J
Jackie
Guest
- Thread Author
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If you love festive mixed-media projects, this Magical Season Journal is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday spirit while exploring texture, sparkle, and layered design. In this tutorial by Els Van de Burgt, you’ll learn how to use Elizabeth Craft Designs products to create a journal cover filled with dimension, gold accents, and winter charm. This Magical Season Journal makes a beautiful keepsake or gift for someone special. 
Here is the Step-by-Step Tutorial
1. Create Your Journal Pages
Die cut pages from Backgrounds Volume 3 using the Build a Journal die set.
Cut thin cardboard strips and adhere them behind the page edges for raised dimension.
Punch binding holes through both layers to ensure alignment.
2. Add Metallic Edges
Ink the edges using an embossing pad.
Sprinkle Copper Ultra High embossing powder and heat set for a rich, molten finish.
3. Bind With a Japanese Stitch
Use the punched holes to bind the journal with a handsome Japanese Stitch.
Scan this QR code for a full video tutorial
4. Distress Your Ribbon & Packing Tape
Drip sepia, rust, and rose gold alcohol inks onto ribbon and packing tape.
The ribbon will be used on the cover; the tape can add character to interior pages.
5. Build the Cover Layers
Place cheese cloth and your inked ribbon along the bound edge of the cover.
Use a paper distresser to roughen the page edges for a vintage, worn look.
6. Add Golden Texture
Mix transparent gloss paste with Antique Gold Silk Microfine Glitter.
Apply through Journal Stencil 9 to create shimmering, textured designs.
7. Add Crackle Detail
Apply Platinum Crackle Texture Paste through the grid stencil for a second layer of tactile interest.
8. Splatter With Black Paint
Dilute black acrylic paint with a little water.
Using a fan brush, splatter across the cover for artistic contrast.
Shield any areas you want to keep clean using paper towels.
9. Add Festive Embellishments
– Stamp and die cut the hat image from Deck the Halls.
– Emboss with clear powder for crisp shine.
– Add a sentiment from Journal Phrases 6.
– Accent with text blocks from Backgrounds Volume 3.
– Layer die-cut flowers, embossed gold cardstock, and a small tab with an eyelet.
– Finish with a rhinestone in each flower center.
Assemble everything and enjoy your completed Magical Season Journal—a beautiful handcrafted treasure for the holidays.
Here is the complete supply list
Elizabeth Craft Designs
2292 Build a Journal
2295 Book of Christmas Square
CS428 Journal Phrases 6
CSD426 Deck the Halls Stamp & Die Set
C035 Backgrounds Volume 3
S058 Journal Stencils 9
606 Silk Microfine Glitter: Antique Gold
Other Supplies
Jackie Ludlage
Here is the Step-by-Step Tutorial
1. Create Your Journal Pages
Die cut pages from Backgrounds Volume 3 using the Build a Journal die set.
Cut thin cardboard strips and adhere them behind the page edges for raised dimension.
Punch binding holes through both layers to ensure alignment.
2. Add Metallic Edges
Ink the edges using an embossing pad.
Sprinkle Copper Ultra High embossing powder and heat set for a rich, molten finish.
3. Bind With a Japanese Stitch
Use the punched holes to bind the journal with a handsome Japanese Stitch.
Scan this QR code for a full video tutorial
4. Distress Your Ribbon & Packing Tape
Drip sepia, rust, and rose gold alcohol inks onto ribbon and packing tape.
The ribbon will be used on the cover; the tape can add character to interior pages.
5. Build the Cover Layers
Place cheese cloth and your inked ribbon along the bound edge of the cover.
Use a paper distresser to roughen the page edges for a vintage, worn look.
6. Add Golden Texture
Mix transparent gloss paste with Antique Gold Silk Microfine Glitter.
Apply through Journal Stencil 9 to create shimmering, textured designs.
7. Add Crackle Detail
Apply Platinum Crackle Texture Paste through the grid stencil for a second layer of tactile interest.
8. Splatter With Black Paint
Dilute black acrylic paint with a little water.
Using a fan brush, splatter across the cover for artistic contrast.
Shield any areas you want to keep clean using paper towels.
9. Add Festive Embellishments
– Stamp and die cut the hat image from Deck the Halls.
– Emboss with clear powder for crisp shine.
– Add a sentiment from Journal Phrases 6.
– Accent with text blocks from Backgrounds Volume 3.
– Layer die-cut flowers, embossed gold cardstock, and a small tab with an eyelet.
– Finish with a rhinestone in each flower center.
Assemble everything and enjoy your completed Magical Season Journal—a beautiful handcrafted treasure for the holidays.
Here is the complete supply list
Elizabeth Craft Designs
2292 Build a Journal
2295 Book of Christmas Square
CS428 Journal Phrases 6
CSD426 Deck the Halls Stamp & Die Set
C035 Backgrounds Volume 3
S058 Journal Stencils 9
606 Silk Microfine Glitter: Antique Gold
Other Supplies
WOW! Embossing Powder Metallic: Copper Ultra High
WOW! Embossing Pad
Tonic Paper Distresser
Ranger Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks: Sepia, Rose Gold, Rust
Ranger Dina Wakley Media Acrylic Paint: Black
Finnabair Texture Paste: Platinum Crackle
Ribbon
Cheese Cloth
Cardboard
Have a wonderful week my friends!
Jackie Ludlage