hannah | March 27, 2012 at 03:10 PM
This is so cool!
Love the fact that you used old paper to make this scrapbook and it's such a cute idea :)
xx Sari
Posted by: Sari / A Little Hummingbird | March 27, 2012 at 03:10 PM
Elsie that is absolutely adorable. You guys seem SO HAPPY together and I absolutely love it :)
Rory
www.WearAboutsBlog.com
Enter my giveaway!!!
Posted by: rory | March 27, 2012 at 03:12 PM
I really love this! It's so cute! Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Christen DeGonzague | March 27, 2012 at 03:14 PM
eeeee love! my three year anniversary is this week and i have been trying to think of something super unique to make. thank you!!! so genius and so cute!
Posted by: Lauren Jewel | March 27, 2012 at 03:15 PM
So sweet + such a great idea! This would make the perfect anniversary gift! YAY! You always have the best ideas. :D
Posted by: Lindsay | March 27, 2012 at 03:19 PM
Love it! I used the same idea - but oversized - to archive my son's art projects from gradeschool. I cut and used whole bags and kept the handles attached so that I could carry the "scrapbook" like a briefcase.
Posted by: Theresa C. | March 27, 2012 at 03:21 PM
That's a super cool idea love how it turned out! Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Posted by: LauraJamesJewelry | March 27, 2012 at 03:22 PM
I absolutely love this! Always looking for cute present ideas for my man.
Take carex
Posted by: Samantha | March 27, 2012 at 03:30 PM