Category: Paper Crafting Tutorials

Paper Crafting Tutorials from Sandi Nagel. Sandi is a designer for Graphic 45 and Spellbinders. Watch as she shares beautiful ideas with you.

How I Made a Luxury Journal Cover That Looks Store Bought

How I Made a Luxury Journal Cover That Looks Store Bought

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

✨ NEW TUTORIAL UP TODAY!✨

If you’ve ever wanted to create a handmade journal that looks elegant, luxurious, and professionally made… this tutorial is for you 🤍

In today’s blog post, I’m sharing how I created this ivory faux leather traveler’s journal cover completely by hand using:
• faux leather
• elastic binding
• appliques
• decorative metal corners
• chunky charms
• a matching beaded pen
…and lots of beautiful little details ✨

I’m also sharing the technique I used to solve the “flimsy cover” problem while still keeping the journal soft and flexible.

This project is perfect for:
🤍 journal makers
🤍 paper crafters
🤍 Etsy sellers
🤍 craft fair vendors
🤍 handmade gift makers

You’ll find the full tutorial now on the blog along with close-up photos, supply inspiration, and step-by-step details to help you create your own luxury handmade journal cover ✨

Which detail would YOU add to your dream traveler’s journal? 👀

#travelersnotebook #junkjournal #journalmaking #papercrafting #handmadejournal

How to Use Fussy-Cut “Besties” in Your Spring Paper Crafts

How to Use Fussy-Cut “Besties” in Your Spring Paper Crafts

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

🌸✂️ Ready to take your paper crafts to the next level?

Fussy-cut elements are one of the easiest ways to add personality and story to your projects—and our Besties pack was made exactly for that 💕

Use them for scrapbook layouts, mini albums, treat bags, cards, and journals… and don’t forget—you can cut those plaid trims into the cutest borders too 👀

Once you start using them, you’ll see your projects come to life in a whole new way ✨

#FussyCutting #ScrapbookIdeas #CozyCrafts #MiniAlbumLove #PaperCrafting

Make Mini Albums That Sell

Make Mini Albums That Sell

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

If your mini albums feel a bit flat, try turning your cover into something functional and interactive. It completely changes the look — and makes your projects stand out in the best way.

I shared how I created this envelope-style cover in my latest video 🤍

#cozycrafts #scrapbooking #handmadebusiness #junkjournal #cottagecore

How to Create a Cozy Pocket Mini Album Using Ephemera Cards

How to Create a Cozy Pocket Mini Album Using Ephemera Cards

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

New in our Blog! Learn how to create cozy, pocket mini albums. We have some really cute ideas to share with you today!

Make sure to subscribe to our website so that you don’t miss a thing!

Link in our profile page.

#whimsical #minialbum #tutorial #cottagecore #decor8yourlife

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Card Making Ideas with the "Lucky You" Paper Pack for Your Seasonal Crafting

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Card Making Ideas with the “Lucky You” Paper Pack for Your Seasonal Crafting

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

🍀✨ Lucky vibes only!

If you love St. Patrick’s Day crafting, the Lucky You collection is one of the cutest ways to jump into spring projects. Think sweet gnomes, clovers, rainbows, and soft greens that work beautifully for cards, journals, and scrapbook layouts.

Available as a physical paper pack AND digital download so you can craft now and reprint your favorites anytime.

If it’s in your budget, having both gives you total crafting freedom. Use the cardstock for main projects and the digital files for tags, layers, and extra cards.

Perfect for:
• St. Patrick’s Day cards
• Spring junk journals
• Scrapbook layouts
• Mini albums

#stpatricksdaycrafts #scrapbookpaper #cardmakingideas #junkjournalcraft #springpapercrafts

🌸 How to Craft Beautiful Projects Using Flower Embellishments (Shabby Chic Edition)

🌸 How to Craft Beautiful Projects Using Flower Embellishments (Shabby Chic Edition)

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

🌸 Little details make the biggest difference in handmade projects.

If you love adding soft texture, sparkle, and dimension to your journals, cards, happy mail, and mini albums, these flower embellishments were made for you. They layer beautifully, photograph like a dream, and instantly give projects that romantic shabby chic finish so many of us love.

We’ve been having so much fun creating project ideas using these flowers, from loaded envelopes and MemoryDex cards to romantic cards, altered storage pieces, and journal covers. And honestly… once you start adding them, it’s hard to stop.

We just shared a brand new blog post packed with creative inspiration and real project ideas using these embellishments. If you’ve ever looked at your supplies and wondered what to make next, this one is for you.

Come visit the blog for inspiration, and if you love cozy, romantic craft ideas, make sure you’re signed up so you never miss new projects and tutorials.

#shabbychiccrafts #papercraftideas #junkjournalideas #scrapbookembellishments #romanticcrafts

Shabby Chic Junk Journal Folio Tutorial (Paper Lunch Bags)

Shabby Chic Junk Journal Folio Tutorial (Paper Lunch Bags)

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

Soft florals, lace, pearls, and paper lunch bags… who knew they could become something this dreamy? 💕

Today I’m sharing my new shabby chic ephemera folio made with the Whispers Junk Journal Kit from Decor8yourlife. It’s designed to hold tags, pockets, and vintage-style layers now, but it can easily be turned into a full junk journal later.

I used removable silicone dots for the small elements and a lace pocket for storing ephemera, so everything can be rearranged as inspiration strikes.

Full tutorial is up on YouTube and the matching blog post is live on decor8yourlife.com ✨

#junkjournal #shabbychicjournal #ephemeriafolio #paperbagjournal #junkjournaltutorial #vintagepapercraft #decor8yourlife #scrapbookideas #handmadejournal

How a Perpetual Calendar Turned into a Birthday Card - Project Share

How a Perpetual Calendar Turned into a Birthday Card – Project Share

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

Turning a forgotten project into something brand new always feels good… but this one feels extra special. 💖

Remember the perpetual calendar I made with all the monthly tags? I took it apart and turned every tag into a handmade birthday card that will be donated to a local church for their monthly birthday celebrations. 🥹🎂

In the tutorial I’m sharing how I:
• turned the calendar tags into card fronts
• used simple pastel mats for a clean, finished look
• added a pretty punched border for that “inlaid” frame
• used fun foam for budget-friendly dimension

It’s a sweet mix of use your stash + make something that makes someone’s day.

Would you repurpose an old project like this? Or would you keep the calendar as is?

✂️ New Video Tutorial: Turn Scrap Paper into 3x3 Cards & Gift Tags

✂️ New Video Tutorial: Turn Scrap Paper into 3×3 Cards & Gift Tags

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

🎨 Hey crafty friends! Ready for some cozy fall crafting inspiration? 🍁✨ I just dropped a brand-new video filled with easy, fun projects you can try at home—perfect for your journals, planners, and DIY gifts! 💌

Tap the link in bio to watch and get inspired! Don’t forget to grab your favorite playlist for all the seasonal craft vibes:
🍂 Fall Theme Craft Project Ideas & Tutorials
🎃 Halloween Craft Ideas
💌 More Card Making Ideas & Tutorials

#FallCrafts #DIYPlanner #JournalLove #CraftyFun #PlannerAddict #CardMaking #DIYGifts #HandmadeWithLove #CraftyVibes #Decor8yourlife

How to Create a Dimensional Memorydex Card with Fussy Cutting

How to Create a Dimensional Memorydex Card with Fussy Cutting

Posted on by Sandi Nagel

🎀Bring your projects to life with fussy-cut images that add layers of depth and character. Instead of leaving everything flat, you can create a dimensional effect by layering images, overlapping details, and adding raised embellishments. The result is a one-of-a-kind look where every element stands out, giving your handmade pieces charm and personality.

Whether you’re working on scrapbook layouts, journals, memorydex cards, or greeting cards, adding this extra touch makes your projects feel dynamic and full of life—almost as if the scene is jumping right off the page.

#Scrapbooking #FussyCutting #MemorydexCard #ScrapbookPaper #PaperCrafting #CardMaking #ScrapbookingTips #CraftTutorial #ScrapbookIdeas #HandmadeCrafts #Decor8yourlife #BunnyBakesAndPantryTales