Two Must-Do Projects!

I'm always looking for crafty things to do...checking out blogs for fun tutorials...scouring the web for the next must-do crafty bit...

One of my favorite blogs to check out on a very regular basis in Paper Source (I've been known to stalk their website and blog several times a day dreaming up all the yummy paper goodness I could create if I just had an endless bank roll to buy everything in their online shop)! And supposedly there's a new store location coming to my area soon...oh my...I'm giddy just thinking about it! If I've gone missing...you know where to find me!

I've bookmarked a few of the latest 'how-to' projects featured on their blog in the past week or so...and I just had to share!

PROJECT ONE: Making Your Own Notepads

I've been wanting to make these forever - they are perfect for a gift to a friend (with a little added personalization) and they are great to keep near the phone for keeping track of those messages! This is the easiest 'how-to' ever...whether you use your own supplies or Paper Source's supplies - these little EZ Notepads are the perfect things to keep on hand!

Materials needed:
3-4 packs of A2 Note Cards (use two different colors for a jazzy pad!)
PVA
Glue Brush
2 Rulers
1-2 Jumbo Binder Clips

Instructions:
1. Stack A2 Note Cards (alternating colors optional). Jog sides back and forth on a flat level surface until desired edge is completely flush.
2. Cover one edge with PVA to bind cards.
3. Carefully sandwich the glued edge between two rulers, then clamp with jumbo binder clips. The rulers will protect the paper from the clips. Set aside to dry.
4. If necessary, apply another layer of PVA and set aside to dry. Once completely dry, unclamp and use!

*You can use your own paper too...just about any paper would work...in any size. The Paper Source flat cards are nice because they are precut and are made from a heavy weight card stock...but try designing & sprucing up your own computer paper with personalization or creating your own shopping list - check out these other notepad 'how to's' here, here and here.

PROJECT TWO: Paper Covered Pencils

These adorable pencils would be a fabulous 'side' to your already created handmade notepads! Combine the two crafts together and they make the perfect gift for just about anyone!

Materials needed:
Mechanical Pencils
Decorative Paper (Indian & Japanese papers work best!)
PVA Glue
Glue Brush
Scissors
Guillotine Paper Trimmer (optional)

Instructions:
1. Cut strips of decorative paper to fit lengths of mechanical pencils, with a 1/4” overlap.
2. Coat backs of decorative strips with PVA. Wrap around barrels of mechanical pencils just below erasers.
3. Reuse over and over and over again!

Click the link below to print off an easy how to PDF for both projects provided by Paper Source

PAPER SOURCE How To PDF: Covered Pencils & Notepads

You can find these and many other 'how to' projects on the Paper Source blog.