Courage Gift Journal
Designer: Paris Dukes

Click here to view larger image.

Paris’ Tip: I made this journal for a special friend who changed careers and went back to school to earn her master’s—it’s a graduation gift and an “I’m so proud of you!” gift all in one. I wrote a dedication note on the first page, then decorated the rest of the pages with a simple patterned paper border and illustrated quote for inspiration.

Supplies:

• Paper Pizazz® Ephemera Background Papers
• Paper Pizazz® Punch-Outs: Textured Tags
• Paper Pizazz® Mary Anne’s Word Garden Ephemera
• Paper Pizazz® Buckle Up Treasure
• Paper Pizazz® Lock & Keys Treasures
• Paper Pizazz® Tape-Style Fragments
• Paper Pizazz® Licorice Fibers
• sarabooks™ Brads & Wire
• 6 x 8” spiral bound journal from DMD
• 1/4” hole punch
• glue stick
• black pen
• Mini Glue Dots™
• eyelet setting tools

Click here to view larger image.

Instructions:

1. Separate the spiral binding carefully and take the cover off of the journal. Cut the definitions paper to fit on the cover (so the spiral binding will be at the top) and glue down using a glue stick. Use a hole punch to re-punch the holes on the top of the journal cover. Add a torn strip of the tan textured paper to the bottom of the cover as shown, curling up the torn edge.
2. Cut out the word “courage” from Mary Anne’s Ephemera and glue to a black tag Punch-Out™. Add a brad to the top of the tag. Glue the tag to the cover, positioning it at an angle and tucking it in slightly under the torn paper. Add fibers to the brad and tie on the lock and key.
3. Cut out the Tape-Style words “passion”, “wisdom” and “ hope” and glue to the upper right corner of the cover.
4. Punch holes in the grosgrain ribbon from the Buckle Up Treasure; add eyelets and slip on the buckle, using one of the eyelet holes to secure the buckle. Wrap the ribbon around the bottom of the journal, securing with Glue Dots™.
5. Paris glued a 2” strip pf patterned paper on each page inside the journal, adding a fragment, label, or words.

Paris Dukes designs scrapbook pages, cards, decorated journals, altered books and much more. Her artsy style features unique, easy-to-do techniques like the rolled-over torn edge shown here. Paris has co-authored several instruction books, like More Altered Books, Making Designer Scrapbook Pages and Using Ephemera.