Altered book gift set ensemble

Good morning, crafting friends... Happy Columbus Day to those of you in the US and yay!! my husband has the day off today so we are spending time together (sans kiddos because they are at school).

I made this ensemble last week when some girlfriends got together to play in my craft room and we decided to make an altered book. We sat down to alter my plain prayer book to become a work of art :) So guess what... my head starts spinning and gets inspired to alter more books.

This gift is for my dear friend, Karolina who is faithfully covering me with her prayers. It is her birthday today (happy birthday, Karolina!!). Karolina made this diaper cake that I posted on my blog some time ago. Here is a grainy picture of us together (for it was taken with my cell phone) at our family's favorite restaurant. Karolina is on the right.

Here is an individual picture of everything:

Notebook is covered with pretty glittery paper from the Sending Love DSP. Spine is Early Espresso that I had added a scallop border and a pretty trim.

A close up look for the Top Note die cut and flower focal point:

I covered the first page as well to match the cover. Prettier that way...

Whipped up a matching card with left over paper:

The sentiment is from Oval All stamp set and thinking outside the "punch", instead of the designated Scallop Oval punch, I used the new XL Decorative Label punch (in the Holiday Mini catalog). The shape also mirrors the Top Note die in the altered book. Finished off with a bling, Real Red button (from Designer Buttons Brights collection), and Early Espresso 1/8" taffeta ribbon- all mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.

Everything is then packaged into this Kraft gift bag and a matching gift tag, made from left over paper, card stock and die cut. Added the paper piercing there to finish off.

Thank you everyone for peeking into what I made today. I hope you all had a wonderful restful long weekend.

Hugs,

Liza