Two simple Journals for Megs Garden - Part #2

Hello sweet visitors!!  Thank you for dropping by, so lovely to have you visit.

So, this is part two of my 'Two Simple Journals' posts.
If you would like to take a look at Part#1, HERE is the link.

These are the two books I created using Megs Garden's lovely papers.

In this post I will share with you the booklet on the right .. my writer's Journal.  This is the little book I will use to practice my hand writing.  As I said in Part#1, I used to have a reasonably neat hand but, over the years, that has deteriorated quite badly so now I need to practice to get it back up to scratch.

The inspiration for this booklet came from Astrid Maclean of Astrid's Artistic Efforts.  Astrid, like me, loves to make all kinds of booklets and, lately, she has been working with the Eileen Hull die.  Unfortunately, I don't have that die so I had to make mine by hand but I did use that book as inspiration for my design.
The papers used for this Journal are all from the A4, digital version of the 'In the Watercolour Garden' Collection.

As I wanted a reasonably soft cover, I simply made it from cardstock.  I used black for the outside cover and kraft for the inside.  The finished book, when closed, measures 4.75" x 8.5".

 I glued a piece of chipboard behind the spine on the inside cover for extra strength, punched the holes, threaded the elastic through those holes and simply knotted it at the back.   I then glued the two covers together.

 As with the first Journal, this one doesn't have much in the way of embellishment.  As this is also a work book, I didn't want anything three dimensional getting in the way.  Besides, these papers have such lovely graphics on them that I really didn't want to cover them up.
For the front cover though, I did add a Tim Holz door knob and some stamping.  I also fussy cut a second butterfly to give it a little bit of dimension.

I really love the graphic on this paper .. simply stunning!!

The inside cover and the first signature.

I added a pocket on the inside front cover and added some faux stitching with a gel pen at the top.  The 'lace' is simply a strip cut from the edge of a paper doily. 

 The pocket will house a small booklet which will mainly be used for any hints and notes that I may find and wish to keep.  I added more faux stitching around the edge of the paper.

 There are three signatures in this booklet ..

 I cut some pages from a cheap exercise book for the inside, made a cover for each signature and stapled them together.  Each one loops under an elastic band in the spine of the outer cover.  This way, as I fill them up, I can create new signatures and  replace them.

 Added a strip of washi tape at the edge of the signature to give the spine a bit more strength.  The only other bit I did was to add the quote.  As I said before, these papers have the most gorgeous graphics they really don't need any enhancement.

Back of the first signature and front of the second.

Love this music paper .. so gorgeous!!

All I did here was to add the quote.

Back of the second signature and front of the third.

I simply had to use this paper again .. I love it so .. and I only added the quote.  After taking this photo, I did add that strip of washi tape to the spine though, for added strength and continuity.

Back of the third signature and inside back cover.

 This is the most gorgeous background paper .. I didn't add anything because I didn't want to spoil it.  Love it just as is.

 As on the inside front cover, I just added some stenciling with Distress Ink.

A little metal embellishment on the back ..

.. and Voila!!

My work book is complete!!

I hope you like my little book and I'm sure you will agree with me that those papers are simply stunning!!!!  If you'd care to take a look at all of the gorgeous papers available in the Garden HERE is the link.  While you're there, why not take a look at all the fabulous products in store .. I know you will find something that you cannot bear to be without!!  LOL!!

There is some wonderful inspiration to be had over at the Garden blog.  Pop on over and take a look at the fabulous creations by my Teamies.  I know you will enjoy the visit HERE.

Thank you so much for dropping by today and, whatever you have planned .. do it well, do it safe and enjoy your day!!

Take care and God Bless.
oxox Marg

Masculine with Lots of Layers

Hello sweet crafty peeps and welcome to my blog.  Hope you are all having a fabulous day.

Sharing another of my 'man' cards today.
In my last post I shared the card I made for my oldest son's (and his wife's too of course) Anniversary.  This card was made for his birthday.  The Anniversary card was a bit  'girly' for him (although I'm sure he still liked it, LOL!!)  but he was quite happy with this one.

The papers are mostly from Maja but there are also a few scraps from other Manufacturers .. not sure which though.
Used my scissors to distress all the edges.

Hadn't used my embossing folders for ages so decided to emboss one of the paper layers to add a bit of interest.  I lightly rubbed a Charcoal VersaColor inkpad over the embossing to help it stand out a bit more.

Tiny bit of metal wire that just appeared on my work desk (not sure how, or where it came from??  Must have been lurking amongst the mess!!  LOL!!) so I added that to my card as well as a chippy from Scrapmatts.

A couple of screw top brads and a square paper clip were also included.

Added some black and white paint splatters.

The inside ..

Voila!!  All done!!

The challenge at Crafty Cardmakers is all about embossing so, I thought I would enter this one over there.

Thank you all so much for your visit and for taking a look at my creations.   Enjoy what's left of the week and have a great weekend!!!
Take care and God Bless.