Recently, I was invited by the Handmade Book Club to be a guest artist for a 5-day Journal Challenge to be held on March 11-15th, 2024. Below is my journal design. (A link to the challenge can be found at the end of the post.)
This journal was constructed on unwashed, white kraft-Tex as a base. I had experimented with printing on this particular piece. (The premise of the challenge is to use material you already have on hand.) On top of the Kraft-Tex, I layered several paper materials. On the inside, I glued a part of a bright pink, textured, paper table cloth I rescued after a friend’s party. I also used another piece for the spine of the journal. The pure white was too stark for the decorative paper’s cream base.
On the covers, I cut up 2” rectangular strips of Tassotti decorative paper, and gently folded them over, but not scored, horizontally. (I purchased this paper at Barnes & Noble in the card section. However, I could not find a link to this paper on their website.) I wanted the pieces to keep a 3-dimensional element at the bottom. I glued along the top edge of each strip to itself. Before attaching them to the book, I laid out the pieces to determine the spacing. I settled on 3/4” so there was overlap, but the design was able to shine. Each strip was then attached to the covers, just along the top of each strip, with double sided adhesive.
A scrap piece of 1/4" Natural cotton ribbon from Studio Carta was attached to finish off the top. On the front cover, I chose a favorite stock photo I had acquired and adhered it with double-sided adhesive, as well. The thread used for sewing is actually Artiste metallic embroidery floss in yellow gold. I used all 6 strands as one. I did run it through beeswax a few times before sewing.
And lastly, I used my Decorative mini flag signatures inside printed on Blick Sulphite 60 lb., 9 x 12 paper, cut to size (this paper is long grained). The off white color was more complementary to the other papers.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. And I hope to see you in the Scrappy Journal Challenge.
3 comments
Thank you for the inspiration and finding an original, yet structured version of using scraps. You book sings to my soul.
Your second book just as eye-catching and “my colours” so now the mind is wondering what scraps need a new life.
It was such a joy hearing you share in the challenge today! I LOVE what you’ve created! Both books are beautiful! Thank you so much for the inspiration and encouragement!
You make me smile!! I love your Scrappy Journal. All the special goodies that you included in my orders of paper from you did not go unnoticed!! You go above and beyond!!!