Floral Art Journal

One of the top trends in the paper and hybrid scrapbooking world right now is the art journal or memorabilia book. It is so easy to create your own using digital scrapbook papers and elements.

I chose to work with the Inspiration blooms digital scrapbook bundle for this project. The bundle includes so many pretty papers and elements, as well as word art in png and brush formats.

It also includes cutting files for electronic cutting machines and the designers even created a few quick pages to help you with your book.

This kit would be perfect for a garden notebook as well.

Supplies I used:

• Inspiration Blooms digital scrapbook bundle
• Photoshop
• Epson Premium Matte Photo Paper
• Fiskars Paper Trimmer
• Silhouette Cameo electronic cutting machine (optional – you can always cut by hand!)
• 3-ring mini binderby UniKeep
• A-5 3.5″x5″ photo storage sheet
• GlueArts GlueGlider Pro PermaTac adhesive
• hole punch

The mini binder is the right size to hold paper that is 8.5″ tall x 5.5″ wide. I created a new canvas in Photoshop using the US Paper option, which is 8.5″ x 11. I set the canvas to have the landscape orientation, and then selected View > New Guide and entered 5.5″ to give my a visual for the center of the paper. I printed several sheets, and used both sides of each sheet of paper.

Next, I cut all of my papers in half lengthwise, so they measured 8.5″ tall x 5.5″ wide.

After all of my papers were cut down to size, I lined the first sheet up inside the binder case and marked where the holes should be punched.

I measured in about 1/2″ from the edge, and used the hole punch to add holes to each sheet of paper.

Once all of the sheets were punched with the holes, I placed them into the binder. I added a sheet protector to hold my tags and flower cut-outs, and created paper inserts to give a more finished look to the holder.

Next, I designed the front cover. I measured my binder, and then created a canvas that was 9.125″ high and 8.25″ wide. The front of the binder measured only 7″, but I needed extra to wrap around the spine and cover the back of the book as well.

I used the brushes to add some decorative corners to the front and back pages. I clipped a solid turquoise paper to the brush layer, and then changed the layer type from normal to linear burn in order to get a darker and more visible look.

Finally, I printed out the cover pages, trimmed them down to size, added adhesive to the middle, and then placed them into the book cover.

And there you have it: a beautiful, custom, one-of-a-kind journal ready to be filled with your thoughts, artwork, and memorabilia!

Other Articles by joana1n:

• Make Your Own Paper Tape! - March 25th, 2013
• Thanks a Latte Single-Serve Coffee Gift Box - February 18th, 2013
• Tootsie Box and a 3-D Santa Sticker - December 5th, 2012
• An Unlikely Advent Calendar - November 28th, 2012
• Gift Card Holder! - October 30th, 2012