My husband really likes journals, so I was hoping one of the journals from my class with Sue would work for him. My hopes were far exceeded with journal number four. It has a nice masculine look.
As shown in yesterday’s blog, I followed Sue’s amazing process for transforming brown paper lunch sacks into faux leather. On the cover I added a long leather bootlace for wrapping and securing around a real silver button. Very western looking, I think. John picked out the button and the lacing. I would have gone for darker lacing, but he picked out the lighter brown, and it was definitely the right choice.
Inside are three signatures wrapped with scrapbooking paper that I decorated with scraps for a little extra zing. The signatures are stitched in with taupe colored DMC linen embroidery floss. I’m finding this to be quite strong stuff with just enough of a rustic look to complement the rest of the journal.
John prefers lines on his journal pages so I set up a page on my computer with lines, colored them a light brown, and printed out gently lined pages on ivory granite stationery. These are 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheets folded in half.
I made four pockets with more of the scrapbooking paper, stitched the bottoms with a decorative machine stitch and filled them with “Notes on the Run” cards that John loves to use from The Planner Pad Co., tags I made by fusing paper onto mailing tags adorned with more linen embroidery floss, and Post-It notes on the inside flap pocket.
I think it turned out quite nice and John really likes it. It has some special touches, but it’s not too fussy for a guy.
We went for a walk in Carson National Forest this morning, on one of the still closed to vehicles forest roads, and saw some early spring wildflowers. So I just had to include a picture.
I have no clue what kind of plant this is, but it has leaves somewhat like holly. Could be some form of western holly? ‘Don’t know, but it provided a lovely, bright, springy spot in our morning. The flowers are much brighter yellow than the picture shows.
*Special note for knitters, check out “The Sacraments of Knitting”. Make a couple copies and keep them in your knitting bags for new “converts”.
Deb, it’s turned out really great! I’ve just painted my brown paper so I’m about to do the next bit…. You really plan your journals well. It looks really professional.
Thanks for mentioning my blog post!
I have to say, your silver colored journal is beautiful. I own a handmade journal that someone made for me, and I must say that it’s my favorite notebook ever.
What a perfect journal for a man!
Very Nice Journal #4! It does have a “manly” appeal.