Imagine being a forgotten old tatty book but someone saw your worth and took you home and filled you with all their pretty treasures and heartfelt arty goodness. I can’t imagine anything more lovely for them!
@@QueenNoTeetha151 how very true! I always feel like these old books are the forgotten dames 😉 just waiting to be made beautiful again, thanks for stopping by ❤️
I like your technique for removing pages using the seam ripping tool. I had been tearing pages out but this left a paper ridge at the spine. Your method is so much neater.
@@susanclancy-kelly9319 hi Susan, thanks for letting me know that. Yes, I’ve tried just ripping the pages out but I just prefer the seam ripping tool much better. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting ❤️
Totally am inspired ❤❤❤ Found an interesting book today to get started on and when I got it home and looked inside it was stamped from the hospital library where I was born (I'm 70 and was born in Maryland but now live in Florida) and the inside covers have the stamps and library card pockets❤ Never would have found this treasure to make into another beautiful treasure if not for this video. Thank you so much
@@DanielleBatog Thanks Danielle, it’s amazing isn’t it- that added depth is now so special to you & what I didn’t say in the video is the name inside the front cover of the book I found is it’s my mums maiden name! But it wasn’t her book 🤷🏻♀️ so there is obviously another person out there with the same name, you just can’t get that with a brand new, sterile book with its white, white pages!! ❤️
@@wonderwend1 absolutely! I think these old books do speak to me, I don’t want to sound mad but I run my hands over them and pick the one that I get a vibe from! Take care ❤️
I really appreciate you going through this process and recording it. I’ve made lots of things following online tutorials, but haven’t been able to actually start a journal. I feel, after watching this, that not I have a starting point. Thank you so much. 💐🎉😘
@@KellyC77 thanks Kelly, IKR! 😂 I began way back using scissors but I kept damaging the pages or digging holes in them so I was looking for a better method and hey presto! The quick unpick/seam tool works perfectly, thanks for leaving me a comment, appreciate you following along ❤️
She tought she entered a new house to end up on a bookshelf but instead she began a new life and became more beautifiul and had a whole new story to tell.
@@isabellebernard7876 yessssss! lol 😂 these old books have had all the reading they were ever going to get, social media has put a stop to a lot of reading of books, unfortunately. Repurposing them is an act of love IMO ❤️ Hope you’re well, Isabelle 😉
@@susangazawaypapercrafting3749 you’re welcome and thank you for always being so supportive, I really appreciate it, it’s been a tough year as you know ❤️
This is a brilliant video and has totally inspired me to do the same. Let’s rescue all the old books from a life on the shelf to one of arty adventures 🥰
@@stormyswann6177 thanks Stormy. The beauty of it is every single one will be unique to you, I just love that. This world is full of mass produced rubbish so having a one-off feels special before you even start the art! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment ❤️
@@charleneottinger4735 hi Charlene, that is a lovely thing to say, thank you so much. I’m glad I make you smile 😊 thanks for taking the time to comment I really appreciate it ❤️
I especially liked how you reinforced the spine areas. I’m in the process of a memory/art journal for myself and because I create quilts I have the lovely selvedges that have words and/or color dots on them. I think they would be wonderful reinforcements, and perhaps a picture of the quilt they were used in. Thanks for the inspiration.
@@luannfischer747 hi Luann, that is an awesome idea, the different ways of reinforcing are endless and that’s what makes each one as individual as we are! I am so happy you found me & thanks for taking the time to comment ❤️
I love your relationship with the book. So many are offended and say we are just wrecking the book, but you are just transforming it into an even more beautiful creation. I love the use of fabric and stencils. Thank you for letting us witness and experience this lovely process. New subbie from AZ in USA. - Cheryl
@@rochestermanagementservice6082 hiiiii Cheryl, thank you so much for that lovely comment and taking the time to comment. You’re 100% right, I am not wrecking the book, only enhancing it so it can now be re-loved in a new form, much like adjusting an old dress found at the thrift store! Take care ❤️
I love how you converted this book into an art journal. I have never done this before because I wasn't quite sure how to go about it without destroying the book. But now, I do! 😊 Thank you for sharing your process. It was very informative and fun to watch your video. ❤😊
@@sheliaporter6795 thank you so much, Shelia. I really prefer them to a plain, store bought book of any kind with its generic pages. I just find these old books have so much character and have been handled by so many before me, you can almost feel their soul ❤️
@@jacquelinetennon6298 hi Jacqueline, I hope you have fun doing it! I love using old books, they have so much patina, thanks for taking the time to write a comment, much appreciated ❤️
Very inspiring video!Thank you so much for sharing this video and wonderful tutorial 😊This is my first time watching your channel! I absolutely LOVE antique vintage books ! Have a wonderful day😊There are so many books that end up in a landfill so it’s lovely that they will have a new life being an art journal 😊😊😊$1 is definitely a bargain😊
@@loveforpaper6203 hiiiii, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am in Paris atm and have bought loads of antique books with a view to making them in to journals……but…..they’re too beautiful 😍 I’ll have to decide what to do! Take care ❤️
I sat here watching and *literally* had my mouth open in awe of what you were doing here! 😲💖 I love it so much! Yes, she will be cherished, and you've already given her a beautiful makeover. I am happy that your channel popped up for me today, and I look forward to seeing more from you. 🥰
@@WatercolorKari thank you so much, Kari. These old books, are like the grand old dames, IMO, still beautiful but from another era. Now, with social media, people have stopped reading books and I just hate to think of them ending up in landfill whilst we purchase some new, sterile book from a multi-national company! ❤️
@@allieeverett9017 hi Allie, thanks so much for leaving a comment, I really appreciate that & am glad it gave you a little bit of inspiration! Take care ❤️
Hi Di. This is the first time I’ve seen your video. I love your style and the ‘ behind scenes ‘ of how you make a journal from an old book! Thank you from Canada.
It’s so nice to see how other artists have their own process. I don’t do my art journals like that, so it was great to get some different perspectives and ideas. You have a very unique way to do your beautiful journals. And, yes, using an old book is the best, because you’re giving a new life to something which would end up in the bin 💙🩷💜🧡❤️🩶💚💛🩵🤎♥️🤍
@@alexandraalmeida3661 thank you so much, Alexandra. That’s the beauty of this craft isn’t it, we all do it differently and every journal is beautiful and loved and I’m so happy that so many of these old books are getting a second life from us all and not heading to landfill. Hope you’re well ❤️
@@kazkav9841 lol 😂 I never even thought about that! I’ve kept the pages I tore out too and will use them as packing when I post journals to new owners so maybe they will read the pages 😉❤️
I think you are precious! I love how you covered the books ears as if she can hear you as you explain what you did to her. So Cute. I'm sure she understands now that she's got a new life. A Lovely New Life with Wonderful possibilities ahead. 💜💜💜
@@pattimcclelland6635 what a lovely comment, Patti. Thank you. These old books are so precious, but if we don’t use them or re-purpose them they’ll end up in landfill. I’m hoping my family will pass them on and get to know me through those pages ❤️
What a lovely way to feed the creativity inside of yourself. Before you even begin to create the ‘actual Art Journal’ you have been nurturing something beautiful. I can see the preparation of the journal is itself very cathartic. Therefore it is not really ‘time consuming’ but satisfying. Thank you for sharing your process. I can see doing this would also be very useful if your time, or mojo, were limited. What an easy way to be creative without having a huge project looming over your head. Altogether a great video with many insights! It’s also good to see an Aussie producing content! Most channels seem to be created by US, or UK folks. Again, TFS. 😊🦘🐨🇦🇺
@@lindamarshall8279 thanks so much, Linda. That’s exactly what I do, I choose the book and just know I will make that grand old dame more beautiful than gathering dust on a shelf. Yes, us Aussies are few and far in the junk journal community on TH-cam, have you been over to @leighcreates channel, she’s another lovely Aussie in QLD. ❤️
If you don’t cut the signature threads but just pull out the extra pages. the sewing should help hold the book together a bit better…but I like the idea you had to reinforce those pages when you do it the way you did. ☺️👍🏻 A lovely new life for this old book! 👏🏻🩷
Thank you for this. I had just bought an old book from the chatiry shop and didnt know how to remove some pages. I am sat watching you while doing this ❤ subscribed to get some more helpful tips x
@@Jane-Sunstoneyoga hi Jane, thank you so much, these old books have so much character don’t they? This video seems to have struck a chord with so many people, I guess there’s quite a few of us that love saving and re-purposing them. Thanks for commenting, it means so much to me ❤️
Really interesting to see how someone else would convert a book. I just tear alternate pages out (I might look to try this way in future) and I dont do anything with the pages until im ready to work on that specific page
Being an old book junkie, I had to look up what the story was about, and Googles say... "A big, brawny novel of the opening up of the Midwest after the Civil War and the unlimited promise for ambition and adventure in timber, iron and railroads." Since most of us know how that turned out... Yay Art Journal!
@@myenchantedjournals I adore what you've done with her. I'm really enjoying all of your book projects, and I'm contemplating my own soon. The kid even says he's interested in trying it out.
@@auroraasleep thanks so much, the old books have so much patina you just can’t buy that in a stationery store! Yes! Get the kids involved, my grandkids love journaling, I help them make their own wee books and write their feelings down ❤️
This is so good. I did mine a different way. It wasn't a sewen signature one. I pulled out about 5 pages and glued the pages together to hide where it was torn. However, when it's closed, it doesn't sit straight. The front goes forward. Next time, I will look for a signature one and try it your way.
@@julieparker1114 thanks for sharing that, Julie. It truly is trial and error, believe me, I’ve tried so many different ways! Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment ❤️
@@GwenTheTrashWitch hi Gwen, thank you so much and welcome! Let me know how you go, it’s so much fun re-purposing the old books and they have so much character ❤️
This is a great way to get started. I have so many ideas I can't decide what to do first. If I just get the book out and start adding to each page all those ideas can pour out and not be a jumble in my head keeping me from doing anything. Just need to start and let creativity happen. Thanks
@@melisiasays that’s the way! I have a few journals on the go at any one time. I have another video on multiple journals, but yes, just follow what I did and allow drying time between steps then get stuck in! Good luck 🍀 let me know how you go 😉
Beautifu ❤ l love everything about the video iam almost crying with emotion also the comments......I have liked and subscribed to show support for your channel hugs from Scotland.....now going to binge watch more 🤗
@@mermaidlafemme1022 thank you so much 😊 I love your username btw 🧜🏻♀️ And yes, many, many people love these old books and if we don’t re-purpose them they’re going to landfill, let’s start a movement 💪🏻 my hubby is from Scotland, we lived in Largs for a while on the West Coast! Thanks for subscribing ❤️
New subscriber here. Love how you prepared this book! Thanks for the ideas on how you do this. Would you consider following this up with a flip thru of a journal you’ve actually worked in? I’d love to see one of these filled up.
This was seriously the tutorial I needed in my life 🥰 I am so glad I stumbled upon your channel yesterday! Thank you so much for sharing and I am subscribing now!
@@stacylinn3102 hiiiii Stacy, thank you so much for saying that and taking the time to comment and subscribe, it means the world to me that we are all finding our tribe here and can be nice & kind & up-building to each other ❤️
@@lyndamorrill5687 it is! And let’s face it, if it doesn’t work out you can just start over. The $ outlay is so low. There’s no right or wrong in junk/art journals, just get stuck in. ❤️
Very nice video, thank you 😊 question: what's the best glue you can recommend for glue books that will keep things intact for decades? What holds glossy paper, like magazine photos or photographs? Thank you ❤
@@get2craft hiiiii, thank you for your lovely comment, my go to glue for all of the things you ask is the Liquitex - Matt Super Heavy Gel Medium (red on the packaging on Amazon etc) It sticks and preserves all surfaces, is great for collage or decoupage etc. The only time I use a different glue is if I stick fabric hinges on the outside of a journal and then I may use super glue just to be sure they adhere as fabric can be a lot thicker. Hope this helps! Take care ❤️
👋 New subscriber here & new to junk journaling. I've literally been binging on TH-cam videos for over a year and I'm thrilled to have found you! You explained this so good. I was just having a time wrapping my head around 'signatures' and I am an avid book reader but that doesnt mean much apparently ha ha. 😊I just didn't know how to effectively deconstruct a book like you have shown here. Thanks for sharing. You explain things quite well. I look forward to watching more of your videos.✌🇺🇲
@@barbarawillobee5706 oh hi Barbara, thank you so much, you’ll love junk journaling & art journaling- it has bought me so much joy! Thank you for subscribing ❤️
This is a nice informative video. I have also used this method for creating art journals. However, I find that even with gesso on the pages, these old book papers are too flimsy to robustly take any kind of wet medium. A little bit sparingly here and there, but for the most part, I stick with collage, my stabilo markers and colored pencil with maybe some very dry acrylic or gouache. So, as a person who really likes to pile it on, I do you have to rely on my very sterile art journals that come with a hefty price!😊
@@sherelynwhite4130 hi Sherelyn, thank you for sharing that. The old pages do need extra care for sure. I do a little painting but mostly watercolor pencils etc but most of mine is collage and morning pages etc so they seem to work for that so far or I stick 2 pages together, lol 😂 I very often have to do more re-enforcing too ❤️
Lovely! I’m on my third art journal like this one and they are my favorites. I’m running into a snag tho-what if I want to draw? Can’t do much over gesso or a printed page. I end up drawing something on paper then gluing it in. Any other suggestions?
@@freezo244 hiiiii, thanks for leaving a comment, that’s a great question 😉 I love using these old books for art journals but I mainly use gesso. Have you checked this video out: th-cam.com/video/XKm-36XYlVw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=DRoWvH29_AnCl9F3 - Kristal draws on old pages too, it may give you some ideas.Take care ❤️
Hello from Western Australia, new subscriber here. Im just starting work on my second recycled book journal and like your idea of how you thin out your book. Bravo. I was just wondering if you glue 3 or 4 pages together to make them sturdier? Im looking forward to following along and seeing your journey.
@@tonimason8737 hi Toni, welcome! I sometimes do glue 2 or 3 pages together to make them sturdier or add in a double page especially if I’ve done art on a separate piece of paper then I’ll glue it in etc (hope that makes sense, lol 😂) thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
@@RenaMiller-u1v thank you, yes! A few have commented using that term, we called it a quick unpick 🤷🏻♀️ it’s strange how different tools have different names isn’t it ❤️
It's Sunday morning here in Denmark 🇩🇰 , and found your inspiring channel while enjoying my coffee. I think your method though simple is brilliant 👏. I can't wait to catch up on your other videos 😀 Definitely a new sub. Thanks for sharing 🎉
@@elizabethglenbentley7882 hiiii from Australia 🇦🇺 Lovely to have you with us, Elizabeth, I find this journaling community lovely and inclusive, thank you for subscribing, I do appreciate that ❤️ enjoy your coffee!!
@@craftydana32 hi, I always use a type of cotton from old bed sheets, business shirts or that type of thing I can find in the thrift store or a cheesecloth type fabric that I used in this video. Any thicker and it bulks the spine up again too much. Thank you for leaving a comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
When you prep your pages with gesso or other media the moisture in the media causes the paper fibers to swell. In most cases this causes what remains of the text block to pull away from the spine. I used to alter books as you do but because I used acrylic paints and media as well as collage the results were disastrous for me. It led me to learning bookbinding so that now I assemble pages that will be part of the signatures paint them and when I am complete in that process I bind them into a book structure. Acrylic paint is basically plastic and never really dries - I have a book from 20 years ago that still makes that awful scratching sound of stuck pages ripping even though it's no longer bound but waiting in a box for me to rebind it.
@@treemerryweather oh no! That does sound like a disaster, I do sometimes have to keep repairing pages as I start to work on them but as a junk journaler I love the look of that and mostly work with a bit of paint, ink, watercolor pencils or collage so it still works for me but I can understand if you are a serious painter it may get a little messy and you’d need a more sturdy substrate! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment I really appreciate your insight ❤️
I'm new to your channel. I enjoyed how you explained your process of repurposing that book. (You need to give her a name). I have been journaling for a while and I have been feeling stuck about getting started again so seeing your video is helping me out on how to do it so that I don't have those blank pages. I appreciate how you demonstrated that for us. Thank you, and I will enjoy this process and see you again soon.
@@pattimcclelland6635 hi Patti, thanks so much. That’s a great idea, a name for her, I name the journals I sell but have never thought of a name for my personal ones!! Sorry to hear you have been a bit stuck, it happens to us all, it gets a bit samey IMO and I just walk away and do something else for a couple of weeks etc then I’ll see something and it will spark some creativity and away I go again. Its ok to take a break ❤️
Hi! Love the video! Thank you for the inspiration as I have many old book I would love to tear apart and create with but not sure where to start so this helps! Question! Is the stabilizer material more like a cheese cloth or is it more like a tea towel? I have cheaply made tea towels id like to use and have no problems tearing up but I’m worried it would be too thick.
@@olicat7725 hiiii, thanks so much for leaving a comment, a tea towel will be too thick, it will bulk the book up too quickly, you need cotton like an old business shirt or bed sheet even or cheesecloth as you say. Hope that helps, take care ❤️
@@lauralonghelbig hi Laura, I mainly use cotton like old bed sheets or business shirts I find at the thrift for a few $, this video was a type of cheesecloth fabric. As long as it’s thin I use it, on some of my pages I’ve also used thin floral fabrics not cotton. Hope that helps! ❤️
@@lauralonghelbig brilliant, enjoy, take your time and test different fabrics out, sometimes if I’m doing, say flowers, I’ll use a floral reinforcement and it really adds to the pages. Enjoy! ❤️
@@dorothyc2801 hi Dorothy, I don’t know tbh, I have given it a little thought after I saw your comment but I’m not sure ripping out pages in a glued spine leaves room like the sewn in pages does, because the sewn in signatures are individual whereas the glued spine is usually one whole signature (I hope that makes sense) but please give it a go and pop back and tell me how you went ❤️
@@jeanettereynolds3151 absolutely! Sometimes even 3….just play around with it, don’t be afraid to just try something, let’s face it, it’s a 2nd hand book, if it studs up, rip that page out, it all adds to the look of the journal ❤️
@@phague85 hi, it was liquitex acrylic mediums matte gel (in Australia it’s the red one!) available on Amazon too! Thanks for leaving a comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
@@JoyClaydon-n6q hiiiii, the one I used is Goliath brand (Aldi I believe) and it just says on the packet “non-stick baking & cooking paper” I hope that helps ❤️
@@phague85 thanks Pam, yes, a few subscribers have said the same thing! Funny how they’re called different things in different countries isn’t it?! 🤷🏻♀️
I used the "Goliath" Bake brand from Aldi and it says on the packet - "Non-stick baking & cooking paper" "Microwave & oven safe" I hope that helps! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment ❤
@@ja14803 no! That’s on a list of “to try” but the tub in the video is a Monte marte one available in stationery stores here in Australia. Unfortunately, after I purchased & unwrapped it the inner packaging has no writing on it ❤️it looks kinda like a home-made tub!
@@ladyflimflam Yes, I guess some of us are a bit afraid of a blank page! I just like having something on the page when I start even if I end up covering it over. Thanks so much for leaving me a comment ❤️
Before I buy a book from the charity or 2nd hand book stores or even yard/rummage sales, I skim through them. If it's an interesting read then I look for absolutely boring book, like political or old school books. I skip biographies, I love to read them. I can't bear to use a book, I may want to read.
how rude of you! you do "you" and let others work how they want to. Have you never heard that if you don't have anything nice to say, you should say nothing?!
@@TheresaREAberilla hi Theresa, use of the word "filthy" is very over the top in most people's vocab and insulting. I hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary, so had another look at the video. It seems to be some sort of surface or mat on the table - maybe a distressed paint look? certainly not filthy or dirty, as you commented. Does that help you?
Please let me know if you try this method and how it worked out ♥
Imagine being a forgotten old tatty book but someone saw your worth and took you home and filled you with all their pretty treasures and heartfelt arty goodness. I can’t imagine anything more lovely for them!
@@QueenNoTeetha151 how very true! I always feel like these old books are the forgotten dames 😉 just waiting to be made beautiful again, thanks for stopping by ❤️
I like your technique for removing pages using the seam ripping tool. I had been tearing pages out but this left a paper ridge at the spine. Your method is so much neater.
@@susanclancy-kelly9319 hi Susan, thanks for letting me know that. Yes, I’ve tried just ripping the pages out but I just prefer the seam ripping tool much better. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting ❤️
Totally am inspired ❤❤❤ Found an interesting book today to get started on and when I got it home and looked inside it was stamped from the hospital library where I was born (I'm 70 and was born in Maryland but now live in Florida) and the inside covers have the stamps and library card pockets❤ Never would have found this treasure to make into another beautiful treasure if not for this video. Thank you so much
@@DanielleBatog Thanks Danielle, it’s amazing isn’t it- that added depth is now so special to you & what I didn’t say in the video is the name inside the front cover of the book I found is it’s my mums maiden name! But it wasn’t her book 🤷🏻♀️ so there is obviously another person out there with the same name, you just can’t get that with a brand new, sterile book with its white, white pages!! ❤️
Oh! That is a cool story. You should add that on the inside cover.
That book was meant to be yours.
Highlight those items and pour love into it
@@pattimcclelland6635 I certainly will and probably a pic of her too and do some journaling ❤️
@@wonderwend1 absolutely! I think these old books do speak to me, I don’t want to sound mad but I run my hands over them and pick the one that I get a vibe from! Take care ❤️
I really appreciate you going through this process and recording it. I’ve made lots of things following online tutorials, but haven’t been able to actually start a journal. I feel, after watching this, that not I have a starting point. Thank you so much. 💐🎉😘
@@annabellamariamaud hi Anna, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope you give it a go and let me know how it turned out ❤️
This is the first time I am seeing your videos. I love it! I think you are absolutely precious and I will be watching more of your videos. ❤
@@debbieenger1763 hi Debbie, what a lovely comment I really appreciate you taking the time to leave it here, see you in the next video ❤️
Soul and character....perfect description!
@@karenskuce9740 thanks Karen, these old books have so much soul & character for sure! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my videos too ❤️
I am folowing along , really helpful video and love how much better it is removing pages with that seam tool. No more ripping pages out for me 😊😊😊
@@KellyC77 thanks Kelly, IKR! 😂
I began way back using scissors but I kept damaging the pages or digging holes in them so I was looking for a better method and hey presto! The quick unpick/seam tool works perfectly, thanks for leaving me a comment, appreciate you following along ❤️
She tought she entered a new house to end up on a bookshelf but instead she began a new life and became more beautifiul and had a whole new story to tell.
@@isabellebernard7876 yessssss! lol 😂 these old books have had all the reading they were ever going to get, social media has put a stop to a lot of reading of books, unfortunately. Repurposing them is an act of love IMO ❤️ Hope you’re well, Isabelle 😉
Hiiii Isabelle, totally agree, I’m great, hope you are too ❤️
@@myenchantedjournals I’ve bought vintage books that have never had their covers cracked open. There have been non-readers forever!
@@RingoWild wow! What a find, thanks for leaving me a comment ❤️
This is wonderful, Di. Thank you for sharing. 😊❤
@@susangazawaypapercrafting3749 you’re welcome and thank you for always being so supportive, I really appreciate it, it’s been a tough year as you know ❤️
I LOVE how you covered her ears and reminded us to be gentle with our new creations. 💜
@@lifemademary 😂😂😂 the old books get a bit shocked!!! We have to be gentle lol 😆 thank you for your comment ❤️
This is a brilliant video and has totally inspired me to do the same. Let’s rescue all the old books from a life on the shelf to one of arty adventures 🥰
@@buttonsforbrains hiiiiiii Liz!
Hope you recovered from your move 🏡 yes, let’s do that, rescue them all and make them arty and interesting again! ❤️
I'm inspired. Thank you. The journey of making this come to life is beautiful
@@stormyswann6177 thanks Stormy. The beauty of it is every single one will be unique to you, I just love that. This world is full of mass produced rubbish so having a one-off feels special before you even start the art! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment ❤️
Lovely! Hope to watch more of your videos. You make me smile.
@@charleneottinger4735 hi Charlene, that is a lovely thing to say, thank you so much. I’m glad I make you smile 😊 thanks for taking the time to comment I really appreciate it ❤️
I love the style of your pages and watching your process was very inspiring!
@@fyrtalker thanks so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment too ❤️
I especially liked how you reinforced the spine areas. I’m in the process of a memory/art journal for myself and because I create quilts I have the lovely selvedges that have words and/or color dots on them. I think they would be wonderful reinforcements, and perhaps a picture of the quilt they were used in. Thanks for the inspiration.
@@luannfischer747 hi Luann, that is an awesome idea, the different ways of reinforcing are endless and that’s what makes each one as individual as we are! I am so happy you found me & thanks for taking the time to comment ❤️
I love your relationship with the book. So many are offended and say we are just wrecking the book, but you are just transforming it into an even more beautiful creation. I love the use of fabric and stencils. Thank you for letting us witness and experience this lovely process. New subbie from AZ in USA. - Cheryl
@@rochestermanagementservice6082 hiiiii Cheryl, thank you so much for that lovely comment and taking the time to comment. You’re 100% right, I am not wrecking the book, only enhancing it so it can now be re-loved in a new form, much like adjusting an old dress found at the thrift store! Take care ❤️
I love how you converted this book into an art journal. I have never done this before because I wasn't quite sure how to go about it without destroying the book. But now, I do! 😊 Thank you for sharing your process. It was very informative and fun to watch your video. ❤😊
@@sheliaporter6795 thank you so much, Shelia. I really prefer them to a plain, store bought book of any kind with its generic pages. I just find these old books have so much character and have been handled by so many before me, you can almost feel their soul ❤️
Im going to try this method for my next art journal. Thank you for sharing, It looks lovely already.
@@jacquelinetennon6298 hi Jacqueline, I hope you have fun doing it! I love using old books, they have so much patina, thanks for taking the time to write a comment, much appreciated ❤️
So beautiful ❤
@@CarolKnoles-c5m hi Carol, thank you so much and also thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment ❤️
Very inspiring video!Thank you so much for sharing this video and wonderful tutorial 😊This is my first time watching your channel! I absolutely LOVE antique vintage books ! Have a wonderful day😊There are so many books that end up in a landfill so it’s lovely that they will have a new life being an art journal 😊😊😊$1 is definitely a bargain😊
@@loveforpaper6203 hiiiii, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I am in Paris atm and have bought loads of antique books with a view to making them in to journals……but…..they’re too beautiful 😍 I’ll have to decide what to do! Take care ❤️
I sat here watching and *literally* had my mouth open in awe of what you were doing here! 😲💖 I love it so much! Yes, she will be cherished, and you've already given her a beautiful makeover. I am happy that your channel popped up for me today, and I look forward to seeing more from you. 🥰
@@WatercolorKari thank you so much, Kari. These old books, are like the grand old dames, IMO, still beautiful but from another era. Now, with social media, people have stopped reading books and I just hate to think of them ending up in landfill whilst we purchase some new, sterile book from a multi-national company! ❤️
@@myenchantedjournals Love, love, love! ❤️
@@WatercolorKari ❤️❤️
I so enjoyed you and your process. A lovely, inspiring talk!
@@allieeverett9017 hi Allie, thanks so much for leaving a comment, I really appreciate that & am glad it gave you a little bit of inspiration! Take care ❤️
Hi Di. This is the first time I’ve seen your video. I love your style and the ‘ behind scenes ‘ of how you make a journal from an old book! Thank you from Canada.
@@normaschurman2202 hi Norma, welcome! Thanks for your kind words and taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
Great start to your new art journal.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you leaving me a comment too :-)
It’s so nice to see how other artists have their own process. I don’t do my art journals like that, so it was great to get some different perspectives and ideas. You have a very unique way to do your beautiful journals. And, yes, using an old book is the best, because you’re giving a new life to something which would end up in the bin 💙🩷💜🧡❤️🩶💚💛🩵🤎♥️🤍
@@alexandraalmeida3661 thank you so much, Alexandra. That’s the beauty of this craft isn’t it, we all do it differently and every journal is beautiful and loved and I’m so happy that so many of these old books are getting a second life from us all and not heading to landfill. Hope you’re well ❤️
This was so lovely!
Thanks so much, Jennifer. I really love these old books and re-purposing them!
Good ideas. I would have to read the book first though 😅
And that would be an extra special moment too. 🥰
I was just thinking the same thing!
@@kazkav9841 lol 😂 I never even thought about that! I’ve kept the pages I tore out too and will use them as packing when I post journals to new owners so maybe they will read the pages 😉❤️
I love your teaching style, gentle and inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this
@@zenramirez2372 thank you so much, what a lovely comment ❤️
I think you are precious! I love how you covered the books ears as if she can hear you as you explain what you did to her. So Cute. I'm sure she understands now that she's got a new life. A Lovely New Life with Wonderful possibilities ahead. 💜💜💜
@@pattimcclelland6635 what a lovely comment, Patti. Thank you. These old books are so precious, but if we don’t use them or re-purpose them they’ll end up in landfill. I’m hoping my family will pass them on and get to know me through those pages ❤️
I really enjoyed your video. I am on a hunt for a book. You are very inspiring.
@@sandycampbell2375 hi Sandy, thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to write me a lovely comment, take care ❤️
What a lovely way to feed the creativity inside of yourself. Before you even begin to create the ‘actual Art Journal’ you have been nurturing something beautiful. I can see the preparation of the journal is itself very cathartic. Therefore it is not really ‘time consuming’ but satisfying. Thank you for sharing your process. I can see doing this would also be very useful if your time, or mojo, were limited. What an easy way to be creative without having a huge project looming over your head. Altogether a great video with many insights! It’s also good to see an Aussie producing content! Most channels seem to be created by US, or UK folks. Again, TFS. 😊🦘🐨🇦🇺
@@lindamarshall8279 thanks so much, Linda. That’s exactly what I do, I choose the book and just know I will make that grand old dame more beautiful than gathering dust on a shelf. Yes, us Aussies are few and far in the junk journal community on TH-cam, have you been over to @leighcreates channel, she’s another lovely Aussie in QLD. ❤️
Beautiful
@@kerriekrafts thanks, Kerrie. I really appreciate you leaving me a comment too ❤️
i love your channel, i just discovered it - thank you
@@kristymounsey3941 hi Kristy, thank you so much, that’s really lovely of you to say that and take the time to leave me a comment as well ❤️
I'm new to your videos and I just loved this. I learned a lot and will definitely try this. Thx so much.
@@kellyreny1527 hi Kelly, welcome 🤗 thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
One of the most inspiring tutorials I have ever watched. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us!❤
@@lynettebadenhorst6258 thanks, Lynette, that’s very kind of you and so nice you took the time to leave me a comment too ❤️
If you don’t cut the signature threads but just pull out the extra pages. the sewing should help hold the book together a bit better…but I like the idea you had to reinforce those pages when you do it the way you did. ☺️👍🏻 A lovely new life for this old book! 👏🏻🩷
@@silver_csmith hi, thank you so much and I’ll try that next time and see how it goes, I appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment ❤️
Thank you for this. I had just bought an old book from the chatiry shop and didnt know how to remove some pages. I am sat watching you while doing this ❤ subscribed to get some more helpful tips x
@@Jane-Sunstoneyoga hi Jane, thank you so much, these old books have so much character don’t they? This video seems to have struck a chord with so many people, I guess there’s quite a few of us that love saving and re-purposing them. Thanks for commenting, it means so much to me ❤️
@@myenchantedjournals yes I cant wait to get started 💖
@@Jane-Sunstoneyoga let me know how it turned out!
Really interesting to see how someone else would convert a book. I just tear alternate pages out (I might look to try this way in future) and I dont do anything with the pages until im ready to work on that specific page
@@FallenAngelGetYeeted ah right! I’ll have to try that too, thank you so much for sharing your method with us all ❤️
so cool.and lovely....thanks so much for sharing!😊
@@Motavenda you are very welcome 🙏🏻 ❤️
@@Motavenda thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment as well, it is truly appreciated 🙏🏻❤️
Thanks for this information! THIS is inspiring!
@@jennifersdoglife thanks, Jennifer. I really appreciate you leaving a lovely comment ❤️
New subbie. I enjoyed watching your process.
@@thebrowndragonfly hiiiii, welcome! Thanks so much for watching and subscribing, it means so much ❤️
Being an old book junkie, I had to look up what the story was about, and Googles say... "A big, brawny novel of the opening up of the Midwest after the Civil War and the unlimited promise for ambition and adventure in timber, iron and railroads." Since most of us know how that turned out... Yay Art Journal!
@@auroraasleep lol 😂 that’s so funny! Yes, well, better to re-purpose it I think. Thanks for leaving a comment, I really appreciate it, take care ❤️
I see it sells for $31 on Amazon
@@JulesKatic Thanks Jules! I don't think this particular copy would have sold for that! It was a bit past it's use by date tbh ❤
@@myenchantedjournals I adore what you've done with her. I'm really enjoying all of your book projects, and I'm contemplating my own soon. The kid even says he's interested in trying it out.
@@auroraasleep thanks so much, the old books have so much patina you just can’t buy that in a stationery store! Yes! Get the kids involved, my grandkids love journaling, I help them make their own wee books and write their feelings down ❤️
This is so good. I did mine a different way. It wasn't a sewen signature one. I pulled out about 5 pages and glued the pages together to hide where it was torn. However, when it's closed, it doesn't sit straight. The front goes forward. Next time, I will look for a signature one and try it your way.
@@julieparker1114 thanks for sharing that, Julie. It truly is trial and error, believe me, I’ve tried so many different ways! Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment ❤️
HI!! New sub to your channel! Nice to meet you! Loved your video on how to repurpose an old book. Can't wait to give it a try! Thank you!
@@GwenTheTrashWitch hi Gwen, thank you so much and welcome! Let me know how you go, it’s so much fun re-purposing the old books and they have so much character ❤️
Thank you you have inspired me to do this i bought gesso ages ago its abit gritty when dry but it covers hood
@@jeanettereynolds3151 hi Jeanette, good on you, give it a go! Thanks for leaving me a comment ❤️
This is a great way to get started. I have so many ideas I can't decide what to do first. If I just get the book out and start adding to each page all those ideas can pour out and not be a jumble in my head keeping me from doing anything. Just need to start and let creativity happen. Thanks
@@melisiasays that’s the way!
I have a few journals on the go at any one time. I have another video on multiple journals, but yes, just follow what I did and allow drying time between steps then get stuck in! Good luck 🍀 let me know how you go 😉
Beautifu ❤ l love everything about the video iam almost crying with emotion also the comments......I have liked and subscribed to show support for your channel hugs from Scotland.....now going to binge watch more 🤗
@@mermaidlafemme1022 thank you so much 😊 I love your username btw 🧜🏻♀️ And yes, many, many people love these old books and if we don’t re-purpose them they’re going to landfill, let’s start a movement 💪🏻 my hubby is from Scotland, we lived in Largs for a while on the West Coast! Thanks for subscribing ❤️
New subscriber here. Love how you prepared this book! Thanks for the ideas on how you do this. Would you consider following this up with a flip thru of a journal you’ve actually worked in? I’d love to see one of these filled up.
Hi Barbi, thanks for subscribing, yes - my current art journal made the same way is getting very full so that could be a great idea as a follow up!
This was seriously the tutorial I needed in my life 🥰 I am so glad I stumbled upon your channel yesterday! Thank you so much for sharing and I am subscribing now!
@@stacylinn3102 hiiiii Stacy, thank you so much for saying that and taking the time to comment and subscribe, it means the world to me that we are all finding our tribe here and can be nice & kind & up-building to each other ❤️
Looks like so much fun!
@@lyndamorrill5687 it is! And let’s face it, if it doesn’t work out you can just start over. The $ outlay is so low. There’s no right or wrong in junk/art journals, just get stuck in. ❤️
Very nice video, thank you 😊 question: what's the best glue you can recommend for glue books that will keep things intact for decades? What holds glossy paper, like magazine photos or photographs? Thank you ❤
@@get2craft hiiiii, thank you for your lovely comment, my go to glue for all of the things you ask is the Liquitex - Matt Super Heavy Gel Medium (red on the packaging on Amazon etc) It sticks and preserves all surfaces, is great for collage or decoupage etc. The only time I use a different glue is if I stick fabric hinges on the outside of a journal and then I may use super glue just to be sure they adhere as fabric can be a lot thicker. Hope this helps! Take care ❤️
👋 New subscriber here & new to junk journaling. I've literally been binging on TH-cam videos for over a year and I'm thrilled to have found you! You explained this so good. I was just having a time wrapping my head around 'signatures' and I am an avid book reader but that doesnt mean much apparently ha ha. 😊I just didn't know how to effectively deconstruct a book like you have shown here. Thanks for sharing. You explain things quite well. I look forward to watching more of your videos.✌🇺🇲
@@barbarawillobee5706 oh hi Barbara, thank you so much, you’ll love junk journaling & art journaling- it has bought me so much joy! Thank you for subscribing ❤️
This is a nice informative video. I have also used this method for creating art journals. However, I find that even with gesso on the pages, these old book papers are too flimsy to robustly take any kind of wet medium. A little bit sparingly here and there, but for the most part, I stick with collage, my stabilo markers and colored pencil with maybe some very dry acrylic or gouache. So, as a person who really likes to pile it on, I do you have to rely on my very sterile art journals that come with a hefty price!😊
@@sherelynwhite4130 hi Sherelyn, thank you for sharing that. The old pages do need extra care for sure. I do a little painting but mostly watercolor pencils etc but most of mine is collage and morning pages etc so they seem to work for that so far or I stick 2 pages together, lol 😂 I very often have to do more re-enforcing too ❤️
Lovely! I’m on my third art journal like this one and they are my favorites. I’m running into a snag tho-what if I want to draw? Can’t do much over gesso or a printed page. I end up drawing something on paper then gluing it in.
Any other suggestions?
@@freezo244 hiiiii, thanks for leaving a comment, that’s a great question 😉 I love using these old books for art journals but I mainly use gesso. Have you checked this video out:
th-cam.com/video/XKm-36XYlVw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=DRoWvH29_AnCl9F3 - Kristal draws on old pages too, it may give you some ideas.Take care ❤️
Hello from Western Australia, new subscriber here. Im just starting work on my second recycled book journal and like your idea of how you thin out your book. Bravo.
I was just wondering if you glue 3 or 4 pages together to make them sturdier?
Im looking forward to following along and seeing your journey.
@@tonimason8737 hi Toni, welcome! I sometimes do glue 2 or 3 pages together to make them sturdier or add in a double page especially if I’ve done art on a separate piece of paper then I’ll glue it in etc (hope that makes sense, lol 😂) thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
We all it a seam- ripper in Tennessee USA where I live.
@@RenaMiller-u1v thank you, yes! A few have commented using that term, we called it a quick unpick 🤷🏻♀️ it’s strange how different tools have different names isn’t it ❤️
It's Sunday morning here in Denmark 🇩🇰 , and found your inspiring channel while enjoying my coffee. I think your method though simple is brilliant 👏. I can't wait to catch up on your other videos 😀 Definitely a new sub. Thanks for sharing 🎉
@@elizabethglenbentley7882 hiiii from Australia 🇦🇺 Lovely to have you with us, Elizabeth, I find this journaling community lovely and inclusive, thank you for subscribing, I do appreciate that ❤️ enjoy your coffee!!
Great video. What type of fabric did you use for reinforcing the journal?
@@craftydana32 hi, I always use a type of cotton from old bed sheets, business shirts or that type of thing I can find in the thrift store or a cheesecloth type fabric that I used in this video. Any thicker and it bulks the spine up again too much. Thank you for leaving a comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
When you prep your pages with gesso or other media the moisture in the media causes the paper fibers to swell. In most cases this causes what remains of the text block to pull away from the spine. I used to alter books as you do but because I used acrylic paints and media as well as collage the results were disastrous for me. It led me to learning bookbinding so that now I assemble pages that will be part of the signatures paint them and when I am complete in that process I bind them into a book structure. Acrylic paint is basically plastic and never really dries - I have a book from 20 years ago that still makes that awful scratching sound of stuck pages ripping even though it's no longer bound but waiting in a box for me to rebind it.
@@treemerryweather oh no! That does sound like a disaster, I do sometimes have to keep repairing pages as I start to work on them but as a junk journaler I love the look of that and mostly work with a bit of paint, ink, watercolor pencils or collage so it still works for me but I can understand if you are a serious painter it may get a little messy and you’d need a more sturdy substrate! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment I really appreciate your insight ❤️
I'm new to your channel. I enjoyed how you explained your process of repurposing that book. (You need to give her a name).
I have been journaling for a while and I have been feeling stuck about getting started again so seeing your video is helping me out on how to do it so that I don't have those blank pages.
I appreciate how you demonstrated that for us. Thank you, and I will enjoy this process and see you again soon.
@@pattimcclelland6635 hi Patti, thanks so much. That’s a great idea, a name for her, I name the journals I sell but have never thought of a name for my personal ones!!
Sorry to hear you have been a bit stuck, it happens to us all, it gets a bit samey IMO and I just walk away and do something else for a couple of weeks etc then I’ll see something and it will spark some creativity and away I go again. Its ok to take a break ❤️
Hi! Love the video! Thank you for the inspiration as I have many old book I would love to tear apart and create with but not sure where to start so this helps!
Question! Is the stabilizer material more like a cheese cloth or is it more like a tea towel? I have cheaply made tea towels id like to use and have no problems tearing up but I’m worried it would be too thick.
@@olicat7725 hiiii, thanks so much for leaving a comment, a tea towel will be too thick, it will bulk the book up too quickly, you need cotton like an old business shirt or bed sheet even or cheesecloth as you say. Hope that helps, take care ❤️
@@myenchantedjournals thank you for the reply and information!
❤❤❤ love seeing your beautiful face. Love&hugs
@@DarcysMixedMedia thank you, Darcy. Hope you’re well ❤️❤️❤️
What did you use to reinforce the spine? I love what you’re doing.
@@lauralonghelbig hi Laura, I mainly use cotton like old bed sheets or business shirts I find at the thrift for a few $, this video was a type of cheesecloth fabric. As long as it’s thin I use it, on some of my pages I’ve also used thin floral fabrics not cotton. Hope that helps! ❤️
@@myenchantedjournals it does! I’m heading to goodwill tomorrow to see what I can find.
@@lauralonghelbig brilliant, enjoy, take your time and test different fabrics out, sometimes if I’m doing, say flowers, I’ll use a floral reinforcement and it really adds to the pages. Enjoy! ❤️
Loved the result! Is there a way to do this with an glue-bound book?
@@dorothyc2801 hi Dorothy, I don’t know tbh, I have given it a little thought after I saw your comment but I’m not sure ripping out pages in a glued spine leaves room like the sewn in pages does, because the sewn in signatures are individual whereas the glued spine is usually one whole signature (I hope that makes sense) but please give it a go and pop back and tell me how you went ❤️
If pagds are bit thin do you glue some yogether
@@jeanettereynolds3151 absolutely! Sometimes even 3….just play around with it, don’t be afraid to just try something, let’s face it, it’s a 2nd hand book, if it studs up, rip that page out, it all adds to the look of the journal ❤️
What was the medium you used to attach the fabric to the binding?
@@phague85 hi, it was liquitex acrylic mediums matte gel (in Australia it’s the red one!) available on Amazon too! Thanks for leaving a comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
Did you use waxed greaseproof or the non-waxed one to put between the pages?Or does it matter which one you use?
@@JoyClaydon-n6q hiiiii, the one I used is Goliath brand (Aldi I believe) and it just says on the packet “non-stick baking & cooking paper”
I hope that helps ❤️
Wish I had found you before today, Ive not long returned from WA- Nursing in Katanning
@@elizabethjesser6233 oh no! We could have had a catch up. If you’re ever over this way again give me a shout ❤️
In America we call that tool a seam ripper
@@phague85 thanks Pam, yes, a few subscribers have said the same thing! Funny how they’re called different things in different countries isn’t it?! 🤷🏻♀️
Where would one buy the grease proof paper?
I used the "Goliath" Bake brand from Aldi and it says on the packet - "Non-stick baking & cooking paper" "Microwave & oven safe" I hope that helps!
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment
❤
@@myenchantedjournals Thank you Soooo much!!
@@BeautyInTheEveryday you’re welcome! 😉
Do you make your own gesso?
@@ja14803 no! That’s on a list of “to try” but the tub in the video is a Monte marte one available in stationery stores here in Australia. Unfortunately, after I purchased & unwrapped it the inner packaging has no writing on it ❤️it looks kinda like a home-made tub!
❤❤❤❤
@@MsMaria990 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m a bit astonished at how afraid of the blank page artists can be.
@@ladyflimflam Yes, I guess some of us are a bit afraid of a blank page!
I just like having something on the page when I start even if I end up covering it over. Thanks so much for leaving me a comment ❤️
Before I buy a book from the charity or 2nd hand book stores or even yard/rummage sales, I skim through them. If it's an interesting read then I look for absolutely boring book, like political or old school books. I skip biographies, I love to read them. I can't bear to use a book, I may want to read.
@@theresaakin2284 hi Theresa, that’s a great idea! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a lovely comment, I really appreciate it ❤️
Way to keep it weird.
@@leahpovloski7080 hi Leah, it works for me and it’s great for up-cycling ❤️
I never had a "filthy" working table for my art, even an firthy room for my oil paintings! They're very uninspiring when they're filthy!!!
how rude of you! you do "you" and let others work how they want to. Have you never heard that if you don't have anything nice to say, you should say nothing?!
@@rosemarysisson8034 what did i say...
@@TheresaREAberilla hi Theresa, use of the word "filthy" is very over the top in most people's vocab and insulting. I hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary, so had another look at the video. It seems to be some sort of surface or mat on the table - maybe a distressed paint look? certainly not filthy or dirty, as you commented. Does that help you?
@@rosemarysisson8034 I have no rules; fact is fact!
@TheresaREAberilla maybe on the planet you reside on. Pls go back under yr rock