Creating a Journal using a Manila Envelope

Several days ago in one of the, 

Facebook groups I belong to,

someone shared an art journal they had created using a manila envelope as a cover.

My 9 year old has been home sick for 3 days now,

and I had an envelope sitting on my desk from, so what else to do but make some art.

This is the finished cover,

inside are 2 sewn in signatures.

Each signature is made using 4 sheets of canvas paper folded in half.

The journal also has an interior pocket and a flap closure.

This is the start:

I took a 9x12 manila envelope,

covered with Gesso, and began adding layers.

This will be the inside covers.

You can see where the pocket will be.

I added color a little way inside and reinforced my flap figuring it will get the most wear.

This will be the outsides of the journal.

I found some AMAZING tissue paper the other day at Joann's.

It's created by Rebekah Meier and marketed towards a fabric creating line,

but OH MY is it perfect for other mixed media as well.

The designs are insanely good.

Here is the cover again before adding my closure.

Layers of Golden Fluid Acrylics, Adirondack Paint Dabber in Gold,

book text, Washii tape and stamping all helped to add layers.

I took a piece of silk ribbon and added it as my closure.

It's a fairly simple one. Just wrap around and tie.

The inside with the signatures sewn in.

Back inside cover,

again you can see the pocket.

Finally the back when it is all said and done.

This was incredibly easy to put together.

Not including drying time it was just a couple of hours.

I see myself making more of these as Christmas presents and RAK gifts this year.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

November Hopping with Craft Hoarders Anonymous

                                    Welcome everyone to another hop with the ladies of 
                                           Craft Hoarders Anonymous.
       Every month on the 5th we share ideas on how to use up your stash and get creating again.

You should be coming to me from Marissa's blog

After head on back to Gloria's blog to see the full. line up of projects or

scroll on down to the bottom where I have it listed for you.

Here is my project for the month.

I did four 8x8" textile collages using a mix of fabrics, papers

and scrapbook embellishments from my stash.

I added batting and backing to turn these collages into mini quilts,

which can be added to a fabric journal or hung on a wall.

Each one took only a few hours to complete.

They are a great way to use up lots of bits and pieces you have lying around.

This is my first collage.

I incorporated some metal and paper embellishments with my fabric flowers.

The background is stamped with a script stamp and StazOn ink.

The flowers were outlined with black glitter glue for a little sparkle.

Machine stitching added a little bit of texture.

The next collage started on a piece of Damask fabric.

Scraps of sewing pattern paper and fabric collaged on over.

The lace was cut from an old handkerchief.

Distress ink was rubbed over it and dried.

Kaiser craft flowers were added.

The photo is a collage image by Tim Holtz.

Rub ons added to a paper tag.

A paper butterfly diet was added in

the upper corner.

The red and black piece started from sewing scraps

of the same color families randomly onto a base.

Metal embellishments were mixed with paper ones. 

A fabric softener sheet was painted, cut into strips & sewn on.

Metal flowers and leaves were added over a dry cleaning tag,

and a paper tag.

Rub Ons added some words.

The fabric softener sheet which was painted & cut.

Woven then attached to the collage with machine stitching.

On the last collage scraps of vintage plaids and stripes

were collaged onto a base.

Mixing in lace, sheet music, lots of scrap embellishments and 

modeling paste.

A resin piece, paper tickets, Pink Paislee banner 

all added.

The image is another one from Tim Holtz.

Modeling paste added through sequin waste and colored with ink.

A piece of thin fabric was laid over the whole thing.

I then went through with my heat gun and melted it in spots.

Glimmer mist flicked on as a final addition.

These were so fun to make.

Pull out all sorts of items and collage away.

Make sure to visit the blogs before and see what others have created for your inspiration this month.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

Craft Hoarders Anonymous Blog Hop List:
Gloria Stengel 
Debbie Seyer
Jacquie Southas
Tracey Sabella
Donna Idlet
Nancy Dynes
Wendi Robinson
Kathy Clement
Karen Zueger-Brownell
Marisa Job
Christy Houser