August 12, 2011

Spain/Portugal Travel Journal

My husband and I are going to tour Spain and Portugal this fall.  We're celebrating my special birthday.   Although I plan to blog about the trip,  I always make a journal for these special trips too.  I couldn't wait to get started on this one.


This is how I created it.

Fabric/Paper made of vintage maps, raw silk, tissue paper.  This fabric will be used for the journal cover and page hinges.

resulting fabric rubber stamped and additional paint 

random machine stitching added (gold metallic thread)

untreated canvas painted with multiple layers of water color

canvas cut down to size, embellished with rubber stamps
 

travel dates machine embroidered on each page

 "hinge" stitched to each page

page pockets created using water color paper and decorative papers; dates ink jet printed

example of how these pages will fit in the journal - used Cinch machine to punch holes - oh so easy!

book board cut to size; fabric/paper adhered using my favorite method of gluing book pages: 50/50 PVA glue and methyl cellulose.  Back cover made in a similar fashion using decorative paper.  (Poor planning - I didn't make enough fabric/paper and knew I could never duplicate it!)

The journal is approximately 2 inches thick.  Rattail threaded threw holes.  Stood the journal on end between two covered bricks and placed a 1 inch pvc pipe over top to enable the tying of the rattail firmly in place but still give the pages wiggle room.

Here's the finished journal.  The next time you see it, it will be filled with memorabilia from our trip!



Go to Pink Saturday and Only Cute Things for more inspiration!

31 comments:

Beverly said...

Pat, this is an awesome travel journal. I know it will be filled with wonderful memories.

Thank you for participating in this very special Pink Saturday. I hope you will send your visitors over to comment and help us to raise more money for the next Miracle Makeover.

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Pat, This is an amazing travel journal!! WOW!! I adore your work.
XO
Cindy

ann @ studiohyde said...

Love this journal, what a great start.

mypinkprettiesaboutme said...

I always enjoy your work.

Thx for sharing.

LL

My name is Riet said...

What a great travel journal. Love that idea. happy pink Saturday

The Old Parsonage said...

Wow - there's some really cool ideas in your journaling techniques!

Love it!
Leann

LV said...

A very nice way to record all the great times along the way on y our trip.

LaVerne said...

Pat, This journal is a perfect example of why you truly are the"Artful Diva" It is so creative and so beautifully executed. What a beautiful memory keeper it will make.

Robin said...

So cute....so clever....

Such a clever idea, to make your own travel journal. I have never been to either, so I am really looking forward to your posts this fall when you go.

For now, I wish you a beautiful pink weekend.

Unknown said...

The trip sounds delightful! And I love your lovely travel journal. One of my dear friends does the same - Makes for such sweet family travel memories! :)

The French Hutch said...

Pat, you've created a beautiful journal, and a great tutorial. How exciting to be planning a trip to Spain and Portugal. Your going on your trip during a beautiful time of year. I hope you'll make a few photos of pottery for me. I'll look forward to your photographs. I'm sure they'll be awesome. Happy pink.

~Emily
The French Hutch

Icy BC said...

You are very talented and creative, and your travel journal is so pretty!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh, how wonderful to go to Spain and Portugal for your special birthday, how terrific! You deserve it, nice and talented lady! I love the journal and can't wait to see your pics and to read about it. Hugs, FABBY

Unknown said...

Another awesome and inspiring piece! Thanks for sharing!!

HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
Sarah

Catherine Denton said...

What a gorgeous journal! You've taken so much time and love to create it. I don't doubt you'll enjoy filling it up along the way. :)
My Blog

Robyn said...

I LOVE journals and this one is wonderful - you did a beautiful job on it. Looking forward to seeing it full after your trip this fall - lucky you!!! Thanks for stopping by my site and hope you have a fun pink weekend!

Annesphamily said...

I love journals! What a cool post today! You are one crafty and creativelady!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Wonderful creation! You are very talented! Have a wonderful weekend! Twyla

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Thank you for visiting, my son died 21 years ago, the hurt is not so intense anymore.

Where are you visiting Spain and Portugal from? My Dad from Borneo made a great friend from Portugal. their friendship lasted a life time.

Self Sagacity said...

Your blog background is very unique. I like the post today as well.

Leovi said...

It really has been delightful this diary, I hope you complete it with happy experiences.

Marina Capano said...

so cute! great job
Don't forget participate in my party next tuesday "Step by step on tuesday"

HPS!

XOXO

Daniella said...

That is awesome!!!
Don't you just LOVE making new books?
I took a workshop from my good friend Marit, and we learned "Japanese book binding", But I am sure your hole punch is so much easier!!
Can not wait to see it full!!
Thanks for sharing your process!!
xxDaniella

Rebecca said...

What a unique album, it will be fun to fill it with memories!

Rebecca said...

What a unique album, it will be fun to fill it with memories!

Kia said...

Ciao Pat, that's an awesome travel journal, wow! Great job, it's really delightful!
Happy Monday ahead! :)

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Oh my goodness, I LOVE it! You artful Diva! Could I link to your blog about using vintage maps someday?

Marina Capano said...

so cute!

xoxo

Jorgelina said...

Love this journal.
My "Step by step on tuesday"

http://todassomosreinas.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I live in Portugal!! what are you going to visit here? I live in Porto area :) what a great choice. and Spain is lovely too! yupee...

vanilla143 said...

Thank you for sharing your journal. I too quilt and seeing your fabric was a joy.
You asked if the ornament was a family treasure... While it is, it is not one that was passed down. When we were in Germany we purchased it.
Have a great week.