Tina's Album

Hey there! Thought I'd do a quick "how to" on my mini journal I created for CHA 2011 using the new woodgrain blank journals. I was extremely excited to get my hands on this item. The woodgrain embossed chipboard is so cool to work with.

I wanted to highlight the woodgrain pattern so I first painted the cover using a green colored acrylic paint making sure to get in the crevasses. I let that dry before adding my topcoat color which was teal acrylic paint. I made sure I didn't put too much pressure when applying my topcoat to avoid completely covering the book and loosing the detail of the first coat of paint.

After both front and back pieces are dry, I attached the journaling block by adding the double sided super sticky tape on both the back and front piece of the block and adhered it to the cover. Unfortunately I had a done this step before realizing I should have taken a photo for the tutorial.
I used a piece of Fabrip for my binding on the outside. I cut it to the width of my liking. Before adhering, I wrapped the piece around the spine to create guidelines for myself. This ensures the piece is placed on evenly.

I tend to leave the decorating bit for last because at this point, I have no idea what the book is going to be used for. After digging through my Studio Calico goods, I found the "I am" rub ons and thought this would make a good everyday type journal of just random bits like what's going on, things to do and sketches/ideas for future layouts.

The rub on applied beautifully on the painted surface. I finished it off with a wood grain asterisk and a piece of ribbon to give my binding a more polished look.
Items used: Woodgrain journal kit, woodgrain asterisk, green phrases rub on, Type Fabrip, scrap pad from Autumn Press