Little Books of Words

Making a Mini Journal

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I might be addicted to making mini journals. If you saw my post on teeny mini journals you may know what I am talking about. Today’s journal making fun is larger than the teeny journals but so much fun to make. I used Bristol paper and it only took 3 small sheets. You could use any paper really depending on how you want to create in your journal. I am thinking of using these to house some inspirational quotes but I might be adding some images to the pages as well.

I cut eat piece of Bristol paper to about 4″x6″ and then I added acrylic paint with my finger to create a natural background. I have some ideas for how I am going to add the quotes to the pages and I will add some embellishments but I liked the idea of having the pages prepped for when I have my quotes all gathered.

I am also planning on adding some beads or decorative elements to the strings which is why I bound it so that the strings where on the outside. This is such an easy and fun project and the idea of filling a journal in just one art journal session feels really satisfying.

I hope you enjoy the video and please let me know if you make some I would love to hear how you plan on filling your journal.

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Video: Making Pockets for Our Teeny Mini Journals

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Today I made some teeny pockets to go with my teeny mini journals.

I have to say that these are so much fun to make and not just because I am delving down the world of miniatures. I love using up my scraps as I have said on here a lot and I really love making bits and pieces to add to my journals.

These pockets are really easy to make! I used some book pages I have on hand to make mine but regular copy paper or scrapbook paper would work just as well. I think using our DIY collage papers would be a fun element to add as well. You could use brown paper packaging or bags, old greetings cards, spent wrapping paper, junk mail-really there is no limit.

The construction of these is simple and the fun really comes in when you start decorating. I hope you have fun making these and be sure to comment and let me know if you make some! If you share photos you can tag me on Instagram as well!

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Video: Making Teeny Mini Journals/Hidden Journaling/Ephemera

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I have minis on the mind.

If you read Thursdays blog post you know that I am delving into the world of miniatures. I think on some level my new dollhouse project has inspired these mini journals I am sharing with you today.

If you are an art journaler you may at times want to have a place where you can journal out some feelings or thoughts but hide them so they aren’t at the front and center of your page. It could be to keep these thoughts private or just to offer another place for the viewer to peak around in.

Regardless, tags and flip outs are great way to do this but I was inspired to try something different-enter the teeny mini journal.

If you have scraps and bits you would like to use up this is a great project for that! The size of the journals can be completely customized to the scraps you have on hand and if you just made a journal, all those little bits on your desk can find a home. Whether you make a tiny mini journal to go with your brand new larger journal or some tags or paper clips I just love creative ways to use up all my little bits and pieces.

I made my journals by sewing the pages together but you definitely can use a stapler to attach them. Old magazine pages, book pages, bits of trim and a button here and there were the main supplies I used to add some interest. The first book I decorated all the pages and the second two I left open for some secret journaling.

I hope you enjoy the video and if you make some teeny mini books-please do comment below and let me know!

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Video: Making a Simple Writing Journal Using Cardboard

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I have another journal for you today.

I know it might seem silly making all these journals but it is so much fun isn’t it? I had planned to share something different with you and will plan that post and video for Wednesday, but I was really inspired to make this journal.

I have been walking a journey of faith and that journey has lead me to studying the Bible and I wanted to create a journal to hold Bible verses that are really speaking to me at the moment. A place where I can quickly reference ones that I might need at any given moment.

When I was in 7th Grade our teacher assigned us a project of collecting quotes over the course of several months. We were able to design the notebook and then fill it up with quotes that we loved. I still have mine! This practice has stayed with me my whole life and I have several journals filled with my favorite quotes. It seemed fitting to make one specifically for the Bible verses that are speaking to me at whatever phase of life I am currently in.

I tried to keep the materials for this project simple: cardboard (I used a cereal box), double sided tape, scrapbook paper, some canvas fabric (you could use an old cotton tshirt or bedding or duct tape or masking tape), some paint and some Fabric Tac glue. For the paper I used regular copy paper.

I hope you enjoy the process. If you make a journal please do share I would love to hear and you are also a collector of quotes please comment with your favorite quote below.

Wishing you a beautiful day!

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

 

Little Books of Words: Writing Words Part 1

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The house has a chill to it. Spring has turned cold again reminding me that nature is forever changing and shifting and moving forward. Spring reminds me that we need to be present in the now and not take for granted that because something has been labeled one way it will act in a certain way.

Not seasons, not people. We are all forever changing and shifting and growing.  Perhaps meeting ourselves (and those around us) new each time might open the door for magic.

I was inspired today to write a poem. I pulled out my little planner that is more journal than planner and jotted down a few small words. It was clear that this little poem of mine was perfect for my Little Book of Words so I jotted it down-my first entry. I would love to share it with you.

“As the Garden Grows…”
As the garden grows
some plants wither some plants bloom
some birds arrive some fly away
sun shines
rain falls
snow blankets the earth
all as
the garden grows.

What is in your little book of words? Please feel free to share below.

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

 

Music by Joystock – https://www.joystock.org

 

 

 

Little Books of Words: Making Your Book

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I love making books.

I especially love making books out of upcycled materials-namely cardboard boxes. I first learned to this from watching one of Jennibellie’s YouTube videos and I couldn’t believe that I could make a book using a cereal box. (I link to her channel in my resource section in the sidebar if you want to check it out-she has some amazing tutorials!

Over the years I have tried lots of ways. Some fancy, some simple. In fact I have gotten to a point where I can’t look at a box and think about weather or not it would make a great journal or not.

Yesterday I was looking at a box I had saved and thought it would be a perfect journal to make for my Little Books of Words series. If you aren’t familiar with that-check out the original post here.

Now I am not sure what this book will hold but I am thinking a bit of collage combined with some words. Maybe even collaged words? I don’t know but I had fun making it whether it’s going to hold poetry, collage or photos your journal can be totally unique to you.

Making the journal isn’t hard and you can use materials you already have on hand-especially ones you have rescued from your recycling bin. In this video I am showing you how to use a regular box as is for the journal but if you would like to see some options-if perhaps you don’t have a box ready to go-please comment below I would be happy to make a video for you.

If you make your own “Little Book of Words” please share it with me I would love to see it! Your book can hold anything-favorite quotes, fun things people said, lists of places you would like to go or things you would like to do-there are no limits. I hope you enjoy the video!


Until Next Time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Music by Joystock – https://www.joystock.org