Monogrammed Passport Holder

In our design team kit for the Altered Element this month, we were sent a selection of media to stamp on, and there was plenty to enable a number of items to be made. This is my first item, a passport holder made from Grungeboard. It will be a useful item for me (I don't often keep/use things I make) as we keep our passports together, but Colin often goes to France ahead of me and I follow him out, so I always worry he will go with my passport instead of his. No worries now, although he might not want to be seen with me at passport control!

As usual for me, this item 'evolved', which is my way of saying, I sat down to make something and didn't have a clue what it was going to be! I had in mind folding the Grungeboard piece in half to make a book, but once I had done so, I immediately thought it was the right size for my passport. Grungeboard is ideal for this project as it folds perfectly, forming a nice spine, and is very strong, and gives a lovely suede/leather effect. I like the fact that using Gesso on Grunge enables you to use paler colours and makes it look a bit different.

I used the following items from the Altered Element:-

One sheet of Grungeboard
Grungeboard Letters
Grungeboard Hinges
Decorative Metal Corners
White Gesso
Tim Holtz Compass Mask
Distress Inks in Brushed Corduroy, Tumbled Glass, Shabby Shutters, and Mustard Seed

I also used sequin waste, and brads, and Creative Expressions' Vintage Aviation set, although any travel-themed stamps would work.

What I did:-

1. Cover both sides of the Grungeboard with slightly watered down gesso, using a cosmetic sponge or similar, and allow to dry.
2. Sponge inks over the Compass mask, in several positions on both sides, overlapping the edges in places. I used all of the colours except the Brushed Corduroy. Fill in the gaps with the Distress Inks and sponge some through the sequin waste.
3. Ink the edges, the letters, and the hinges with the Brushed Corduroy.
4. Pop the brads through the hinges, and stick them into position, along with the 'Monogram' and the decorative corners, using strong glue.
5. Stamp 'Enjoy the Journey' or any travel related text onto the holder, using Brushed Corduroy.
6. Make two pockets inside, one to slip the passport into, and one opposite for boarding cards or tickets.