Monday 15 September 2014

Paper Bag Journal

Last week on The Artistic Biker's ustream show, hosted by Blade, we, the viewers were challenged to make an art journal from paper bags. This is the journal that I made. 

I gathered some bags.... it would appear I have quite a few paper bags. 

Small ones




medium ones


and large ones


I have lots of other paper bags too, I think I may have a paper bag problem lol

I chose 8 of different sizes and colours and added duck tape to the edges, this was to strengthen then so I could add holes. 

NB. The tape I used is DUCK tape not duct tape, I buy mine from my local Asda store where they have a great selection of colours and patterns at £3 per roll. 


I punched holes at 2cm intervals using a cropadile. 



Then I waxed some black crochet cotton and started to stitch the bag pages together, at this point I had no idea what kind of covers I wanted to make, so I just stitched loosely, knowing I would need to stitch again once I decided on covers. 



A few days later i opted to just use corrugated cardboard from a large box as my covers. I strengthened both covers with strips of Duck Tape.  The covers measure approx 13 by 16 inches. The bags inside are various sizes. 

Front



and back


I then punched holes in the covers to match the bags and I stitched the whole lot together. 


Once open you can see that the journal opens fully and the bags lay flat. 


Here is a quick video flip through of the finished journal... now all I have to do is fill it with artwork!!!



Hope you like it, why not recycle your paper bags and make a journal too. 

Darcy x

14 comments:

  1. Fab walk through Darcy. I love the journal too and it was nice hearing your voice. Look forward to seeing the art you fill it with xxx

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  2. Great looking journal - I'll look forward to seeing what you fill it with too.

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  3. Great way to use the Duck Tape, loving the video a lot, you have a wonderful voice Darcy, easy to listen to and your instructions are clear and concise. Looking forward to seeing your Fairy Album, am a huge fan of Faeries and Fairies.

    Thanks for the inspiration :-) xxx

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  4. awesome, I am trying this tech for sure and thank you!!!!!!

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  5. Love the idea of the pocket from folding the base! Am currently working on a junk journal an now 'need' to find a bag to include! Thanks for the inspiration x

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  6. Great idea and huge book Darcy. Pretty back cover and fab Checkered tapes, I'll look forward to see finished xx

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  7. Fantastic idea of paper bag journal page, love it

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  8. The journal looks amazing, such a good idea. Looking forward to what you do with it.

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  9. Oh that's a great idea Darcy!! :) I love your cover moreover, thanks for the video too!! x

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  10. oh awesome... I cant watch the video now but will when I get home. Cant wait... I love the colors! BTW I thought duck tape was duct tape. Isn't it a brand name of duct tape :-) Like Heinz Ketchup

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    Replies
    1. yes it is, I just mentioned the brand in case people wanted to buy the same tape that I had used.

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  11. Fabulous journal Darcy! Love the binding too! Sue C x

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  12. What a fun project. Love the cover

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