Monday

How to make an art journal out of an old book....a tutorial

How to make an art journal out of an old book

I've been into art journaling of late and have been searching for art journal alternatives other than the ones I make for myself out of watercolour papers and the ones that are available in the marketplace.

How to make an art journal out of an old book

I got this book from the used bookstore. I love that it is big and has a hardcover with visibly sewn signatures and non-glossy pages. [Glossy-pages are hard to work with.]

How to make an art journal out of an old book

Start by removing about a third or a quarter of the pages from the book. Now you need to remove some pages so that your book can close properly after you've worked on the pages. The torn pages can be used for other projects.

Go to each signature and tear a page from roughly the middle of the signature. Be careful when you tear so that the thread that keeps the book together remains intact. If you like a particular page, skip that page and tear the next page out instead. Keep the spacing fairly even throughout the book.

How to make an art journal out of an old book

Next is to prep your pages for the mediums. Adhere masking tape to the center of  each page spread. This will secure the pages and provide a barrier so that the colorants you use won't seep through to other pages. Then apply gesso over the pages. I used a brayer. You can use a credit card or a paintbrush.

How to make an art journal out of an old book

If you wish to cover up the patterns on the book, you can apply more layers of gesso. Just allow the gesso to dry naturally between coats.

How to make an art journal out of an old book

Once the gesso is dry, you can start working in your art journal. I used The Crafter's Workshop stencil with ColourArte Radiant Rain shimmering mists [I mist in a box to minimize cleanup.]

How to make an art journal out of an old book

I like to create backgrounds for my pages so that I don't start on a blank page when I work on my art journal pages.


Hope you will try making an art journal out of an old book..it's fun! :)

P/s: If you were inspired to make an art journal out of an old book, leave me a link in the comments so that I can come take a look! :)


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15 comments:

lavina agarwal said...

Nice transformation. .lovely page..

Lizzy Hill said...

Lovely girl....the stars are fabulous & so are the mists. I like this idea.... but I don't do enough art journaling. I've got books at home that need altering and haven't got to it. Yet.....there may come a day, eh??!!!

Dr Sonia S V said...

Ooh the stars look gorgeous
Cheers
Dr Sonia
Cards Crafts Kids Projects

SD pooja said...

Loved the idea detailed tips for creating art journal ,I am going on old book hunt now ;)! Love the starry bg and the pretty girl !

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

These are great tips!! I love that you used an old book!!!! Gorgeous page too!!!!! LOVING the colors!!!!!!

CREATIVE KHADIJA said...

Well Done Yuonne :)

~amy~ said...

awesome transformation!

Audrey Pettit said...

omword, she is stunning, Yvonne! Love your purple girl, and love your starry background! This is amazing!

Shelly said...

This is awesome!

Annette Allen said...

always recycling and rocking it.. this is amazing..

Lisa said...

What an awesome idea this is!! Your pages look amazing!! I love the face - so beautiful!! Stunning!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

dstandard said...

Love this - you are so creative! Always amazing!

Lizzyc said...

That is such a good idea! Your girl looks lovely!

Heather McMahon said...

Oh this is so clever! I love the idea of re-purposing the book. Fab pages too!

Cindy deRosier said...

Fabulous! This would be a great use for a book with a torn page.

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Thanks for visiting my blog and taking time to leave a comment. I really appreciate it. Have an awesome day!:)

Cheers, Yvonne.

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