Hi, it's Maria here and I thought that I would share my Bind it all experience with you all.
Now, this landed on my doorstep just after new year and, yep, Graham was home to witness it's arrival. Note to self, always schedule deliveries for when the man of the house is at work ......... Hee hee!!!
Anyhoo, I finally opened the box yesterday to have a play. So this comes to you as a complete newbie and is an honest review by someone who would rather leave it in the box than try to fathom it out.
For my first project I decided to make a notebook for my girlie wirlie Charlotte to use at Guides. She has just transferred to Guides from Brownies and takes it very seriously.
I raided my scrap box for the covers and stuck two sheets together with double sided tape for strength.
I decorated the cover with a piccie and some buttons. She loves purple at the moment and I added a bit of orange to zing it up a bit. I didn't want to make it too fancy as it will be kept in her Guide bag and that takes a bit of a bashing. I sewed a few buttons on just to fancificate it a tad.
I then cut some plain paper slightly smaller than the covers. The notebook is 6"x4" and I bound it at the top. Ta da ............ She now has a little notebook she can keep track of her Guide challenges.
Now, for the technical bit ................ The bind it all.
It is really easy to use but I found the instructions a tad confusing. In fact, I pretty much ignored them and worked it out for myself. Yep, it really is that easy.
You can bind the whole length of the notebook but I was feeling stingy and just used the minimum length of wire. You could easily bind three notebooks this size from one length of wire.
So, I suppose my initial thoughts were that I would only require a limited number of mini albums. Would it sit in the cupboard gathering dust and laughing at me?
Has that changed? Yes it has as buying notebooks works out expensive and they aren't personal. Also, my girlies are home educated and love doing project work. This would make their work look very professional and be easier to store.
Now, if you aren't too put off my beginners offering I would like to offer you a personalised notebook from me. Just leave a message saying that you would like one and I will get the girlie wirlies to do a lucky dipper.
Oh dear, I may be kidding myself that anyone would want one of my creations. But, I promise you that it will be good for a laugh if nothing else.
I hope that you have found my review of interest and if you an experienced binder we'd love to see your creations.
Toodle pip
I would sincerely love a chance to have a personalized notebook from you. I have a bind it all and I'm just a wee bit intimidated by it. I agree that the instructions were confusing. Maybe we can learn together. Cindy
Posted by: Cindy McDannold | January 27, 2008 at 03:17 AM
I found your review really interesting. I love the idea of the bia machine although I dont have one. I would love the chance to own a personized notebook.
Posted by: Sue E | January 27, 2008 at 08:04 AM
You might not want to send to the USA but if you wouldn't mind I would love to be in on the drawing.
Posted by: Ninnie | January 27, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Maria, this is beautiful x
Posted by: Joy | January 27, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Gorgeous little notebook - love the colours.
I too got one for Christmas, and have only used it once - but I think it is quite easy to use. Now just to practice more I think - love to see what other people have made though - and always lovely to receive something made by someone just for you.
Posted by: katie squirrel | January 27, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Maria, beautiful notebook - it does take a bit of getting used to, and I have made a few mess ups with mine... but after a bit of practice its simple enough :)
Posted by: Angela | January 27, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Ooooh looks really good. I've been wanting to get one of these for ages ... just haven't got round to it yet.
Posted by: Alex | January 27, 2008 at 04:04 PM
I have been looking at these too. didn't want one at first but can definately see the attration now. Lovely Book :)
Posted by: Soo | January 28, 2008 at 07:53 AM
Hi,
I loved your notebook. I'm hoping to get a BIA at some point. I too home-educate! I have 5 children, ages almost-17 down to 5.5.
I'd love to have a little notebook from you, but mostly wanted to say HI from another home-edder (south Oxon) and you did a great job with the BIA! And I know what you mean about hubbies and craft packages! tee hee. :)
Posted by: Karen B | January 28, 2008 at 01:16 PM
really lovely personal book love the colours and you made it sound so easy I am saving up to buy one and would really love one of your creations thankyou julie taylor
Posted by: julie taylor | January 31, 2008 at 10:59 AM