Altered Playing Cards- Mini Notebook / Tags

 Hi Friends!

Let's stay inside where it's warm and cozy.

I've been working on multiple paper projects this week,

 but they are not finished yet- so here's a quick and fun way

to make a mini notebook or tag using playing cards.

These cards were a recent 'Thrifty Find', unfortunately

they were an incomplete set so I put them to a better use!

The vintage cards were smaller and had a matte finish.

This newer set was a bit glossy, I used a bit of sand paper to

make them dull.

You will need to find a couple paper napkins for this project.

I found the birds recently at the Dollar Tree.

You can use Matte or Gloss Mod Podge.

You will want to use a single ply of the napkin.

Here is an easy trick to separate the layers of napkin.

Touch a piece of scotch tape to the back side,

the tape will pull apart the layers easily.

Cut your napkin into smaller pieces that have a design you like.

Use a thin layer of Mod Podge to attach your napkin to the card.

The cards may bow but they will straighten out later.

We are only covering one side.

The picture on the card will show through.

If you don't like that- you can paint the card first with gesso

or acrylic paint.

Trim edges with scissors.

You can use distressing ink on the sides.

Lay out your cards.

Glue your cards to a sheet of regular copy paper. 

Pretty side up!

Leave about a 1/4'' of space between the cards.

Let dry.

Trim background paper with scissors.

Fold like an accordion-

They have a wonderful texture,

almost like soft leather.

Now we can stitch around the cards

with the sewing machine.

This is optional, but it is so much fun.

I think you'll love it.

Do a quick test on another piece of paper first!

Just to make sure your bobbin is working properly.

Start at the top and go across, down, up and over.

You will end up back where you started.

I used some stamps on the back side.

I used Antique Linen Distress Ink.

You can use tea or coffee to stain your paper .

You will be able to fold these in a few different ways! 

The small size can fit inside a greeting card.

I like to give you some ideas on how to use these-

Here is one I used on the cover of a mini junk journal.

and I also tucked one inside a pocket.

They can be used as tags.

This is one side-

and this is the other.

It's nice to have a little handmade item ready 

when you may need it !

Thanks for hanging out with me-

xo Lisa S