Ums & Ahs Handmade Journal.

When It's Crafting Time sent me this lovely naked 7 Gypsies portfolio I just knew I wanted to make a handmade journal from it. You can decorate these portfolio's in so many ways, with grungy papers or painty inky messyness. I went for the messyness this time, but I'd like to do another one with grungy papers too. They are great value too only £2.00 for two!

Lots of gesso and texture for an arty journal.

Here is the back where I have used metallic light blue acrylic paint and accented it with streaks of plum purple. I've edged the portfolio with gold acrylic paint.

I used scraps of paper (DCWV citrus) and text from a book and painted gesso over the top. I also added texture using gesso through a Dylusions flower and harlequin stencil, then painted metallic blue acrylic paint over the top. I painted some Tim Holtz Grungeboard letters white and edged them in gold metallic acrylic paint and stuck them on the front of the portfolio once it was dry.

When everything was dry I started to concentrate on the journal pages for the inside. I sewed watercolour card into the spine of the profolio using strong purple tapestry cotton and attached lots of pearls and chain tassels from Tim Holtz Idea-ology range.

Here is a closer look of the pages on the inside of  the journal. I'm looking forward to filling these pages up, especially because I've used watercolour card which will show up colours so well.

I like making handmade journals, there is something really satisfying about it.

Hope you have a great creative crafty Sunday.

Michelle x