This project is suitable with any kind of notebook, or blank art journal cover. Some examples include:
- Composition books
- Spiral bound notebooks
- Small journals from the dollar store
- Handmade books
- Journals with blank covers
- Photo albums with blank covers
- Scrapbooks with blank covers
Every year, when school supplies go on sale, there are truckloads of notebooks at rock bottom prices. Hit the big box superstores and stock up on these for mixed media art projects, as well as for creating other unique book projects. You will be surprised how quickly these notebooks will be used up.
Another opportunity for finding blank books to alter the covers on are holiday clearances. There are many stores including craft stores and big box chains carrying holiday themed blank books, notebooks, and other items mentioned in the list above. Because you will be altering the covers, it really does not matter if they are blank or not. Take advantage of these deals and stock up on your supplies!
For this mixed media altered art project, you will need the following materials:
- Blank book
- Heavy-duty glue stick
- Themed craft paper
- Bookbinding tape (black or brown)
- Scissors
- Bookplate
- Straight-edge ruler
- Eyelets
- Eyelet setter
- Cardstock (matching the themed paper)
- Craft knife (children: you will need supervision)
- Decoupage medium
- Sponge brush
- Small container of water
Embellishments matching the theme of the paperFollow these simple instructions for creating this mixed media altered art project:
- Choose the theme of the book you would like to work on. If you are going for a travel themed notebook, purchase papers and embellishments that match that theme. Choose cardstock that is in a complimentary or matching color to theme you are working on.
- Using the heavy-duty glue stick, affix the themed paper to the front and back cover of the notebook without cutting. Open the notebook and, with the craft knife, trim away all the paper along the edges as neatly as possible.
- Take out the straight edge ruler along with the cardstock and create a rectangle about a half-inch larger than the bookplate you selected. Cut this rectangle out and affix the bookplate to the center using the eyelets.
- As carefully as possible (because this is very sticky), affix the bookbinding tape along the binding of the notebook. If you are working with a spiral bound notebook, wrap the coil loosely with cardstock, and binding it along the edges where it meets the cover.
- Add the bookplate and the rest of the notebook’s embellishments using decoupage (or gel) medium to ensure a strong hold. Remember not to add items that will fall off easily with frequent page turns, or when placed in a bag to bring along somewhere.
That is all there is to this mixed media altered art project. There are many variations that can be explored with this project, which is why having a lot of notebooks on hand (at a good price) is essential. Before you know it, all the notebooks in your home will be decorated!
