Two Simple Journals for Megs Garden - Part #1

Hello sweet friends and welcome!  So pleased to have you drop by.

As you would have guessed by the Title, I am here to share two Journals with you.  Both have been created with some wonderful papers from Megs Garden. 

I have used the A4 digital versions of two Collections ..  In the Watercolour Garden and Slightly Grunge, and I have also used papers from the Mini Book printed version of the Sherlock II Mini Book Kit.

These are the two books I created.

The journal on the left will be used for sketching and Mixed Media work and the one on the right I will use to practice my hand writing.  Believe me, I need lots of practice (LOL!!).  I used to have a reasonably neat hand but, over the years, it has degenerated quite badly so this little book will help  me to get it back in shape.  I hope!!!
Now, originally, I was going to show both books in the same post but found it would be way too big (lots of photos) so I have decided to do this in two parts.

In this post I will show you the Art Journal.
The idea and basic design of this Journal came from a You Tube video by Jen of Eve Designs.  It is a very easy book to make and Jen explains it very well so, if you would like to take a look, HERE is the link

I made my book from cardstock (it measures 5.5" x 8") and then decorated the cover by simply layering papers  and ephemera from the Mini Book Kit.   I added a little stamping and the flourishes in the corners were done with a Tim Holz Stencil and Distress Ink.
Punched an eyelet into the front cover and knotted a double length of twine through it and then attached the beads.  The twine simply wraps around the book and is looped through.  The weight of the beads help to keep it closed.

 The inside cover and the first signature. 

The paper on the inside cover is from the Slightly Grunge Collection.  All I have done here is added the stamps.  The grid and coffee stain are from Kaisercraft and the quote is from My Favourite Things.

As per the video, there are three signatures in this book (the inside pages are 160gm white paper).

Each of these signatures have been sewn into the spine ..

.. and I have made a little cover for each of them.
 The papers used on each of these covers is from the Sherlock II Mini Book Kit.  Again, the only thing added here are the stamps.

Back of the first signature and front of the second.

These papers have so much detail on them they would certainly stand on their own without any embellishment.  I have only added the stenciled flourishes here.  

 Again, all I have added here are the flourishes.  The postal stamp and faded script are all part of the papers. 

Back of second signature and front of third.

Sorry, but I have to keep repeating myself.  All I have added here is the flourish stencil.

 And, again, only added the stamp and the stencil.

 Back of the third signature and the inside back cover.

 Yep, just added the flourish!!

 The inside back cover is paper from the Slightly Grunge Collection as is the paper on the flap.  And .. again .. just added the splatter stamp and the flourish stencil.

The back cover of the journal has paper from the Mini Book Kit and .. wait for it .. all I added was the splatter stamp and the flourish stencil!!  LOL!!  Sorry!!

A closer look at the closure ..

 .. and a full frontal!!

As you've obviously noticed, (and I kept on, and on, and on, and on, telling you (LOL!!) ) there are no extra embellishments in this journal.  Firstly, as this will be a work book, I really didn't want anything  dimensional getting in the way.  Secondly, these papers are so detailed, I really didn't need to put anything more on them.  I added the stamps and stencil simply because I felt I should do some kind of embellishment even though it wasn't really necessary!

I hope you enjoyed my post and my little book and that I have inspired you to take a look at the video and make one for yourself.  Also, why not go and take a look at the fabulous range of other papers and embellishments available at Megs Garden.  I know you will find something that will be perfect for whatever you are creating.   And, if you're looking for more inspiration, why not also take a look at the fabulous creations by the rest of the Team.  HERE is the link to the Megs Garden Blog.

I am entering this Journal into the inaugural Challenge at
Mini Album Makers Challenge Blog

Thank you so much for visiting today and I hope you will come back and take a look at the second journal as well.
Take care and God Bless.
Marg oxox