Project Art Journal: Page 11

The next few pages of Project Art Journal have the distinction of being “pocket pages” in that they slide into the open pockets of the paper bag journal.  They are constructed using the same techniques utilized on previous pages, only instead of being attached they can be pulled free. Pocket pages also create an opportunity for design on the outer edge of the art journal as they require tabs and pull strings to make them accessible.

Pocket Page #1

For the first pocket page, I decided to make it a record of the places I’ve traveled, while also dropping hints of places on my bucket list.   The only two trips I don’t have on this page are Ireland (2009) and London (2011). I didn’t plan far enough ahead, so I ran out of space!

Front: Pocket Page #1

Back: Pocket Page #1

Supplies:

• solid card stock
• travel themed card stock
• Lined tags/sticky notes
• stamps
• eyelets
• eyelet setter
• coins
• decorative fibers
• scarab beetle bead (or any other bead!)
• gold beads
• marker
• double-stick tape
• glue dots
• small hole punch
• scissors

Layer 1: Foundation

• Measure and cut a square that is slightly smaller than the paper bag journal page.  Slide it into the open end of the page to make sure it fits and slides out easily.  Trim if necessary.

Layer 2: Background

• Measure and cut two squares that are the same size as Layer 1 using printed card stock with a travel theme.  Attach squares to the front and back of Layer 1 using double-stick tape.

Layer 3: Word Blocks

• I used this layer to record all the places I’ve been over the years, but it can easily be re-configured into a bucket list.  The paper for this layer came from a kit, but regular tablet lined paper is just as good!  Create squares of varying sizes and make lists of places visited or places to go. Attach each square on Layer 2 on both sides in a scattered fashion.  Decide where they look best and stick them down!  Tip: Leave the edges free of tape, so its easy to maneuver the position of the stamps in the next layer.  This way the stamps have more freedom to go over or under Layer 3 items.

Layer 4: Stamps and Coins

• This is my favorite part! Grab some stamps and just start sticking them wherever they look good. Go in all different directions, let them hang off the edge (its so easy to trim the excess!), slide corners under Layer 3, or whatever else comes to mind.  Get reckless!  Make sure both sides get a nice smattering of stamps. Use double-stick tape or a glue stick to attach each stamp.
• The stamps I used are actually representative of my bucket list.  Each one is a place I’d like to go one day.
• Something round goes a long way in a sea of squares, so I added a coin to each side using a glue dot.

Layer 5: Pull Tab

• Select two stamps that are about the same size.
• Cut a square out of plain card stock to fit the size of your chosen stamps.  Attach the stamps using double-stick tape. Trim the edges if necessary.
• Using a small hole punch, make a hole on the right hand side of the square.  Insert and secure eyelet.
• Attach tab to the front side of the page with double-stick tape. Allow the tab to hang over the edge a little more than halfway.
• Thread decorative string through the eyelet hole using a slip loop and then string a bead of your choice.  Add two small gold beads on each strand and knot the ends.
• My bead is a scarab beetle that represents my ultimate dream destination of Egypt.  Every time I see it dangling from my art journal it keeps my dream alive.

Slide the page into the paper bag journal pocket and enjoy!  The tab should stick out and the bead should be visible as well.  Once more pocket pages are added, all that dangles creates a beautiful effect.

Stay inspired!

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For previous Project Art Journal pages, please visit my sidebar and tag could.

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c.b. 2012