DIY Wedding card book

So it is no big secret that I am kind of a hoarder when it comes to keeping sentimental things.  That's why I was so excited when I came across this DIY on Pinterest for making a wedding card album.  I thought it would be a great way to keep them out with the rest of our wedding memorabilia on my shelves.

Just in case you haven't come across this amazing DIY project, I decided to show you how I made mine.  

Supplies:

2-3 pieces of scrapbook paper

hole punch

wide ribbon

thin ribbon (optional)

scissors

binder rings

big stack of wedding cards

a couple embellishments (you can use a picture of the two of you or pick up stickers from a craft store)

2 brads

Step One: Creating the front and back cover

Get all of your cards together.  Put them in a stack and pull out the biggest one.  You are going to use this as your guide for covers.  

Trace the outside edge of your card and cut it out. (Photo below) You are going to trace it twice, once for the front and again for the back cover.

Step Two: Design your front and back cover

Use anything you want!  I used leftover things from our wedding day.  The "label" on the front of my book is actually one of the extra water bottle labels.  The wide and skinny ribbons are leftovers from our favors.  They also sell SO MUCH wedding scrapbook stickers/embellishments at craft stores.

Step Three:  Hole punch your cards

This is kind of the annoying part.  I held my stack of cards together and found the middle of the smallest card, then I made to dashes where I was going to punch the holes.  I punched the holes in the small card first and then used that as my guide for the rest of the stack, punching one card at a time.  (And don't sweat it if you make a mistake and have to re-punch a hole because remember your cover is going to be over it anyway)

Step Four:  Feed the binder ring through the holes

I take it back, this was probably the most annoying part for me. haha!  Feed one ring at a time.  And you may need to feed it through each individual card if your holes don't line up perfectly.  (Mine didn't, but it still works!)

Step 5: Create the wraparound bow to hold it closed

On the BACK cover you are going to lay your wide ribbon across the back of your book, making sure it reaches to the front with enough room to tie a bow, and is even on both sides.  Once you have your bow in place, use scissors to pop a small hole through the ribbon and cardstock, and insert your first brad.  Move a couple inches from that one and add a second brad using the same method.  Bend the edges to adhere them to the page. (Photos below) Now wrap it around to the front and tie a pretty bow.

 Optional step:  I added a thin ribbon to my binder rings just so the weren't so plain.  I just tied cute little bows.  You could also attach a cute charm or keyring to jazz it up a bit if you wanted.

And you are ALL DONE!!  That wasn't so painful, was it?

What do you think??  Are you going to give it a try?

linked up at: Create With Joy, Oh My Heartsie Girl, Just Us Four, Diana Rambles