Make an adorable Western Saddle Bag Book! My inspiration was last year's Anniversary Cruise project, the Explorer's Journal. The complete project kit is still available in stone. Or download the instructions and video tutorial in our hybrid store.
One of many interactive components of the journal is a clever folio that slides out of the inside front cover:
The folio makes a great handmade album in its own right. When closed, the it reminded me of a saddle bag. What could be more Western than that?
For those familiar with the Explorer's Journal instructions, making the folio portion is the final step in the assembly process. (Page 4, steps 14-17.) Now you can download instructions to make an Explorer's Folio of your own! Constructed from heavy duty card stock, the book features a hook and loop closure.
Explorer's Folio Instructions Download
WESTERN SADDLE BAG BOOK TOUR
Gather three sheets of Expeditions Kraft plain and follow the trimming and assembly instructions. Decorate the book with Western plains, Rope print and Card kit print.
Let's take a closer look at the finished project. Undo the closure, open the top and bottom flaps . . .
. . . open the left "wing" . . .
. . . and the right to reveal the interior. The left and right flaps each feature an angled pocket.
To make room for even more photos, trim panels from an extra Kraft plain to fit the pockets. Add matted photos to the panels.
Don't forget to add photos to the back side of each panel, too! (The Western Pack of Panels is a great source for extra mats.)
Print embellishments using the Western Hybrid kit and super smooth white cover stock.
Pin the image below so you can easily locate the instructions in the future.
So what do you think? Mine may be a "Saddle Bag Book" but you can customize your Explorer's Folio to suit any theme or occasion. I see a lot of potential with this one!
Happy crafting!
