Scrappy Journal Challenge
Posted: March 18, 2024 Filed under: Darkroom Door, gel press, global postmarks, Handmade book | Tags: Darkroom Door stamps, gel press, gel printing, Handmade book 6 Comments
I’ve mentioned the Handmade Book Club before because I enjoy the 5 Day Challenges they offer. The most recent challenge was held last week and was called the ‘Scrappy Journal Challenge‘. The designer and teacher of the challenges, Ali Manning, came up with a tall narrow design which was very attractive. I changed the shape for mine because I will soon need a new art journal and the challenge was the perfect opportunity to get one made. The zig-zag sewing of the signatures was initially tricky but I soon got into a satisfying rhythm and finished them with only one early unpicking incident.
Other than the size of the book and the type of paper in the pages, I followed all the instruction from Ali. She is one of the best teachers I have had the privilege to learn from. I used watercolour paper for my pages and a heavy watercolour paper for the cover. I collaged the cover with vintage papers, then gel printed tissue, fabric washi tape and used postage stamps. The last details added were the gingham ribbon sewn onto the cover with a sewing machine.
The first photo in this post shows the front cover, next the full cover and spine, above is the back cover and below you can see the top view and four signatures.
After sewing the ribbon onto the cover there were random lines of stitching on the inside of the cover so I glued black mulberry paper with gold thread in it over the complete inside cover. After I’d taken the photos I decided to add gingham ribbon ties to both the front and back covers to tie the book closed.
This is the third challenge I have completed with the Handmade Book Club. Here are the links to the other books I’ve made. Mixed Media Journal, Small Coptic Journal, 7×7 Coptic Journal
Heather Telford 
Sorry if this is a repeat, not sure if the other message went through. I just wanted to point out that Ali Manning is the Handmade Book Club, not Ali Edwards. Both are amazing women! I love following your post and the beautiful cards you make.
Thanks Nancy, yes, of course it’s Ali Manning!! My mistake.
THIS is so impressive! I studied it for quite a while. Love the creativity involved and book making looks so fun! This is fantastic, Heather!
Wow, this is fabulous Heather and I love the added gingham ribbon zig zagged onto the front and back cover with lots of pretty pink, red and black..stylish and so cleverly put together. x
That’s fantastic!
[…] I’m playing with watercolour techniques a lot at present in preparation for my upcoming in person class on Watercolour Techniques. You will see some of the technique samples turned into cards eventually and some will be the base for future journal pages. You can see the other books I have made here: Mixed Media Journal, Coptic Journal, a second Coptic Journal, and Scrappy Journal. […]