The Nickel Nook: Junk Journal Snippet Roll using Bowdabra Burlap Ribbon

Hello, my friends!

It's time for another fun Bowdabra project!

This month there isn't a bow in sight!
Instead, I'm sharing with you how I've made my snippet rolls.
If you're not familiar with a snippet roll,
it's a long strip that is decorated with bits and pieces, such as:
paper, fabrics, buttons, lace, etc.

Once your strip is finished, you just roll it up to store it.
Then when you need a piece for a project...you just snip it off!
I'm going to use mine in my junk journals!

My project was inspired by these wonderful Burlap Ribbons from Bowdabra:

Aren't they just perfect for a Fall project? :o)

Here is how I did it:

Supplies used:

Bowdabra Burlap Ribbons;

Cheesecloth;
Paper Ephemera Bits and Pieces;

Glue Stick;
Sewing Machine, Needle and Thread, or a Stapler.

1. The first thing you need to do is determine how long you want your snippet to be. It can be short or it can be very long. For my samples I cut four colors of burlap ribbon at 20 inches long.

2. Next, determine what ephemera bits and pieces you want to use. I used the Autumn Cluster Builder Kit from Paper Craftivity. It's the perfect collection for a Fall themed snippet roll. I fussy cut all the bits of paper. I also inked the edges of all the little bits but that is optional.

3. Now you begin to build your snippets.

Here's a closer look at how I did mine:

4. Start with some larger pieces, and separate them far enough to allow you to snip between, while leaving some of the burlap ribbon on each side.

5. Now add another layer; a label, a journal spot, or a piece of decorative paper. Just keep layering from back to front. I like to add a little bit of cheesecloth somewhere in my layers. It adds a lovely texture. Save your smallest and prettiest pieces for the top layer. Finally, add a word or number bit.

6. Once you have your snippet bits laid out, and spaced the way you like, go through with a small glue stick and just tack things in place lightly.

7. Take the roll to your sewing machine. Use matching thread, or a contrasting thread, to stitch the length. There are so many creative options for the step, and I show several. Sew a zig zag stitch down both sides, or down one side. Stitch around various pieces. There are no right or wrong ways to do this...it's whatever you want.

8. If you are not interested in sewing your snippet rolls, then you can use glue or staples to hold everything in place.

9. Finally, roll it up and keep it handy!

Here you can see that I have cut two snippets from the rolls: