Binding Words

I go by spells of keeping journals; simple composition books filled with thoughts, ideas, brain-drain, the passing of days. It wasn't until recently I thought about making them a little more *me*; a bit more art to hold and eye candy.
I use simple things to make the book above turn into the one below, and I work on the collaging as I am filling the pages.
 

It started with that silly dog picture I found in a magazine. I couldn't get past it and it was nothing I would ever incorporate into serious work....but who says all work has to be serious?
I started grabbing bits and pieces of things I liked and set them aside.
Day by day, I built the collage.
When it was finished, I was stuck with the bare inner covers and decided with the outside being so colorful, the inside needed a bit of punch too.
 

Enter some of those scrapbook papers that come in a pack~~you know the ones. You'll never use them because the print is way too big.
I cut a template from waxed paper so I could place it on the print and get the section I liked best. (and cut off the parts that just would not work)

Rotary cutter and trusty fabric ruler~~trimming the excess.

I also added some ribbon, to keep the book closed as after each page has been written on, the book expands.
Yes, I could put it under something heavy, but I like red satin much better!
I also found that I enjoyed the two papers now that they were cropped and in the journal; they seem perfect in scale and right at home.

And here is how it looks all finished after one coat of UV protective varnish and then two coats of satin varnish. With the different weights of paper and some pieces being from potato chip bags, I figured a bit more varnish would add to the longevity!
Was it a lot of trouble? No.
Was it FUN? Yes!
Would I do it again???
You bet!
(I am currently sorting and stashing quirky and odd things for the book I am filling every day with Morning Pages.....who'd a thunk it?)


Pax....