My (almost) Finished Paper Bag Smash Book

Yes, I did it.  I made my own Paper Bag Smash Book!

At a "get ready for Girls Camp" meeting with my cohort for the 3rd years a few weeks ago, we were busy trying to come up with ideas for . . . you guessed it,  "Girls Camp."  One of the ideas that my cohort brought to the table was Paper Bag Journals for the girls.  Paper Bag Journals?  Now not knowing anything about paper bag journals, that was my reaction.  Well it was more like "really?"  But outside I was all for it.  

Later at home I decided to find out what a paper bag journal was, so I headed for my all favorite "Pinterest."  I found all kinds of paper bag journals on there, but all the ones I liked didn't have any kind of tutorials, just pictures.  So I ended up googling "how to make a paper bag journal" and found this awesome Youtube video (well it's actually split into 3 videos) with step by step instructions on how to make your own Paper Bag Journal.  While watching the video I proceeded to make my own.  

I didn't have any double stick tape so I used a glue stick.  Well that just took forever and was a mess, so I ran (drove) to the store and got me some double stick tape at Joann's in the scrapbooking section.  And yes, I had my 40% off coupon.  I have now almost completed my very own Paper Bag Journal, which I have renamed "Smash Book" because I think that it sounds way more cool.  

One of the coolest features of the Paper Bag Smash Book (Journal) is all the pockets.  There's multiple pockets on every page, so the girls have places to put their mementos.  I do however need some more ideas on what to do in the pages, so it's not quite completed.  If you have any I'd love to hear them.  I was thinking a page for the hike and one for the devotionals.  That's two down.   

So here's my pictures of my completed "Smash Book" plus the link for those awesome Youtube tutorials.  Here is part 1 of the Paper Bag Journal Tutorial.

Front Cover

Our Camp theme for this year is C.O.M.E. 

Covenants, Obey, Minister and Endure

Inside front cover with a pull out card for the girls to write their testimony of the Savior on.

Another page with Scripture Insert

Back Cover with this years Young Women Theme

"Come Unto Christ"

Toilet Paper Holder

I was looking at toilet paper holders at the local store and they are pretty expensive.  An old friend of mine used to make her own using old coffee cans and material, so I thought I would make a go of it.  I don't drink coffee so of coarse I have no old coffee cans, but I do have lots of food storage and much of that comes in the same size cans.  (#10 size.)

So I found a few (3 is what you need) that were already open and emptied the contents into another container.  Wala!  Empty cans!  Next I cleaned them and took the bottom off of two of them with my can opener.  I saved one of the bottoms for making the lid of my toilet paper holder.  I like my pampered chef can opener because it doesn't leave sharp edges.  I then got out my duct tape and taped the cans together with the one that still has the bottom on the bottom.  I wrapped it clear around to make sure it was secure.  I then found the material I wanted to use and cut it just a bit bigger than my toilet paper holder.  Using my hot glue gun (you can also use spray adhesive or whatever else you prefer, but hot glue is what I had on hand) I glued my material to the cans.  I folded over the edge and glued that down making for a clean end.

I then glued the bottom material over on the bottom. 

 I tucked the top into the inside nice and neat gluing that down.

  I then made my lid by cutting out a circle a little larger than the top.  I glued that down on top then pulled it over to the other side gluing it down.  I then went to home depot and bought a cheep knob and attached it.  It came with two different size screws but they were both too long.  I found one I had on hand a little shorter, but still too long so I improvised using some discs I had left over from another project.  It turned out perfect.  

I then made a cute wall quilt to go with my toilet paper holder.

And that was it.  Easy Peasy, and very cheap!  Just how I like it.

The Resurrection

The last few weeks I have been pondering a lot about the Atonement and the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the Savior for all that he suffered in both Gethsemane and on the Cross for me.  I am so grateful for his miraculous Resurrection on the third day.  He lives!  Because of all he did, I know that I too will live again and that I can have eternal life by following his commandments.  I love him.  He is my Redeemer.

Here are a few printable's that I created just for you.  Enjoy!

Young Women Values

Free Printable's

Here are some Value Printable's that are a little different than the first ones I made.  These are the ones we  are using in our New Beginnings Program this year.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope that all of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day today.  May you find joy, friendship and love all around.

This Subway cart can be found at a great blog called "Decorating through dental school."  Here is the link.