Hello Everyone and Welcome
Hope you are all doing good and have enjoyed a really great summer. Where did it go , I find myself asking? It seems like it came and went all too soon. So as we kick start September we have a new challenge over at A Vintage Journey . Its our lovely Alison hosting this month and her chosen challenge is 'Altered Art.' Here's what Alison has to say:
'We'd like you to get creative with recycled objects in a vintage; shabby, mixed media; art journalling; industrial, timeworn or steampunk style, . Turn something unloved and unwanted into a work of art. Try some repurposing - make something new out of something old, or incorporate an unwanted object into your artwork. Think tin cans and jars, old bottles, toothbrushes - the more inventive the better.'
For this challenge I've made a journal by recycling some strong packaging and an old pair of jeans that were well passed their 'wear by date'. Yes, I had well n truly worn these jeans out and after numerous patchings to try and prolong their wearable life the day finally came when I had to give them up for a new pair. I kept what was left of them thinking I could use them for future patchings but Alison's challenge came along and I thought my much loved jeans deserved to be more than just a patch. I would salvage what was left of them and make myself a journal .
I die cut the journal covers from some strong packaging using Eileen Hulls much sought after Journal die.
I then cut 2 pieces of denim from one of the legs of my old jeans and two of the pockets.. Taking one of the pieces of denim (the front cover) I positioned the pockets and hand sewed them in place.
I then adhered the 2 denim pieces to the journal die cuts (the front and back covers) and lined the inside of the journal covers with Graphic 45 Core'dinations colourcore cardstock trimmed around the edges, sides and spine with Tim Holtz Ideology 'Correspondence' Design Tape.
I then adhered the two covers together and threaded some elastic up and down the spine to hold the signatures .
At this point my signatures are shop bought, one lined , one graph paper ,as I was running short of time but I am hoping to create some of my own soon to either compliment or replace these. Maybe use some recycled papers in keeping with the challenge theme.
The top and bottom strips that cover the spine holes are 2 lengths cut from the jeans inner leg seam adhered in place and finished off with a metal button both back and front .
I also adhered the jeans label/ tag to the back cover .
I made a belt from what was left of the jeans inner leg seam attaching a buckle at one end and punching out buckle holes along the other end . Fastened around the journal this belt keeps the journal closed and having a number of buckle holes it will accommodate any change in thickness. It could be adhered at the spine but I chose to leave mine loose .
I always love how my lovely teamie Anne adds a charm to her journals so I followed her lead (hope you don't mind Anne) and made a charm using an Ideology philosophy tag and an old phone charm that I was gifted some years ago now. Look whose name it spells 😊
I also adhered a quote chip 'Salvaged' ,distressed around the edges with distress ink -well after all that is what I have done with my jeans to make the journal
and popped an Ideology wooden ruler and a recycled pencil into the pocket...
....a perfect fit!
Yesterdays jeans makes Todays Journal!
I really enjoyed recycling my much loved old jeans, giving them a chance to live on and I hope I have offered some creative inspiration and that you will join in Alison's challenge. Be sure to stop by A Vintage Journey to see the gallery of fabulous inspiring Altered Art projects created by some of our very talented Creative Guides.
As always at the end of the challenge there will be one lucky winner chosen by Random. Org who will receive our Sponsors Prize which this month is a $25 gift card for
The Creative Guides will also choose 3 Pinworthy winners who will not only win a Pinworthy badge to display on their blog but will also be invited to join us as a Guest Designer for a future challenge.
I would like to enter my journal into the following challenge:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: School or Study related.
( My journal would be ideal to use for School, College or University! I remember when I was studying I always had to have a new journal at the start of each new academic year.)
Thank you so much for stopping by today and big thanks too for always leaving me such lovely comments. Both are so very much appreciated.
Have a lovely weekend Everyone
Take care
and
keep on the happy side
Amanda
xxx