These purse-sized Collaged Kraft Paper Journals make great party favors, hostess gifts and stocking stuffers. We made 60 of these for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week that had a “garden” theme. Of course, they may be made to go with whatever theme you would like!
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Supplies
Cahiers kraft paper journal by Moleskin (3 ½” x 5 ½”) or desired size
Gesso – white
Paint brush or foam brush
Rubber stamps
Permanent rubber stamp ink
Collage papers (see “Make Your Own Collage Papers” below)
Gift wrap, napkins, computer generated, colored cardstock, etc.
White glue or Mod Podge-Matte finish
- Paint a strip of white gesso along top of front cover (see photos). Let gesso dry well.
- Stamp the title of your journal over the white gesso. Some suggested titles include Notes, Journal, Travel, Recipes. or personalize with a person’s name. Some suggested themes include French, floral, beach, insects, birds, travel, food, holiday, professions…
- Stamp background and motifs.
- Prepare collage papers and lay out on front cover.
- Coat the backside of the collage papers with a thin layer of Mod Podge or watered down white glue and let dry well. If you are applying a motif from a napkin, coat the journal cover with the Mod Podge and then place the napkin on top. Very gently, paint another coat of Mod Podge on top of the napkin.
- For added protection, you may paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire cover and let dry well.
Make Your Own Collage Papers – Some of my favorite collage papers are graphics printed on recycled pages from old books and music. Most book pages may be torn out and fed through a printer. You may find several lovely graphics to print on my Pinterest account: Go to www.pinterest.com and Search “Diane Uke Shares” under “Pinners.” Scroll through the Boards and click on “Creating with French Graphics” and/or “Creating with Graphics and Print.” Note the terms of use of the images—whether images are free or must be purchased.
these journals are beautiful! i especially love the bird’s nest. i would have never thought of that on my own
Thanks so much, Katie–I love using the graphics on napkins! xoxox
I love the idea of an inexpensive diy art journal. I buy the moleskine art journal. I love the way these look and the personal touch you added to decorate the front covers. Nice work and nice blog. I just found your blog and so happy I did!
Thank you so much. We did about 60 of these as gifts for Teacher & Staff appreciation and the teachers loved them! Diane
That’s a great idea, make and use as gifts! Nice. I’d love to make them and use them myself. ❤️