Craft: Ribbon-tied Brag Book

Well, this is the first time I've ever shown a craft on my blog.  I am not a terribly creative person by nature.  I'm more of a show-me-exactly-how-and-I'll-make-one-too person.  So, that said, please understand that I am taking no credit for this project -- only showing my version of it.  I believe that I first spotted the idea in a scrapbooking magazine.  I wish I could remember which one - so I could give credit.  If anyone knows - please leave me a comment, and I will gladly give credit.

The instructions are oh so easy.  I've been trying to work a few more hand-made gifts into my Christmas giving the last few years, and these were the handmade gift for 2010.

Here we go...

Supplies needed:

1 pack badge holders - found at office supply stores.  (Horizontal or vertical doesn't matter, however, it would be easier to get photos into the wider opening of the horizontal holders.  The badge holders I found were rather rigid.)

Narrow ribbon.  You can mix & match, have a theme, or stick with one particular type of ribbon -- totally your choice.

Line up your badges.  Each badge has a pre-punched hole at the top.  (You may have to poke the plastic tab out.)  It doesn't matter which way they face.  However, I do make sure that the front and back are turned inward - meaning the slot where you slide the picture in is facing the inside.  This way, no pictures can slip out.

Cut your ribbon, leaving it long enough to tie a knot and have some leftover.  Slip it through the hole in each badge, and tie that knot!  Please note:  tying the knot tightly insures that the book's pages will stay lined up neatly -- however, it also makes it a little more difficult to slip photos in.  Try a happy medium.  Do this with several ribbons, until you like the look.  Remember, you can use one type of ribbon, or a happy rainbow of colors/styles -- your choice.

When you're done - it should look something like this.  Leave the ribbons a little on the long side so they "flop" a little.  Then, trim the ends at an angle, or in a "V" cut - as you prefer.

TaaDaa!  A sweet little wallet-sized, ribbon-tied brag book.

Just the perfect size to carry in your purse.

OR leave it out on a table at home.

So cute either way.