The Challenge!
My Take on the Challenge
I lost my Mom just a year ago which made this challenge a little hard for me. I didn't want to do a Mother's Day card or anything like that so I just decided to concentrate on making a notebook that any woman would like. My Mom was forever writing notes so I know she would have liked this.
To make the cover, I first cut two pieces of chipboard 6" x 9" and covered one side of each with Distress Cracked Leather cardstock and the other side with design paper from Graphic 45's Birdsong collection. Then I diecut the two pieces of covered chipboard with Eileen Hull's Journal Die.
Now the fun part begins and that is turning the distress cardstock into a worn piece of leather. I first inked with Vintage Photo Distress Oxide. I wanted a rich deep color so I layered Walnut Stain Distress Oxide over that . That seemed a bit dull to me so I went over all that color with Distess Vintage Photo. At this point the covers had developed a rich brown color. But I'm never one to leave "well enough" alone and if a little is good, then more has to be better right? So I dug out my Vintage Gold and Bronze Age Prima Metallique waxes. I rubbed the gold in first, applying over the entire cover. I decided that was a bit much, so I toned the gold color down with Bronze Age. That combination was just what I wanted!
Now that I had a rich leather look base, I added some design paper to the front cover. I used a cut-apart from Graphic 45's Birdsong DCE and added a die-cut lace strip on the right side. A button and stickers completely the look. Now to finish it off I used a Creative Embellishments border word "love" heat embossed with ancient amber embossing powder along the side. I think it's a nice clean look with an oriental flair, just what I wanted!
Inside the Journal
Inside I used a purchased lined notebook and a plastic sleeve that is good for holding business cards, notes, etc. I used design paper from the collection to cover the notebook.
Inside the front cover of the notebook I made a tuck spot.
On the back cover, I made a pocket.
Back of the notebook covered in design paper.
Elastic threaded through the pre-punched holes in the cover hold the signature and plastic sleeve in place. Then I used a simple elastic wrap to secure the notebook. I wanted to keep it simple and utilitarian along with a distinctive cover.
How to Enter the Challenge
The guidelines for entering are simple; create a new vintage or shabby chic project following the challenge theme, link to your post (not just your blog) and also include a link back to this challenge in your post. You can combine our challenge with up to 10 challenges (including this one) to be in with a chance of winning. If you are entering through a public forum (such as Instagram) you'll need to include the words 'Funkie Junkie Boutique Challenge'. Also, please be sure to turn off your Word Verification so our Design Team can leave comments on your blogs. Make sure you follow these rules as unfortunately, we have had to eliminate entrants from the prize draws in the past.
Products from The Funkie Junkie Boutique
Prima Art Alchemy by Finnabar - Metallique Wax - Bronze Age
Maggi this is such a beautiful and elegant notebook! Love the papers you used inside and out! Sending hugs as I know this was difficult for you with your mother's loss.
ReplyDeleteWow, Maggi! This journal is a masterpiece! I have the Cracked Leather paper, and it's so inspiring to see it used here--looks like real leather! The papers look so elegant used within and on the cover, and 'love' on the cover adds to the elegance. So wonderful, and I'm sure your Mom would be very pleased you made this as a tribute to her! I know this must have been very difficult for you after losing this very special person in your life. Sending big caring hugs!
ReplyDeleteGosh Maggi, that leather look journal is absolutely so elegant and is such a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Mom. You've thought of every detail to make it look incredibly professional from the trims and pockets to the embossed word border piece. As difficult as this challenge has been you've really done your Mom proud. Sending you huge hugs xx
ReplyDeleteSoooooo beautiful Maggi! The leather look is awesome.❤❤
ReplyDeleteYour notebook is stunning and given that your Mother was a note writer makes this so special and such an homage to her. The papers you have used are so elegant and the cracked leather paper looks so real. I know how tough this must have been and why you didn't want to make a card because I am in the same boat as you but it has been much longer. Just remember your Mom is with you always - tucked in a special place in your heart. Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous I have just discovered Eileen Hulls dies and yours is wonderful. thank you for sharing. Jane in CT/USA
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