I’ve been lusting after a Japanese-style obi for awhile now (why I haven’t just sat down and made one…). So I definitely perked up when I found this great tutorial for an easy, one-hour belt from CraftStylish:

Go check it out! And don’t worry, the rest of the covered notebook tutorial is on it’s way :-)

image: Jack Deutsch/CraftStylish

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ConKerr Cancer is a non-profit organization that helps children undergoing treatment for cancer. They’ve provided over 30,000 soft, comforting & cheerful pillowcases to children in the USA, Canada & South Africa.

The pillowcases help to brighten up the children’s rooms and provide them with something that’s fun and totally their own.

ConKerr Cancer needs more volunteers to help sew pillowcases, or even make no-sew fleece pillowcases.

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The first step in creating your own fabric covered notebook is to cut the batting to the same approximate size as the cover of your notebook:

I don’t get fussy about it at this stage - an extra 1/4″ around the edges is fine.

Now take the batting off the book and lay it out onto the fabric you’re using for the cover. Use the batting as a pattern, leaving an extra two inches of fabric all the way around the batting. It should look like this:

Time to break out the spray glue!

Remember to use the glue in a well ventilated area and protect your work surface from overspray - it’s awfully messy! I like to lay the batting out, spray it with the glue and then lay the closed book on it. Wrap the batting around the cover and smooth any wrinkles out.

Repeat the same process with the fabric, spraying, wrapping and then smoothing the fabric out:

I try and avoid spraying the outer edges of the fabric - I find it’s easier to leave them as dry as possible.

Here’s what the book looks like at this point:

We’re going to let the glue set overnight - so I’ll see you tomorrow for the next steps!

all images: copyright C Findlay-Harder

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I love notebooks! I think I probably have a dozen of them in my studio at any given time. But, not all notebooks are all that decorative, so what’s a fabric hound to do?

Cover them in beautiful fabric of course :-)

For this project, you’ll need a notebook, scissors, spray basting glue (I use Elmer’s spray glue), a good quality white glue (I like the Ultimate), some light weight batting (I’m using Warm & White for this project) and of course, the fabric you’re using to cover the notebook!

We’ll start working on your book tomorrow.

image: C Findlay-Harder

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Kelly from Brew-Ha-Ha is hosting the Lifestyle’s channel monthly link round-up - this month, we’re celebrating summer!

At One Book Two Book, Mary Emma Allen combines reading and cooking for kids this summer in Build It with Food - Lets Get Cooking!

Katelyn from Stamping Mad likes to add a special touch to cookouts with colorful handmade invitations.

Speaking of handmade, Mary Emma Allen has been featuring Christmas in July at Quilting and Patchwork. Check out these 13 Holiday Recipes for Quilters to Enjoy.

Corey and Kerri Aldrich (married b5media bloggers - like Chris and I) offer their perspective on who really wears the pants at the grill.

Despite what my uncles think, grilling isnt just for pork, steaks, chicken and burgers: you could try grilling halloumi - cheese! Its whats for dinner.

If you do plan on grilling meat, consider trying a yummy sauce - at Kettle and Cup, Marye suggests Spicy Coffee Barbecue Sauce. While I havent tried it yet, its definitely going on my list. It feels like a twist on red eye gravy.

Marye also reminds us that theres more to barbecue than you think. Check out Baking Delights All About Barbecue.

Cyndi offers up nontraditional fun family fare at Busy Family Meals with a great recipe: chicken Skewers with pineapple-macadamia nut sauce. Its a tasty tropical mix for when its hot, hot, hot!

Cool things off with a fun summer dessert from She Knows Parties. Linette offers not one - but fifty - fun summer dessert ideas.

The great thing about barbecues is that you dont have to go far. Make it a staycation! Kadi at Guerrilla Parenting shares her staycation experiences in photos - with a great recipe thrown in for fun!

Chris also stays local - with a look at domestic (US) beers just meant for summer. Drink up at Brewha-ha.com!

If beer isnt your, well, cup of tea, consider a cocktail. Colleen suggests a classic gin and tonic over at Drinks After Dark.

Entertainment is key at a barbecue. Susan goes big and bold at Play Library with a look at an inflatable movie screen.

Of course, dont forget about the guests that you dont want at a party - mosquitoes! Marye offers up homemade mosquito repellent at Simply Home Remedies.

Finally, clean up doesnt have to be all about the trash. Peg, at Tree Hugging Family, encourages you to make it easy on yourself - consider throwing a reusable, recycled and disposable party.

image: Stock.xchg

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