2024 Topic 4: Books & Journals {by Kaz Hall} on the PaperArtsy Blog

Hi everyone

It's Kaz Hall from The Maker's Table here with you today,

I've been really excited to share with you this vintage inspired project, that I have created for our current topic of 'Books & Journals' here on the PaperArtsy blog. 

This topic had me thinking about how in this ever changing age of technology, books are still so important. There's something about starting a new chapter, turning a page, the enjoyment of finishing that last page and the excitement of starting the next book.  

I love to collect old books, (I have quite a collection!) the typography, images and graphics, are often starting points of inspiration for me when creating.

For this project, I was keen to have lots of layers, along with hidden pockets, to stash away my ever growing collection of vintage ephemera.

So Grab yourself a cup of tea, this is quite a long blog post!

My book had a lovely embossed texture on the cover, which I really wanted to highlight in the background, so I decided to create paint layers using PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics to create a worn/distressed look. I will explain how I achieved this as you read on.

If you know me and my style, you might be aware that a vintage colour palette ticks my creative boxes. To create a vintage style to complement the stamp sets that I would be using,  I took inspiration from the original book cover used as my starting point. 

I loved the idea of blue and brown hues, so I decided on PaperArtsy 'In the Navy' Infusions for the main colour scheme, expecting this would continue throughout the whole project. Mattints come in the mix too, even though the colours I selected above are bright, you might be surprised how they end up!

As I mentioned previously, I selected this book. The cover is embossed, and I wanted to highlight that texture in the background. 

I then set about dismantling the book by removing the insides with a craft knife, luckily it came out in one go!

As I only needed the patterned part of the book cover so I used a craft knife to remove the embossed title text from the top of the book along with the text from the bottom of the book. (Please be careful when using a craft knife!)

As the spine was still quite flimsy, so I set about reinforcing the spine, by adding a strip of cardboard, and added glued text pages to create the inside covers of the book.

Time to add some layers of PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics in sage and chalk; 3 - 4 thin coats and allowed it to dry. 

This was followed by a thin layer of chocolate pudding and French Roast. Just before it dried, I wiped off that layer with a paper towel, which created a distressed look.

When the paint had dried, I took a piece of sandpaper and gently rubbed it over the dried paint. It revealed a lovely textured effect. (Don't worry if you rub to much off, you can add more layers of paint and repeat the process.)

I then took the Mattint (Squeezed) and using my finger I rubbed it over areas where I wanted the cover to look more defined, I added several layers.

To finish I added more of the PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylic paint, this time in Hyde Park, I applied it to the edges and repeated sanding it back until I was happy with the results.

Next step was to think about the main focal point of the book. I started with Scrapcosy stamp set 04 (ESC04) and Versafine ink (Vintage sepia.) Here's an easy way to distress white card with infusions to make it appear more vintage and distressed.

1. The image was stamped onto white card
2. Clear embossing powder was sprinkled over the stamped image, and melted with a heat tool
3. I sprinkled a tiny amount of 'In the Navy' Infusions onto my glass mat and generously spritzed water over to activate them
4. The stamped image was pressed face down into the wet infusions, making sure the whole area was covered with them

When the card was dry, I masked off the image with a piece of card, diluted some chalk Fresco finish paint and added splashes of paint using a paintbrush to the edges of the infusions-distressed card.

I then repeated the steps above with the butterfly image from the same stamp set. 

This time I used PaperArtsy Mattints to colour the image. The Mattints add a gentle pop of colour and allow you to build them up to the desired look. As they are totally transparent, the vintage blues of the infusions still allow an old, almost worn look.

I also added some Tim Holtz distress ink in Walnut stain to the edges.

Once it was coloured, I started to bring it all together by adding layers of text papers to the larger image. I stitched around the edges using my sewing machine and then attached the label and butterfly to complete the focal point.

I was really happy with how the infusions had coloured the card, it gave me the vintage look that I had wanted to achieve. I now wanted to continue this colour scheme to create page-pockets for inside the book.

For the next phase of this project, I needed to make pages for the revised 'book'. I decided a series of pockets work work well, so first I'm going to explain how to make these blue pockets as shown above. The same method of distressing the card with 'In The Navy' infusions was used, but first let me explain how the template was made.

1. With a standard 4" x 6" (approx 15 x 10cm) greeting card. I measured my book to see what size the pockets needed to be, the pocket would measure 11cm.
2. When cut to size I opened out the card and used a circle punch to punch half a circle.
3. The 'score fold' is approx 1cm. This fold is is important as when the pockets are layered on top of each other and secured, this will allow the pockets to open when they have been filled with their contents.
4. An example of a finished pocket, coloured, sewn and stamped

I decided to make 5 layers of 'pocket pages', so I repeated the process of colouring the pockets by using the Infusions, making sure to colour both external sides of the pocket.  A small amount of glue was used along the inside fold of the pocket.

I used Stamp sets by Scrapcosy, ESC04 and ESC21.  Ranger Distress Archival Ink (Faded Jeans) for the stamped images, and Ranger Distress Ink (Walnut Stain) around the edges.

I then layered up all the pockets on top of each other and used extra strong double sided tape to secured them together. I made a total of 5 pockets. 

TIP: be mindful that the pockets will fill out when you have added things to them.

I then added all five pockets to the back cover of my book, again using extra strong double sided tape.

With the pockets now completed, now begins the final phase. It' time to decorate. 

This is the really fun part; you can experiment with creative ways to make more hidden areas in your book. First I will share an easy, fun way to make your own envelopes.

To make an envelope, take a book page, or in my case I'm using an old letter.

1. fold the paper in half and draw half a heart on to it. Cut it out
2. you now have a heart shape; carefully fold in the curves of the heart
3. turn the heart so the point of it it is at the top
4. you can now see the envelope taking shape. Add a small amount of glue onto the folded flaps and fold into place
5. completed envelope

Voila! All you now need to do is to fill your envelopes with whatever you want, a great hiding place for hidden messages.

There are so many different ways of creating pockets, sleeves, envelopes, folds... the fun part is experimenting with what works for you and your project.  I often make a prototype of an idea, before committing to using an item that may not be easily replaced.  I would encourage you to just have a play around, see what works for you.

Now you can see how all these elements come together. Remember we started with the cover of the book; the distressed panel, the infusions-coloured card, and the Mattint-coloured butterfly.

The view of the inside with the 5 pocket-pages stacked on the right. You can see I have decorated the inside left panel too. Ribbon softens and adds another interactive element. And the addition of the numbers shows there is lots more to discover within.

Scrapcosy's stamp set 21 (ESC21) is loaded with tags, labels and other useful elements, perfect for adding layers or interest to pages like these. 

Here is the stack of pockets, the ribbon ...

Pocket 2 shows one of those Scrapcosy labels with some zig zag stitching ... 

Pocket 3 ....

Pocket 4 ...

Pocket 5 ...

I really enjoyed creating this book, I love all the hidden areas that hide my vintage ephemera. I have really enjoyed using all the stamps, paints and Mattints to bring to life a new book from an old one.

Like most creatives, I am always open to learning new ideas, experimenting with techniques and finding my own way that works for me. I hope that by sharing some of my ideas from my book, it will inspire you to have a go at creating your own.

Thank you for sharing my love of all things vintage, enjoy your maker's journey!

Kaz 

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2023 Topic 4 : Mail Art {by Jennie Atkinson} with Alison Bomber stamps

Hi everyone,

Jennie (Live The Dream) here with you today.

I have used envelopes as templates for mini books for many years so our current topic Mail Art gave me the chance to be creative with both envelopes and Alison's beautiful stamps. I had planned to use stamps and paints directly onto the envelopes but sadly that didn't work very well as I couldn't use the amount of water I needed to get a lovely watercolour look. There were a few soggy envelopes in my early process!

However, I hope that my ideas for combining papers and envelopes along with painted tags, mini envelopes and journal cards will give you some ideas.

By using large oblong window envelopes I was able to create a mini book of a decent size. I really enjoyed using the glassine windows both inside as peek through windows, but on the front as well making a window frame to house a tag.

For our Texture theme (which is running through all our projects this quarter) I have used machine stitching, lace and ribbon and also nooks and crannies to house tags and journal cards throughout the envelope book.

I had decided to use quite bright Fresco colours: PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics Magic Moss FF130 and Lavender FF104. I wanted to get a good watercolour look in my painting so starting with a brighter colour can help in terms of adding more water than you might be able to do with a lighter colour.  

I was however painting on white...not my favourite colour as I always seem to have dirty hands! I had chosen white as my intention had been to paint directly onto the envelopes and so everything else would need to be white to compliment this. But I also liked the way the stamping and painting was very crisp on the white background.

Whilst my project concentrates on the wonderful Blackberries Edition in Alison Bomber Stamp Set EAB24 I have used a couple of stamps from Alison Bomber Stamp Set EAB26 which although are from the Rosehips Edition are complementary.

I also had an idea to include PaperArtsy Infusions Violet Storm CS11 but was unsure how dark it might be against the bright Frescos. In the event it was only used for a few splatters here and there, but...still an important addition to the overall project.

I started by creating the envelope pockets. This collage explains how the individual elements came together. The sealed envelope was cut open on three sides. The top was then folded down 1¾" and the left hand side cut away and the outside of the envelopes covered with paper. I used a "window" from another envelope as a template, cutting around the paper before glueing it down.

When working with such a thin substrate I normally take any opportunity to strengthen elements which are going to be handled. I used a selection of stamps to add strength to the envelope flaps, using lightly stamped layers and a quote in darker ink.

Once the corners were rounded the pockets were looking more envelope like again!

The pocket envelopes were then ready to be joined and all that was needed was a simple spine glued into the inside of the pockets. The sewing machine was then used to sew each pocket together. 

I now had my base book complete ready for decorating. Stitching the envelopes together gave a nice bit of texture but also a sturdiness that you can't quite achieve with glue or adhesive tape. Whilst it is my personal preference to use stitching in this way, any good quality adhesive tape will certainly hold everything together.

 

It had taken some time to get the core part of my project together but now I could enjoy some creative time stamping and painting the individual elements for decorating.

I needed two large tags to sit inside the envelopes and to show through the windows, but other tags or journaling cards could be smaller. I used Archival ink to stamp the images and Distress Ink to stamp the background. I decided to do a little experiment to see whether it was better to add the background before painting or after.

Both of these have been painted at the same time with the same strength of Fresco Chalk Acrylic paint.

Once dry I stamped the background onto the smaller tag. To be honest I didn't see any difference. The background ink doesn't weep into the Chalk Acrylic or show up over the painted images.

This larger tag sits inside the pocket and shows through the envelope. I have left areas of the tag without any stamping as it is nice to have a journaling spot in a mini book.

I quite often use the windows from used envelopes as little pockets in my journals. It is easy to cut around them to make a border (1/2" is a nice size). They can then be stamped by using a post it note to protect the glassine.

To strengthen the pocket (which is quite fragile until it is stuck down) I normally add a strip on the outside edge where tags will be pulled in and out.

Additional strength is added by layering the window pocket onto a piece of cardstock. I like the way the stamping of the pocket and the tag are so complimentary - Alison's stamps always work so well together.

As our topic is Mail Art I thought it would be fun to make a couple of little envelopes as Alison's stamps are small enough to be used in so many different ways.

They are simple to make if you have an Envelope Board Maker (as I have used here) or a little simple folding can create a something similar (there are lots of ideas for folding on Pinterest).

They can either be clipped onto the side of the pockets...

...or stuck into a little pocket. This is the back of the book which has a little gusset pocket housing a tag, little envelope and smaller tag.

Whilst the pockets were filling up nicely with tags, journal cards and envelopes I felt the top flaps of each pocket needed a little something. I added lace to the front flap but this little piece of dyed ribbon caught my eye in the ribbon jar. The colour matched perfectly! Rather than use the ribbon on the spine which is my usual "go to" I decided to lace the ribbon across the flap. This also provided a nice spot for some hanging metal embellishments.

My little bottle of Violet Storm Infusions was still sitting on the desk unused. I had tried it on some of the painted elements but it was really a little too dark. However, it came into its own as a final splattering over the tags and envelopes. The perfect final touch!

This is certainly not the project I started out to create! My envelopes were cut landscape with folds and pockets and then stamped and painted...and it was at the painting stage that I realised this was really not going to work with my envelopes becoming paper-mache in places! 

By this time I had created a number of the tags and little envelopes so thinking cap on to come up with another design which they would fit! I actually prefer this latter design to my original so thankfully some mistakes are for the good!

Alison's stamps are always a delight to work with and are great combined as a main focus with background elements in a lighter ink. Not everything fits where you want it to, but I quite like the wrap around text on the little envelope. Even if you decide not to make the envelope book, I hope the way I have created the tags and pockets will give you some ideas for journals, along with the little frame pocket on the front page cut from a used envelope.

As always thank you for joining me!

Best wishes

Jennie x

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