Easy DIY Bound Journal

I love book binding, but let's be real, some of the traditional methods can take forever.  Recently I discovered something awesome about one of my favorite products....It works PERFECTLY for quick book binding projects because it's flexible and clear when it dries.  Can you guess what I'm talking about?  The best thing about these journals is that you can use vinyl OR leather and embellish them any way you want.  I painted my edges with metallic gold, but you could embellish with a brass bird or gems.  Just remember to have fun, make journals and don't forget to Make Your Mark!

xoxo, Mark 

I used the Americana Decoupage Papers for my end papers.....because they

are beautiful!

See how easy they are to make here

Stuff You'll Need

Sewing machine

Americana Decoupage Paper (decorative paper)

E-6000 glue

11" x 17" vinyl or leather

Americana Stick On Stencils

Twine (that matches the vinyl)

Americana Multi-Surface Metallic gold

Pinking shears

Dauber

Clothespins

Office copy paper

1.  Trace a folded piece of copy paper on the inside edge of your vinyl

2. Move it over 1/2" and trace it again 

3.  Add 3" more and then 1/2" all the way around

4.  Cut it out with pinking shears

*This is the cover (with flap) and it will be about 14 1/2" x 9 1/2"

5.  Edge the vinyl with metallic gold using a dry brush technique

*This will give it an aged and gilded look

6.  Stencil on the cover with more metallic gold lightly dabbing with a dauber

7.  Cut decoupage papers to 8 1/2" x 11" and create a stack of copy paper with the decorative paper on top

8.  Draw a line down the center and stitch the pages together

9.  Make about 8 - 10 stacks and fold them on the stitch line

10.  Clip them together and add a generous amount of E-6000 glue to the folded edges

11.  Secure them in place while they dry

12.  Clip a small hole in the flap and add a long piece of twine for a tie

Desk Organizer DIY

Growing up in a small rural town without a big craft store, we were "forced" to use whatever we had on hand to get creative.  For me (like many) it was cardboard, newspaper and glue.  Gotta tell ya, that's about all you need if you want to get your crafty groove ON!  As a result, I love everything paper, cardboard, decoupage and paper mâché.  Anything that uses recycled materials has my name on it.   Not only is this tray a beautiful way to organize your stuff, it's a terrific way 

to recycle and save some cash at the same time.  How awesome is that?!  You can make this tray any shape you want, like simple squares or rectangles.  Experiment with different sizes, papers and paint techniques.  You can't go wrong.  Have fun!  xoxo, Mark

Try different tray shapes like simple rectangles and squares

Make a few for your dresser or vanity

Star struck!

Watch the short video tutorial here!

Stuff You'll Need

Americana Decou-Page paper

Cardboard

Template for tray

Americana Decou-Page medium (I used gloss)

White Americana Acrylic paint

White school glue

Craft knife

Paintbrushes

Scissors

Trace and cut the hexagon

Trace and cut the sides of the tray

Glue the pieces together to create the shape

*You can tape the pieces together while they dry

Add a little water to some white school glue

With a paintbrush, decoupage the paper to the tray with the glue

*This will make it sturdy and keep your pieces in place

When dry, paint the entire tray white

Cut pieces of the Americana Decou-Page Paper to fit the tray

Using the gloss Decou-Page medium, adhere the decorative paper to the tray

Paper and perfect!