Gift Idea: Homemade Books

Allie (my niece) turned 6 years old this past week. It took me a while to come up with an idea of what to get her, but finally came up with these cute homemade books that I learned how to make at a church activity. She is in kindergarten this year and loves to draw and write. It was fun to pick out paper that reflects her girly girl personality. I was a little worried about her reaction, but they were a hit. She really likes them.

These are great for children, but I think if you got the right paper, adults would love them to. You can get creative with these by adding all kinds of embellishments. I would suggest putting their name on it to make it personalized (especially for kids).

Here is how you can do it!

Supplies

• decorative paper for the front and back cover
  
• computer paper for the inside of the book (or any kind of paper)
• embroidery thread, waxed cotton, or whatever you would like to do the "sewing" with
• pieces of cardboard (optional- to make the front and back cover less flimsy)

Instructions

1. Since I didn't take pictures of myself making the books, I'm going to direct you to this website instead. I figure this is easier than my explanation with only text. The figures definitely help!
2. Feel free to ask me any questions if the instructions are confusing!

Psst... For all four books, this gift cost less than $2.00!

New Ideas!

I have been thinking about some ideas on making this blog even more fun for me (and you). With my busy schedule, I tend to put blogging off. I still do craft (although it is not frequent) and make new/old recipes (this is frequent because we have to eat) and I take pictures of them, it is just the posting that gets put off. I have a picture folder with at least ten recipes to blog about just sitting there waiting for their chance in the spotlight.
So I want to come up with ways that will give me somewhat of a deadline, but not a strict deadline. Here are a few ideas I have come up with, but I would love your input on more that would be fun.

• Meal of the Month: Where I would post an entire meal (main dish and two side dishes) rather than individual recipes. This way I will for sure post one complete meal once a month.
  
• Challenge!: Where you suggest a cooking/crafting/whatever challenge for me to complete. Here is an example of a challenge: "I want to make something for a bare wall in my house (cheaper is better)." I could then respond to your challenge with a post like "Sprucing up the bathroom."
• Gift Idea: Where I would post things I have made and then gave away as gifts.

Please let me know what you think of these ideas and of any other suggestions you have.