Hello, G45ers!
Looking to add a bit of sunshine to your week? We have just the project for you, a beach themed Travel Journal by Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador Alumni, Maggi Harding. Maggi created this album using our By the Sea – Deluxe Collector’s Edition which is now available at your local G45 retailer and our shop. In this post, you will find great tips for DIY album making as well as a video tour. Let's dive in!
By the Sea Journal
“I am so thrilled that By the Sea is back as a Deluxe Collector's Edition! I'm going on a cruise the end of March so I made this Traveler's Journal styled mini to preserve my vacation memories.
The Collection includes a page of cut-aparts printed on both sides. I used these to embellish the front and back covers of my journal. Layer up the cut-aparts with other design papers for a stunning presentation
Tip: Give your cover that "extra" look by popping up the cut-apart with dimensional foam tape. Or, to save on supply costs, use cardboard as a backing to pop it up.
Another cut-apart tip: This collection includes design paper that is printed on both sides with the same sized cut-aparts. Just cut the paper in half horizontally, fold accordion style and you have an instant pull out page.
This journal is wider than many at 1 1/2" wide. I started with Eileen Hull Designs by Sizzix journal die and cut two journal covers. Instead of assembling using just the two covers, I made a spine by cutting a piece of chipboard 1 1/2" wide and the same length as the journal covers. Then I glued the two journal covers to the spine side by side. (The spine should fit perfectly between the outer score lines where the covers fold.) Cut another piece of thin (like shirt packaging) cardboard and glue to the inside of the spine. This makes the spine nice and strong. Use a Crop-a-dile to punch holes in the spine using the already die-cut holes as a guide. At this point string the elastic as you do for an Traveler's Notebook styled journal. Here's a link to a traditionally made Traveler's Notebook using Graphic 45's Imagination Collection.
I've recorded a video flip through of the mini so that you can see all of the pages.
Video:
A Journal with Graphic 45's By the Sea DCE
I used a simple design on the back cover, using another cut-apart, so that the journal would store easily.
Instead of wrapping the journal with an elastic band, I used long lengths of seam binding. You can either wrap ribbon around the journal as I have done in the above photo or simply tie it and let the long ribbon tails dangle as in the top photos.
This journal will hold 4 signatures but I have only included 3 so that there is lots of room inside. The signatures are the individual books inside this journal and they are quickly bound inside with elastic thread that is secured to the book's spine.
Tip: If you don't want the elastic to show on your outer spine, cut a piece of chipboard to fit the spine, cover with design paper and glue to fit over the spine. Add a fun chain of charms as an embellishment.
I am so crazy about Graphic 45's new Rose Bouquet Collection!! The ones I used here are Bon Voyage & French Blue, aren't they just fabulously gorgeous and so perfectly matched to G45's colors. The flowers also come with the greenery you see underlying the roses.” ~Maggi
Graphic 45 Supplies:
- Graphic 45 By the Sea Collector's Edition
- Staples ATC Tags Kraft
- Staples Large Tag, ATC Tag and Flower Dies
- Staples Rose Bouquet Collection—Bon Voyage & French Blue
- Decades Ink – Bon Voyage Blue, Triumphant Red
Other Supplies:
- Eileen Hull Designs by Sizzix Journal Die
- Chipboard
- Snug Hug Rust Seam Binding
- Metal Charms – The Funkie Junkie Boutique
What a beautiful journal, well done Maggi! We thank you for stopping the G45 blog. Please join us in the comments below by sharing your feedback and love! Have a wonderful week and as always…
Happy Papercrafting!