Friday, August 10, 2007

Blogger's Challenge Friday #7

This week's blogger's challenge is called "Alter It". Basically, we could alter anything from a frame to a tin. I chose to alter an On Board Art Journal from Stampin' Up! This also just happens to be the Ways to Use it (125) challenge this week on splitcoast. It's nice how that worked out. ;)

I had purchased this journal back in May to record my thoughts and feelings about my pregnancy, but I put off decorating it in case something went wrong. Now that I'm 4 months along, I should stop thinking that way. So this challenge is well timed.

On the drive up to the SSUS Cape Cod retreat in March, Barb & I stopped at the Scrapbook Clubhouse in Westbrook, CT. That's where I bought two sheets of the Stork paper from the Karen Foster Maternity line. It was just too pretty to pass up and it is the perfect paper to cover my pregnancy journal!

I took the two covers off the journal in order to cover them book-style like Carol Duvall always did on her show. I used Royal Coat Decoupage Finish to adhere the paper to the book. I've also heard that you can use Stampin' Up! glue sticks for this. If you'd like me to share some details & measurements, let me know!

I made a tag for the journal using one of the big circle tags from the On Board Accents chipboard. I colored the tag with Very Vanilla craft ink and dried it. Then using my Palette Noir black ink pad, I stamped the my from the retired Stampin' Up! set Phrase Starters. I stamped the 2" x 1" pregabella from Stamping Bella on some watercolor paper and then cut her out and glued her on the tag. I wasn't sure how well I'd be able to watercolor directly on the tag. (Did you know that some of the bellas come in two different sizes?) Anyway, then I stamped the word journal down the side of the tag with the also retired Stampin' Up! set Euphoria Alphabet & Numbers.

I was worried that pregabella might come off, so I smooshed my Versamark pad all over the tag and embossed with Glassy Glaze (UTEE). I did this 3 times to get it nice and smooth. Now I'm not sure if I like the shiny look of it next to the vintagey paper. I might redo that part later.

A little twill tape finishes it off nicely. Now I just need to start using it before the baby comes!

I hope you liked my entry today! Don't forget to check out the other Blogger's challenge entries! You can find links to all of their sites in my sidebar.

Stamps: pregabella from Stamping Bella, Phrase Starters II, Euphoria Mini Alphabet & Numbers
Ink: Palette Noir Black, Very Vanilla Craft Ink, Versamark
Paper: Stork by Karen Foster, watercolor paper

Accessories: Twill Tape, Pop-up glue dots
Tools: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, 1/4" square punch, Royal Coat Decoupage Finish, Sponge

17 comments:

Lisa Somerville said...

Love your altered journal Stef!

Lynn Mercurio said...

This is adorable. I wish I had kept a journal while I was pregnant...it's a great idea, and I'm sure your kids will someday enjoy reading it.

Basement Stamper said...

Wow! That is so thoughtful, I did this with the first and how cute how you decorated it! That will be a great memory for you and get to writing girl!

Cathy Rulli said...

Congratulations!!!!! Best of luck to you and your dh! Love the journal! Enjoy your pregnancy!

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

great idea! this will be a precious keepsake for you and your baby

Anonymous said...

Very cute, Stefanie! Great way to keep on top of your pregnancy stuff...how fun!

Ida said...

Very nice journal. The stork paper is just so perfect for this journal. I hope your pregnancy goes smoothly for you. Ida

Anonymous said...

What a great idea--a pregnancy journal! Love it!

maggie fellow said...

great idea. If I had kept a pregnancy journal, no one would ever get pregnant again after reading it. UGH! and I had 5. Happy pregnancy to you!

Connie Babbert said...

Oh this is a REALLY great idea! I think I'll remember to do this for someone expecting as a little gift!

Connie

Julie Campbell said...

Shhh! Don't tell anyone - but your altered item was my favorite this week! It looks so cute on camera! I'm sure it's even better in person! The shiney 'button' looks great, in my opinion!

stampingmommy said...

This is fabulous!!! You are going to love looking back at it with your kids as they get older. Congratulations!

Lori said...

What a great idea! The journal is beautiful--a perfect place to record lots of memories of this special time.

jean said...

I love the journal. What a great idea. I have that stamp and NO I never realized that it came in two sizes! That explains so much. I have the smaller one.

Pat Huntoon said...

How wonderful, Stepahnie!

Barbara said...

Stefanie....
I think your journal is just wonderful! What a fabulous keepsake this will be.....and it is just so cute!

Tracy said...

ahhhh! I am so happy for you! I love your journal...and good for you to be journaling, or at least good for you for having the intentions to journal. Again, so happy for you! I will be showing my happiness with paper & ink, so be on the lookout! hugs! Tracy