How to Start an Altered Book Journal
Using an old book is a great way to start and art or junk journal. In this video and blog, I take go step by step through the beginning stage - putting a new cover on your book.
To begin with, I found an old book in my own library that was printed in the 1950s. I had already read it and it was such a quirky book, I didn't think anyone else would ever be attracted enough to pick it up, much less take the time to read it.
Besides, the pages in the book are nice heavy, creamy paper with a deckle edge, so that made it even more interesting to me.
You can tell by the cover how old it is, plus there was water damage that made the paper jacket stick to the board cover. The paper I chose is from a pad of light scrapbooking card stock. I couldn't get over how pretty it was, so I wanted it for the cover.
sThe first thing you want to do is measure the cover of the book and cut the cover paper so that it is 1/2" (1 cm.) larger than the book cover on three sides. I cut separate pieces for the front and back covers as I used a different paper to cover the spine. Then fold the edges in as shown.
Liberally apply glue to the main part of the paper and spread it evenly, then press it to the cover. Once it is in place, cut the corners of the cover paper as shown.
Now apply glue to the flaps one at a time and fold them over toward the inside of the cover. Make sure the flaps fit tightly and smoothly over the edges of the cover. Press them down firmly and if necessary, place something heavy on the inside of the cover (such as another book) until the glue dries. (I used bulldog clips but they left an indent in the paper where it was damp from the glue.
Choose the paper you want to use for covering the spine of the book and measure to the width you want. Cut the length to fit the height of the spine too. Be sure to account for the indents along the spine edges of the book, where the covers bend. If your spine cover papers don't fit well, they will tear away, or bunch when the book is opened.
Apply your glue to the spine paper and place it on the book being sure that it's straight. Use a bone folder or other blunt point to press the paper into the indents while the glue is damp.
Now it's time to cover the inside of the front and back cover. This will cover the edges of the outside covers that you folded inward.
Now it's time to cover the inside of the front and back cover. This will cover the edges of the outside covers that you folded inward.
You can use any paper that you like, either to coordinate with the outside covers, or to be completely different. I choose this sparkly blue paper so it goes well with the outside covers. Cut the paper to fit within 1/8" (2 mm.) of the edge of the covers.
Glue the interior cover paper into place on the front and back covers.
Once the glue is dry on all papers, you can start decoration the book. I decided to keep mine simple for now and chose a title from my Flower & Twig Embellishments Collection where I have created over 100 pieces watercolor design ephemera and decorating papers.
Once the glue is dry on all papers, you can start decoration the book. I decided to keep mine simple for now and chose a title from my Flower & Twig Embellishments Collection where I have created over 100 pieces watercolor design ephemera and decorating papers.
Once you have your book covered, you're ready to begin adding to the interior pages. In future blogs you can see different ways that I've done this. Or, you can watch the videos here.
There is my covered book that will become a junk journal/art journal as I work through filling it with beautiful papers and images.
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