Handmade Journal using DIY Ink Techniques part 1

Hey y’all, it’s Chantal, and today it’s all about joy! There is joy for me when I am able to incorporate many different art techniques with fabric, paper, inks, embroidery and even beading. This handmade journal begins with paper fabric, luscious inks and a special application that creates a water-colored, marbled effect.

You could stop here and construct your journal or stamp and stitch along with me in Part 2 and 3 of this project. Are you ready for our journal journey? Let’s get started…

Step 1:

Using a paper trimmer, cut the paper fabric to the desired size to create the journal cover.

Step 2:

With a corner rounder punch, (round), all 4 corners of the cover.

Step 3:

On a plastic sandwich bag, press the inks onto the bag, carefully layering the colors.

Step 4:

With a medicine dropper or a mini spray bottle, drop or spritz the journal cover.

Step 5:

Place the inked plastic bag, ink side down on the cover and begin to scrunch and move the bag. Lift up and repeat on other areas of the cover. You will want some on the back too.

Step 6:

Heat set the inks with a heat tool. I went back and added more colors and covered more of the journal. Heat set again.

Step 7:

Fold journal in half and using a bone folder or a scorer, score the center to create the crease/spine of the journal.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we begin to ink and stamp our fabric for the collage cover.

Success with Inks

The paper needs to be a little damp not soaking.
Experiment on a scrap piece before inking your journal cover.
These are “juicy” stamps – full of color. Don’t be afraid to add a lot of color.
Have Fun!!

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