New Explorer's Folio - Make a Western Saddle Bag Book

New Explorer's Folio - Make a Western Saddle Bag Book

Karen Wyngaard Karen Wyngaard

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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:

Damask Explorer's Journal Project - Folio detail #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook
Explorer's Journal in Stone - Decorated with the Damask collection

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?

Western Saddle Bag Book - Explorer's Folio project #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook

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 . . .

Western Saddle Bag Book - Explorer's Folio project #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook

. . . open the left "wing" . . .

Explorer's Folio project #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook

. . . and the right to reveal the interior. The left and right flaps each feature an angled pocket.

Western Saddle Bag Book - Explorer's Folio project #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook

To make room for even more photos, trim panels from an extra Kraft plain to fit the pockets. Add matted photos to the panels.

Explorer's Folio project #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook

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.)

Explorer's Folio project #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook

Print embellishments using the Western Hybrid kit and super smooth white cover stock.

Western Hybrid kit printable embellishments #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook
Western Hybrid kit printable embellishments #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook
Western Hybrid kit printable embellishments #clubscrap #papercrafting #handmadebook

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!

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