Embossed Cover Junk Journal
Hey guys, another of our fabulous Junk Journal Design Team Members, Cheryl Carpenter from A Penchant for the Past, is sharing today. As you know, we are featuring a new Junk Journal each week created by some fabulous bookmaking artisans. Our goal is that you be creatively inspired by this series! Cheryl created a delightful eclectic project with a gorgeous Embossed Cover. Be sure to check out the video tour at the bottom of the page…you will need to scroll all the way down to see it. Are you ready to be inspired? I will let Cheryl tell you all about her junk journal in her own words…
Hello and welcome! I’m very excited to share my Embossed Cover Junk Journal, this month’s Design Team project with you. My goal for each project is to bring you a junk journal that’s a little different from my previous month’s project. I hope by the end of this post you will find some new ways to create your own journal and some additional ways The Graphics Fairy’s Premium Membership site can enhance your own creative endeavors.
Eclectic Junk Journal Cover
This month’s project is a bit eclectic because it’s a sampling of some of my favorite things from The Graphics Fairy’s Premium Membership site. For some reason it was way too hard for me to hone in on one specific theme. I sometimes just have to go where the creative path takes me.
For me the path usually begins with the cover this project was no different. For me I like to spend extra time on the cover. You know the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” well for my journals I want you to. I want the cover to make a statement and since a journal spends a lot of time closed I also want it to be beautiful.
Cover Construction
With this said, let’s start by looking at how I constructed the cover of my Embossed Cover Junk Journal. I used two 5×7 canvas panels, which eliminated the need for me to cut chipboard. For some reason I always have a problem cutting them exactly the same size, and a another plus canvas panels come primed. For the spine I doubled up a cereal box and formed it to a slight curve.
I used a vintage shear crewel style curtain for the raised detailing on the cover and spine. Then, I painted two coats of gray acrylic paint, lightly sanded the edges and the raised detailing, and added some ink to those areas. To seal it off I used a light stained chalk paint wax, which gives it a wonderful weathered antique look. I buffed the wax to give it a little sheen and a nice feel to the touch. A little tip, if you want a matte finish only buff it a little bit because the more you buff the more sheen you will get. For the finishing touch I added antique lace just peeking outside the border of the cover.
A Peek Inside the Covers
Venturing inside the front and back covers you will see I’ve used two antique poetry script pages from TGF’s Premium Membership site. Both pages were resized to fit the journal and were printed
on heavy weight photo paper. The sewn and inked edges frame the script beautifully.
For the body of the Embossed Cover Junk Journal I created a total of four signatures. I was able to create the signature covers with beautiful marbled papers, antique script, and beautiful botanical prints I found on TGF’s Premium Membership site. I coffee stained the card stock before printing.
Each of the signature covers have new and antique lace trim. I think this softens the look of the journal when closed.
As you can see this journal is packed full with antique reproduction ephemera, beautiful botanical prints, and journaling cards. I found all these antique treasures from scouring TGF’s Premium Membership site. It never ceases to amaze me that each time I visit I always discover something new and wonderful.
For the pages of the journal I’ve used a variety of new and old paper throughout just like you would find in most junk journals. To add interest to the pages I’ve added sewing, coffee staining, and inking.
Junk Journal Flip Through Video
I could go on and on, but I think you might want to view my flip through video for a more in-depth look at Embossed Cover Junk Journal on The Graphics Fairy YouTube channel. We have other great Junk Journal videos there also.
Cheryl
You can find me here: A Penchant for the Past
