Creating a Journal

A plain composition book is perfect to use for a journal. See how easily it is transformed into a memorable mixed media piece suitable for writing inside of. These books can usually be purchased at a dollar store or at a pharmacy in the stationery or school supplies section. Once you've got your hands on one, the "sky's the limit" as to how you can embellish it.

Journals are a special way to get creative and make something just for YOU.

I have just created a journal (here is a portion of the cover here) and if you would like to make one, it is simple:

Step 1: Purchase a composition book. Step 2: Choose background paper, trace the book, cut the paper, and adhere it to the book. (I used a glue runner to attach the paper.) Step 3: Choose any embellishments you like--Here I used burlap, as well as a Tim Holtz metal decorative piece, plus other items that struck my fancy. Step 4: A plain tag was decorated and adhered to the front. I used some Tim Holtz stickers and added some glitter. I attached a metal chain, as well as some string to the tag. Step 5: I stamped the background paper with Staz-on ink and also inked all around the edges of the journal to give it a vintage feel. (To do that, simply run the stamp pad around the entire front edge of the journal. Make sure it does not touch the pages. I used ink that was dark brown.) Step 6: Voila! All done!

Special Note: The background paper is from Shabby Cottage Studio. There are tons of designs that you can purchase from there and simply download right from your computer. Both thrifty AND cool. This one is only 65 cents! (It can be used over and over again.) You can find it HERE. You will also find awesome embellishments at the store, as well. You will want to run your cover design on thick paper (45 lb.) Regular paper is too thin. I purchased mine from Office Depot. You can also try to purchase these sheets of heavier paper from a local copy shop. (It's cheaper than buying a whole package. Because I use so much of it, I buy it in bulk, but you won't need to. If you simply walk up to the copy desk, you can ask if you can purchase a few sheets.) Also, you can use scrapbook paper and it is available by the sheet at many craft stores. The Eiffel Tower photo is from the Graphics Fairy--You can download that from HERE and print it in a jiffy, too!

If your journal is to memorialize someone special, you can also use your loved one’s picture on the front. I also like to tie string around my journals to keep them closed (although not shown here.) The string used on the tag was purchased at Home Depot. I will utilize the same kind for that purpose. I have altered some postcards especially for you in Photoshop from the Graphics Fairy, which I call "Postcards from Heaven." If you would like to use these for the front of your own journal, you are welcome to save them to your desktop and print them out. (They can also be used inside of a journal to write on.)

As you can see, these would be a perfect addition to personalize your own journal in memory of a loved one. If you would like to save the image to your desktop, simply click on the image. Then, when the larger version appears on your screen, right click on it and push "Save Image As." You can keep it on your desktop or file it away until you are ready to print it out. At that point, depending on your printing program, you can specify the size that you want it to be.

Here are some images that I altered from the Graphics Fairy especially for you. These could also be used for the cover of a journal.

This Victorian Angel image could be used as a tag, as well. Simply print it out, crop the corners on a slant, punch a hole at the top, and run some string through it. If you ink the edges, it will give it a vintage look--easy, peasy!

I altered this image, but left some of the French words on it for a special touch.

A vintage fairy could provide a wonderful theme to begin your project.

Here are two different cherub designs that have been altered.

Here are some butterflies from the Graphics Fairy that I altered.

Butterflies have special significance to many people.

So do dragonflies. So I altered these from the Graphics Fairy, as well. You are welcome to print any of these images out to use in your art.

Here is one that I have altered in different hues.

Here is a graphic from the Graphics Fairy that I have altered by adding a poem.

Here is a vintage book page from the Graphics Fairy that I have altered by adding "In Loving Memory." This can be printed, cut out, and a photo inserted.

I hope that you enjoy making a journal for yourself. If you do and would like to share a picture of it when it is completed, feel free to share it on my Facebook page, Angels at My Door, which is located HERE. Also, I would recommend bookmarking this blog page so that if you need to refer back to it, you will have it readily available. You may also want to use charms to embellish your journal. These can dangle on string and they look amazing. Thank you for visiting me. Blessings, Cindy Linking this to Brag Monday.