Monday, July 2, 2012

Travel Journals





It seems like ages since I posted last, but I have been busy, and really can't recall where last week went!!  I decided to recycle some brown paper shopping bags again, making folio styled journals which I thought might be useful for those who like to document their travels.  The first one I have to share has been painted with magenta acrylic, and after scrunching, it was rubbed over with a silver inkpad to give some highlights. 

Each of these journals contains three signatures [a bookmaking term for folded sheets of paper], and these signatures have another piece of fancy scrapbooking paper on the outside to enhance the journal.  I managed to find this very pretty paper at a store in Dalby last week.



As I've intended these for documenting travels, etc., I've included some fancy swing tags for luggage, as well as concertina pockets which could hold all sorts of visitor information brochures, or whatever reminds one of a particular location.  Just having a little personal travel dream here!!


I've used some hot pink rattail cord to help hold it all together.  I didn't have a suitable button in a big-ish size, so I made one myself using polymer clay, textured it with a rubber mat, then painted with silver/magenta highlights.  I think it looks quite swish.  And, yes, I intended it to be 'not neatly round'.


The other journal I've made is a little bit darker and more sober in appearance.  This one has been painted with brown acrylic and rubbed over with Treasure Gold.  I did have a fairly nice button, and some round leather cording, which seems to look the part.



Unfortunately, I'd gone ahead with this one before we I knew we were going to a bigger town, so the outside of the signatures is a slightly stronger A4 paper.  I've printed out an old map I found on the internet to use for making the pockets and adorning the luggage tags.  This still looks okay, just not as 'girlie' as the top one.


Thank you all so much for leaving such lovely comments on my felting piece.  You have all given me the courage to revisit the felting machine, thanks heaps as always.

10 comments:

margaret said...

Linda how interesting reading about your travel journals, you seem able to turn your hand to just about anything and it all comes out wonderfully,now you have a good excuse to go on some travels as you need to fill these journals.

Happy journeys

Vicki Miller said...

I love these! Just the thing for my display at the the community house. I am starting art journalling/scrapbooking/binding lessons there soon. I especially love the one with the maps as fly leaves, and I love your polymer clay button!

Penny said...

They look great, when I get home on my list to make some.

WandarArt.Stitch said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Frances Leate said...

Just lovely Linda and how talented you are to create such beautiful travel journals. I am particularly impressed with the fabulous pink button. Take care.

DIAN said...

Linda, these are gorgeous. Having been away for a few days I am pushed for time to comment but I do love the clay button. Very clever.

shirley said...

These are just gorgeous...of course my favourite has to be the magenta journal, and I love that hand made button. You are so clever, and there is no limit to your talents.

Soonymary said...

love both of these Linda and the button is simply gorgeous!!

Dianne said...

Hi Linda, I have enjoyed catching up with your posts. You are one clever cookie. Love the travel journal idea and you have made some lovely ones. I love the texture you have created with the brown paper. Cheers, Di.

N. Maria said...

The textures, buttons, etc. are just gorgeous!