Notebook Purses

When I saw these journals at Sisters' Stuff, I knew at some point I'd be making them for my girls! With school supplies on sale, this seemed like the perfect time! (Please note, theirs are much cuter due to the additional embellishments...I didn't want to sink too much money into these as I know my little ones will burn right through them.) (There are some other cute examples at Brassy Apple)

Supplies I used:
Composition Notebooks (mini and regular sized examples shown)
scrapbook paper
ribbon
Mod Podge
hot glue
velcro tabs
scissors

The other site used a knife to cut their layers and I would probably recommend that, as I attempted to use scissors and just didn't get as clean a look (probably took me longer). The first step is to cut corners off your notebook to make it shaped like a trapezoid. (I just winged it on mine, so for those perfectionists out there...sorry I don't have specific measurements for these cuts!)

Next, I applied the scrapbook paper using Mod Podge. (For me, it was easier to just glue the notebook cover to the paper and trim after, but you could measure or trace it out then glue.)

I hot glued ribbon on each notebook for decoration and also for handles.

Finally, I cut out a rectangle of scrapbook paper, hot glued it to the center of the back cover, folded it over to the front side and attached velcro. (I had sew on velcro on hand and opted to try hot gluing, but would likely recommend the self-adhesive velcro dots or something to that effect.)

I like the example on the other blog - so cute with the flower on the closing tab!

Pretty easy and fun project. I can't wait to give it to big or little sis! Big sis LOVES to draw, so I know she will go through hers fast!

UPDATE: Check this post for another way to close the purse (I ended up calling it a purse buckle..???)