How to Decorate a Travel Journal
Turn a travel journal into a work of art. Transform a boring record book of one's trip into a unique treasure, conversation piece or gift. Add papers, souvenirs, menus, receipts, clippings, quotations and more. This is a fun, creative project that challenges the imagination.
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Things You'll Need
- Composition journal
- Embellishments
- Mod Podge (glossy or matte finish--available at craft stores)
- Sponge brush
- Scissors
Instructions
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Fun with souvenirs and embellishments
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1
Collect embellishments as you travel: receipts, clippings from newspapers, brochures or magazines, photos, menus, parts of maps, stamps, labels and images. Sort through the collection of embellishments to be applied to your journal and decide which ones to use, either actual pieces or photocopies. Large papers such as portions of maps and menus can be reduced in size by photocopying. Save more embellishments than will actually be needed to cover both the front and back of the journal.
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2
Open the journal flat on a table so that both the front and back covers are facing up. Take embellishments and lay them randomly (some overlapping) on the front and back covers. Rearrange the layout as desired for a better appearance. Use contrasting embellishments to make the arrangement interesting. Papers can be torn or cut with scissors.
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3
Start with one-quarter of the journal and move your loose embellishments to one side. Dip the sponge brush into the Mod Podge and brush onto the exposed part of the journal you are working on. Lay the removed embellishments back and brush more Mod Podge over them to cover them and secure them to the journal. Some of the embellishments can overlap the edges of the journal to be cut later with scissors.
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4
Continue with another quarter of the journal as described in Step 3, brushing Mod Podge and attaching embellishments until both the front and back of the journal (and spine) are covered with embellishments. Add more Mod Podge where needed.
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5
Let the journal dry completely. When it is dry, use scissors to cut around edge of the journal to remove protruding embellishments for a smooth finish.
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Tips & Warnings
Water-based Mod Podge has a "milky" appearance when wet, but it will dry clear, creating a waterproof finish. Add a second coat if desired.
The number and scope of the embellishments used is almost unlimited. Experiment with contrasting colors and subjects.
This project can be adapted to other themes.
Set aside about 2 hours to decorate your journal.
- Photo Credit Journal created by Natasha Lawrence
