One thing I've found is that this project works best with one of those albums that screw together - three-ring binders work well, but are much more difficult to cover using this technique.
Remove the screws and remove the album; then you can cover the back and front separately.
Use scissors to cut a piece of batting to fit both covers.
Give the outside of an album cover a light coat of spray adhesive; let stand until sticky. (Do this if you already have some spray adhesive around the house - it's not absolutely essential to apply an adhesive to hold the batting.) Put the batting in its place.
Tipping: Always use spray adhesives in a well-ventilated area.
Cut a piece of fabric for each cover, measuring 2" larger than the covers themselves. Center it over one cover and flip the whole thing over.
Using your trusty glue gun, run a bead of glue along one side and press the fabric into the glue.
Do the same on the opposite side so it's tight, then do the remaining sides, saving the corners for last.
Apply a drop of glue to the corner of the fabric, fold the corner with your fingers and pin it.
To cover the raw edges, apply a piece of fabric-covered cardboard or a piece of handmade paper, cut to fit the inside of the cover. Glue in place with high-tack spray adhesive or hot glue.
Tipping: If you're using handmade paper and find it's too thin, adhere a heavier piece of paper to one side with spray adhesive.
Use a pair of scissors to go through the holes where the screws will be reattached.
Repeat with the other cover, then reassemble the book. If you wish, you can add decorations such as sewing results (satin rope frog closures, etc.)
Q:What materials would you recommend I use to make a magic wand for my daughter's fairy princess costume?
A:A wooden block is a great place to start. Paint it gold or silver, add glitter or ribbon, or whatever fabric you used to make the costume. (The ribbon streamers hanging from the wand are fabulous.) Then look around the house - maybe you have an old foam Christmas star or something similar that you can attach to the end of the dowel. And, of course, have your daughter help you. This is a great project for mothers and daughters.
Q:What width of ribbon should I use to make ribbon embroidery designs? Do I need a special needle?
A:Normally the best tape width is 1/8" to 1/4". You should use a square or tapestry needle with a larger eye. Check out your local craft store – they're sure to have everything you need to get started.
Q:Do you have instructions for a simple braiding technique?
A:The simplest technique uses three strands:take an outer strand and place it over the middle strand. It becomes the middle strand. Take the other outer strand and pull it over the middle strand. Keep doing this, alternating outer strands over the middle strand, until you have as much braid as you need.
