Using 2 Colors of Foil + a Prayer Journal

Using 2 Colors of Foil + a Prayer Journal

Happy Monday everyone! Maggie here again!

Today I’m sharing a fun way to dress up a notebook using just some basic tools and your Minc!

These are the tools you’ll need:

• a notebook insert
• cardstock
• ruler
• craft knife
• Heidi Swapp Minc machine
• laser printer
• Photo editor that uses layers
• foil (more than one color, optional)
• corner-rounder (optional)
• long-reach stapler (optional)

I’m using navy blue cardstock and rose gold & white foil for my project. My daughter just got a new phone case with these color and I ADORE this combo…it’s my brand-new favorite and I plan to use it EVERYWHERE…everywhere.

OK…to start you’ll want to measure your notebook. Lay it open flat and make note of the measurements.

Open a new file in your photo editor* and size it to fit your notebook.

*I am using Photoshop CC for this project but any editor that uses layers that can be turned on and off will work just fine.

Create the design you’d like to use on your project, making sure to create a new layer for each part of the design.

Here’s a screenshot of my project…the red arrow is pointing to the layer tray. See that little eye symbol? That tells me whether my layer is visible or not. An “open” eye means it’s visible, a blank box means it’s hidden.

In the above image both layers (the layer with “pray” and the layer with “big”) are visible.

Hide the bottom layer by clicking on the eye symbol. You’ll see the eye disappears and a blank box takes its place.

You’ll also see that the “BIG” layer disappears from your screen. Don’t worry – it’s still there, it’s just hidden.

Now run your cardstock* through your laser printer. You’ll see that only the layer that was visible on your screen will print.

*I used a standard 8.5″x11″ piece of cardstock. I ran this sheet through my printer and will trim it down when I’m finished.

Next, cover your printed design with the foil of your choice (I chose rose gold) and send it through your Minc.

Now, head back to your computer. Turn off the top “pray” layer and turn on the bottom “BIG” layer. This is the layer we want to print this time.

Run your cardstock through your printer again. See how the toner prints over your foil?

Now, take a small piece of white foil, cover the “BIG” and run your cardstock through the Minc again.

Some things to remember when using the white foil:

• This foil is pretty temperamental and may not work perfectly on all media
• Use a piece of foil that is only big enough to cover your design. Using too big a piece may result in having some white foil transfer to your project
• Run a test sheet with the white foil through your Minc to make sure it will work as you want it to. Better safe than sorry…(smile)

Depending on the complexity of your design, you may choose to use more colors of foil. Just remember to plan ahead a bit and to print out only those layers you wish to foil with each color.

Once your design has been foiled, you can trim down your paper (remember I used an 8.5″x11″ piece) and adhere it to your notebook. Starting in one corner, line up 2 sides and work your way around.

Trim down the overhanging cardstock with a craft knife…

…and staple in the middle.

I rounded the corners on my notebook…but that’s an optional step.

And it’s done! Doesn’t it look so cool?

I really do love the way my new prayer journal looks…and I’ve already ordered more notebooks so I can make journals for each of the ladies in our Bible Study. It’s never too early to start thinking about handmade Christmas gifts!

SUPPLIES: Heidi Swapp Minc, Minc Reactive Foil: Rose Gold, White – all found at Joann Stores

other: Navy Blue cardstock, Midori Traveler’s Journal Insert, adhesive, ruler, craft knife, long-reach stapler (optional)

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