Decoupage Journal Cover

This is one of those simple composition books that have the black and white design on them.  In the past, I have been known to just start decoupaging my fabric onto the cover, not thinking that the black and white pattern and that little square that says "composition book" would not show through, but it does.  Not going to make the same mistake.

I painted the entire cover with Gesso to block out the black and white print

I was feeling pretty good about remembering to slather some of this on my hands first, so that all the matte medium wouldn't stick to my fingers forever.  This is also excellent to use before you paint, so that it doesn't stick to your finger nails or polish.  Everything comes right off by just washing your hands with soap and water.

I am using some fabric from my 'Heart and Soul Sisters' line - the Daisy colorway. I love this fabric because of the colors, shapes and texture. So many possibilities. I brushed Liqutex Matte Medium all over the front cover, and carefully laid the fabric over it.  I was trying to make sure that I didn't get any air bubbles or creases.  I brushed another layer of matte medium over the top.

And I had this flower that I cut out on my Sizzix Fabi (Big Shot) machine.  The Flower is a Hoffman batik, including the circle in the middle.  I put it on just after I brushed the front with matte medium, and then over the top of the flower as well. 

and the same for the back.  I left the black spine alone.

When it was dry, I trimmed around all of the edges with my teflon coated scissors by Havel's

Then made sure to dab the edges with my brush, to make sure all of the surface was covered with matte medium, and one more coat on the covers, for extra sturdiness

It's getting a little sunbath in the parking lot to help with the drying process

There are still some flaws in my process and a few creases, but I am okay with that.  I added the words 'rebel quilter' to the front

The back and it's imperfections

The final touch is to put a sealer on it.  Liquitex Gloss Varnish with a fan brush.  The fan brush doesn't glop the sealer on, but gives it an even coat of varnish.  It also had a visit to the parking lot to dry in the sun.

and now my book is ready to roll.  It's my Daily 'To Do' list and other notes, drawings, brainstorming, etc.

Here are the three books that I have made and carried with me everyday.  Its about 3 months of stuff in each one.