Upcycled Smash Book Journals for my Instagram Photos

As a young girl, I always had to have a purse on my shoulder, a baby doll in my arms, and a notepad and pencil with me. Who knows what I was scribbling down at the age of 5 but twenty plus years later I am still that little girl; only I traded the baby doll for two large dogs. My passions never change they only evolve with time. Old musty books, creamy paper, and a smooth fountain pen are just a few of the things that make me this girl giddy.

These journals are great for Instagram Pics

Over the years I have tried many different kinds of journals and have never really fallen in love with any of them. I have used Moleskine, Leuchiturm1917, Ciak, and many other types of fancy leather, hand bound journals but none of them were right for me. That perfect combination of durability, character, and paper, kept eluding me.

 I wanted something that was inspiring and could hold all of my thoughts, scribbles, and bits of life.

I finally decided to sit down and make my own and the results are whimsical books filled with pages of ephemera, watercolor paper, envelopes, and pockets that can stand up to the abuse a loved journal is sure to experience. I also really love the binder rings so the journal can grow and the owner can move, stuff, or rearrange how they like.

All the materials I use are rediscovered  from long forgotten boxes, stuffed away in garages or attics. I hold on to my love of old books and reuse the hard covers for my journals. Believe me, it's very hard to tear apart an old book but I keep telling myself it's getting a new life.

Between those to old book covers is a whimsical collection of ephemera. All bits of life I have collected from various places, years, and people. I sprinkle in my own custom graphics and mixed media art to make them one of a kind journals.

I fill my personal journal with my Instagram pictures, scribblings, and drawings, They are also handy to press flowers and leaves which can be later added into your journal. 



 During a late night peruse of Pinterest I found a link to an online Journal Class. It's called Remains of the Day or ROD and from all the reviews it looks like a fun class. I plan to do this with a couple girlfriends and have fun with it. You can check out ROD  at: http://saraberry.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/12/remain-of-the-day-class-on-sale.html

Printed out the Steps....

 I just purchased the class this weekend so I am excited to get started on it and learn some new techniques for my journals.  I'll keep you posted on the progress and if any of you have taken the class I would love to hear about it.