Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge-Recycle/Upcycle

It's Friday!  That must mean it's time for Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge.  This week we were challenged to Recycle/Upcycle.  Recently, I order some art supplies, and they came in this padded mailer envelope.  It was sitting on my desk, so I decided to turn it into a mini journal.   

I love taking something that most people would consider junk, and turn it into something fabulous.  I have been asked recently to make some journals for a couple charity benefit auctions.  I will probably use this as one of the items.  I love to use what I have at hand to create something.   I am really happy with the way it turned out.

I first began by covering both sides with gesso.  I then used various SEI TumbleDye Inks and Adirondack Spray inks in yellow, sunburst orange, terra cotta, lettuce, and bottle.  I stenciled various circles using the inks.  I also added hints of acrylic paint randomly in Golden Cobalt Teal and Golden Green Gold on both sides.  I softened the inks and paint with gesso.  I then stitched "messily" around both ends, and added detail on the top and bottom of the journal.  This gives it texture and softens the edges of the journal.  I stitched lace across the length of the journal.

Because the envelope is padded, it gave it a quilted appearance.  Which is kinda cool!  I then created my focal point.  I stitched a piece of inked muslin across the lace.  I then added a piece of cheescloth and black scrap fabric.

Several weeks ago, I had made several scrappy cards.  I made this flower out of lace scraps and the center is a rolled up old zipper.  I stitched that to the front.  I then cut out two leaves from my inked muslin, and stitched it to the front.

The inside pages of the journal are made of Canson Watercolor Paper and my inked up under paper.  Using an awl I poked three holes across the center of the journal.  I then used a bookbinding needle, black wax thread and stitched in the pages.

I added a tie closure using some scrap ribbon, stitching it to the front and back with my sewing machine.

I hope this inspires you to create your own recycle/upcycle project.  Go check out your junk mail, there are lots of treasures awaiting you!  Don't foget to link up your own project at Frosted Designs!

Blessings,
Michelle