Playing card album/smash book

I actually got this idea from my little sister. She gave me a little book of playing cards for my birthday that was a book of memories. It took us about 2 hours to go through, as every page contained a memory, which we had to tell the story to. One of the best presents I have ever received and will cherish it forever.

I went to Michael's and got some rings, tied misc. ribbons around them, and used them as the binding of the playing cards. I used my crop-o-dile to punch through like 5 cards at a time (LOVE that little guy!). I found so many sets of cards at garage sales this summer, I scooped them all up and now have lots to make these projects out of.

I used some punches (hearts, stars, butterflies, flowers, etc) to punch out of papers and other cards to add dimension and interest to the pages. This actually didn't take too long and would make a great gift for mothers &/or fathers day, Christmas, birthdays, Valentines, or just about any other occasion!

Home Made Smash Book

At one of our last M.O.P.S. meetings, the craft was "Smash Books".

I teach the class using the books from K & Company at my local Michael's store, but honestly I prefer this kind.
This is what I call the "Cram-What-You-Can Book"

Seriously. To save money on scrapbooks, make your own. Head to the craft store to get some rings (like $3 for 6, I think) and then just use scraps!

I decided to go for texture. I got canvas pieces, rope, twine, netting, magazine paper, cardstock, envelopes, cardboard... anything that I thought might not get used, I used. A lot of the pages are made with 12x12 paper cut into fourths (so 6x6 squares) and glued to each other. I only glued 3 sides though, make every page a pocket! Give me glue, a paper trimmer, a pile of junk mail and a Crop-o-dile, I'll give you a Smash Book!

This has been in the works for months now, I wanted to get as much in it as possible before giving to hubby for Father's Day. I got all the ticket stubs from our outings (Plays, Seahawks & Mariners games, Museum trips, etc), included family pictures of us & our parents, and found miscellaneous stuff that I know he loves. I found a great vintage koala bear postcard at a garage sale for next to nothing, also found some vintage Father's Day cards that just happened to say the perfect things :)