Botanical Journal Cover

Learn how to craft a nature-inspired journal cover.

All About

Product Ideas

Project by Sandi Reinke.

Materials and Tools:

12-20 pressed leaves, depending on the size
Fossil Leaf Journal "large" #69022
Beacon's Liquid Laminate
antiqued gold or copper acrylic paints
brush
sponge

Figure A

Steps:

1. Remove the fossil leaf from the front and back of the journal.

2. Paint a small area of the front of the journal cover with the Liquid Laminate.

3. Apply Liquid Laminate to the back of a leaf and press it into the laminate on the journal. Continue putting the leaves on the outside of the journal, working a small area at a time until you have the design you want.

Figure B

4. Apply another coat of laminate over all the leaves, pressing them in place as you work. Let dry overnight.

5. When the cover is dry, pick all the leaves off the cover. They will crumble and tear — that is fine; just make sure all the leaf material is removed.

Figure C

6. Paint with the metallic paint on a small area of the journal cover.

Figure D

7. With a small sponge, wipe some of the paint away, leaving just the leaf impression painted.

8. Continue until the leaves are all highlighted. Embellish as desired.

Resources

Products
- Creative Paper Projects
  by Sandi Reinke
  Sterling/Chapelle, 2004
  Order this title from Amazon.com.
- Fossil Leaf Journal - large
Guests
- Sandi Reinke
  Owner, Loose Ends LLC
  Website: www.looseends.com