Tuesday 2 September 2014

The Secret Diary of Barry Bear

Hubby bought me a mini binding machine about a year ago, and after making the calendar project that I had been itching to make, it's been in the cupboard collecting dust since then.  So I decided to pull it out and put it to use for this fortnight's challenge at Top Tip Tuesday where the theme is Stationery.

I've designed and printed out a full year of a diary, with a week's view to each page and bound it all into a mini book using some mount-board covers (I had some leftover mount-board from making my clocks).  I did actually put design paper on the front and back, but then stamped over it with some floral mini stamps to match the colour theme of the image, so you can't see much of the design any more.

I also tied little strips of matching ribbon around the rings, but wasn't sure whether I liked them after I'd done them.  I did end up pulling them off, but they were on when I took the photos.




I designed the diary insert pages to fit four weeks on an standard A4 sized sheet of paper.  I chopped the printed sheets into quarters and that's the size of the diary.  I cut the mount board slightly larger to create the covers.



This is also my final challenge designing for Top Tip Tuesday.  I've been on this fabulous team since June 2011 and have had a wonderful time with a great bunch of designers and our lovely leading lady, Samantha.  But I've been feeling in a bit of a rut for the past couple of months and decided I need to inject some change in order to get my mojo back.  I am addicted to crafting.  It's a much needed 'release' from a stressful day job so over the next month I'm stepping back from four of my longest running teams, hoping that will free up some time to enable me to go in search of my missing mojo by trying some new creative challenges.

Card Recipe:
I've been inspired by:
Happy crafting
Annette
xx



13 comments:

Squirrel x said...

Wow, what a project to end with hunny! This is super clever and absolutely gorgeous. I have one of those bindie machines but I am scared of it, lol. Barry is just the sweetest bear (after James of course). Love how you have used the tapestry stamps too. All in all, perfect! Hugs xx

Sarah said...

So then...what does Barry get up to that requires a secret diary...I wonder? This is a brilliant project Annette, love the stamping, fab painting and , of course, Barry!! xx

NGCARDS said...

This is a lovely creation hun, I love the colours and the main image is great :) Thanks for playing at Creative Inspirations! xxx

3treescreations@gmail.com said...

Oh that Barry! I hope he keeps all your secrets!!

Deanne :)

Carole Pollard said...

Brilliant project so lovely love and hugs Carole x

Chrissy said...

I LOVE Barry and I love your secret diary Annette..fabulous design and papers..and I like the ribbons too..

luv CHRISSYxx

Carol S. said...

Barry is so adorable and love your diary. Brilliant gift for Christmas. Hugs, Carol S.xx

Carol S. said...

Barry is so adorable and love your diary. Brilliant gift for Christmas. Hugs, Carol S.xx

Craftdee said...

This is fabulous, Annette! I have "things in the cupboard" that I HAD to have too, oh the guilt! I hope you're not going to disappear from my Blog roll, I love seeing your creations pop up; I know if you have to go on a Mojo hunt you HAVE to, just hope you don't wander too far is all :-)) Donna xx

Christine L said...

Your mojo is missing??? You're KIDDING! You have more mojo than anyone I know!! LOVE this fabulous diary... you really are soooooooo clever!

Hugs
Christine x

NickScrapShack said...

What an adorable notebook! I love the stamped background. So creative!

Thank you for playing along with us at Sparkles this month. Good luck and hope to see you back soon!
Nick

Jo said...

Love this....think there's gonna be a binder on my Christmas list this year lol! Thanks for joining us over at Sparkles this month & good luck! I'm your newest follower too-hope that's ok!
hugs Jo x
Dt

I have candy if you'd like to enter!
http://mycraftingcorner-jo.blogspot.co.uk/

Elaine Stark said...

A brill project and so cute. Sorry this is your last TTT challenge. I will miss your inspiration as will others. Elaine