DIY Saturday- Picture Notepad

At the first part of the year I participated something called "Pay It Forward 2011". Those that responded to it was to home make something and send it to 5 people. Each of those 5 people are to make something and send it to another 5 and so on. I'll admit I JUST now started making my pay it forwards for this year ( but hey I do have all 2011 to make stuff ).

With my oldest Graduating Pre-K I wanted to make something for his teacher and also figured I would knock out a Pay It Forward at the same time.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 Vertical 4x6 picture's 
• Asst Paper 
• Paper cutter or x-acto cutter
• Clothespins or 2 binder clips
• Elmer's white glue
• Heavy books 

( I made a smaller size- 3x4)

STEP ONE: TRIM PAPER TO SIZE

Cut each paper into a 4x6 (same size as your photo's). I used a paper cutter which is much faster and easier but you may also use a ruler and x-acto knife.
You want your stack to be about 1/4 inch.

STEP TWO: GLUE PAPER


Tap the stack of paper until one side (short end)  is perfectly flush.
Clamp with clothespin or binder clip to keep the paper nicely lined up.
Apply glue evenly to short end and smear with finger.

STEP THREE: GLUE AGAIN AND ......AGAIN. 

Let the glue dry for about 10-15 minutes. Then re- apply glue and let completely dry. The layer of glue should be nice and thick (re-apply one more coat if needed and completely dry).
Ruffle the pages to make sure all is secure. If they do come loose apply more glue and let dry.

Place the print face out on top n bottom and re-clamp with clothespins or binder clip.

Sorry about the lighting change

STEP FOUR: MAKE THE PAPER STRIP

For the spine of the notepad cut a 4"  and about 3/4-1"  wide piece of sturdy paper.
Apply a thin layer of glue, smear with your finger.
Glue the strip onto the spine of the notepad.
Smooth the strip onto the photo with your finger, then bend the other side down onto the back cover and smooth that down. 
*If excess glue gets onto the face of the photos, wipe it away with a damp paper towel.

STEP FIVE: LET EM DRY

Stack the books onto and let em dry :)

I was amazed at how easy it was to make these. This is defiantly going to be a gift item in the future.