Taking Notes

If you look W-A-Y B-A-C-K in the recess of my kitchen cupboard there's a pile of abandoned festive napkins.  Designs for every special occasion or season imaginable, from Halloween to the Fourth of July.   For birthdays,  anniversaries and  everything in between.  If I wasn't so smitten with the new fanciful prints that sway me into purchasing them, I might use up the plethora in my stash.  My excuse....I may not have enough napkins for any upcoming event!  Which really is only a problem if I planned on entertaining several banquets at one time!  We'll, I'm here to save the stray designer napkin from a terrible fate... of being used for that quick clean up of a common spill.

We're  winding  down the summer and winding up the  holiday season.

What you'll need~Glad Press'n Seal

along with over sized (scored & folded) index cards or blank stationary cards
This is the basic technique, which we'll be creating a few items with, but you'll find so many more uses.... placards, tags, monograms and invitations.

Each pack of napkins is labeled with the number of ply's,
which comes in quite handy when you start separating each layer.


STEP 1
Separate each napkin layer.

STEP 2

Cover your index card with the Press'n Seal sticky side down.
 With the palm of your hand smooth  out any wrinkles to release any air bubbles.

STEP 3

Place the single ply (napkin) print side up over the card that's been covered with the Press'n Seal
Smooth out any remaining wrinkles.

 Optional Step

The napkins that have three ply's usually have a layer with  faded print, it can be used on the  inside of the card (writing surface).

Use parchment paper to protect your iron and work table.I cover my table with a heatproof pad before laying down the parchment.
You can reuse the parchment paper over and over again.

STEP 4
Press with high heat and no steam iron.
Let cool, then trim off the excess.
Fold and repress with the iron, creating the crisp crease fold.

**if you get a spot that didn't fuse, lift it back up while hot and insert a little  scrap of Press'n Seal over the area, reposition your napkin and re-iron.**

Stationary cards completed in just a couple steps.The cards have a wonderful linen feel, smooth to the touch.

I would recommend using either a napkin with bold colors and or  a booklet with a lighter print cover.

 To avoid the red book cover from showing through
I applied two individual napkin layers & the Press n Seal.

There are several inexpensive notebooks that don't have much appeal on their own, but can be transformed into a lovely pocket journal.

This poor notepad had a run in with a stubborn label that couldn't be removed without pulling half the cover off.

It was a mess!!

Now it's a notepad with a beautiful purpose.
This method would be a fun way to decorate and personalize a school notebook.
I prefer the texture of the napkins untreated because it has the feel of fabric.
A coat or two of Mod Podge can be applied for added strength and durability.

This French(tin) postcard pocket was ideal for holding a few stationary cards.
It has an adorable cupid surrounded with romantic french writing.
There's a printed post card on the reverse side

I placed my Parisian Pocket on the night table of the guest room
 (pen included).
My friends and family can use them to jot down notes to family at home or make a list of sights they'd like to see while in town.

I like to surprise my company as they leave 

with a lil' gift of cards and tags wrapped up with a ribbon.  Either in a cello bag or a box to match.
Let me know in the comments what you'll be creating with you napkins.

XO Sara