It’s been a while since Chica and I have done a project with old blue jeans.  You know how we love to use our old jeans to make new things.  There’s something about denim that speaks to us!  In particular, I like using the back pockets of blue jeans.  We used them to make simple bean bags, to adorn a craft apron, and for holding flatware at a picnic.  I especially love how you can still use them as a pocket even after you cut them from the back of the jeans! 

About 6 months ago, I had the idea to make a scrapbook using the pockets as the cover.  For whatever reason, I never got around to doing it until last week.  I am annoyed at myself for waiting so long because I LOVE how it turned out.  It was super easy, didn’t cost me a dime (I happened to have all the tools on hand) and I think it is super cute and versatile.

First, you need an old pair of jeans.  For this particular pair, we had already used the legs to make denim pouches.  I, of course, did not throw away the rest of the jean because I knew I would use those pockets for something.  Now, use your scissors to cut those pockets out!

We now need a way to hold the book together.  To make the “binding” of the book, I used 1/4” eyelets for the holes.  Using eyelets or grommets with fabric is easy and fun.  First, you want to place your eyelet where you want it to be on your fabric.  Then, use a pen to outline the circle so you know where you need to make the hole.

Use sharp scissors or an X-Acto knife knife to create your hole.  Make sure the hole is large enough for the male half of your grommet to fit through.  Insert the eyelet top (deep half) into the hole from the right to wrong side.  On the first one I did, I did this incorrectly… oops!  It’s not a huge deal, but I made sure to do all of the other grommets the correct way.  Now, put the eyelet top on the anvil.

On the wrong side, place the shallow half of the eyelet over the center of the eyelet top.  Insert tool in the center of the eyelet and hammer gently.  The center of the eyelet will split outwards and secure it in place.

I placed my top pocket over top of my bottom pocket and marked the holes through the grommet so I would make sure they were lined up. 

Now, it is time to make the pages for your book.  I used some cotton duck natural canvas to make most of my pages.  It is so versatile.  You can sew on it, paint it, stamp it, adhere pictures to it and it doesn’t fray too badly!  I traced the outline of my front pocket onto the canvas and then used my pinking shears to cut the page out.  This gives it a nice edge and helps the fraying. 

I made a denim page out of the leg of the jeans as well. You can pretty much use any material you want to make the interior pages: card stock, felt, vinyl, you name it!

To make the holes, I lined the page up with the pocket and made a small pencil mark through the grommet hole just like I did to make the back cover.  Then, I took my Crop-A-Dile and made the holes.

I love how it turned out!  I think I am going to use this one to document Little Jo’s first day of Kindergarten but I could see it being used for all sorts of occasions.  These would also make neat invitations to a cowboy-themed party.

Look, the pockets even still work. It fits a CD/DVD perfectly!