Paper Cast Journals

©Michele Emerson-Roberts 2015

I love journals! Any shape, any size, any kind! I love creating them, using them and especially giving them as gifts. Two dear friends have birthdays this month and I wanted to create something extra special for them but was really short on time. I had two blank journals that I purchased several months back and knew with a few minutes of “creative time” they would be perfect for the birthday gifts.

Note: I had previously made the castings so the project took less than 15 minutes each to complete.

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• Blender, strainer, cello sponges and soft paper towels
• Sunny window, microwave or heat gun
• Scraps of white and Ivory/cream/tan paper (think junk mail etc.)
• Hands mold (I used a matrix board as a mold)
• ColorBox^TM  Stylus™ handle and tips
• Water based inkpads in black/gray and rusty red
• One each 4 ¾ x 6 ¾” black and brown leather look blank journals
• 8” each black and rusty red ribbon
• Beacon QuickGrip™ Adhesive

Instructions:

1. Follow the directions found in any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits to create white slurry. 
2. Cast one or more of the hands mold. Dry the casting.
3. Add tan scrap to the slurry and create one or more of the hand castings.
4. Dry the casting. (I always make extra castings to have on hand for future projects.)
5. Use the Stylus handle and tip to lightly color the white hands casting with black/gray ink.
6. Lightly color the tan casting with the rusty red ink.
7. Clean & dry the tips.
8. Open the journals and attach the ribbon to the inside of the spines with adhesive.
9. Attach the hand casting to the front of the journal covers with QuickGrip™ adhesive.

The Gift of Autumn Leaves

©Michele Emerson-Roberts 2014

Fall is in the air! It is a perfect time for me to start on the many “Fall” projects I have planned to do. This piece is one of my favorites and will make a perfect gift for a dear friend who loves Fall as much as I do.

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits
• A sunny window
• Blender, cello sponges and soft towels
• Scraps of beige, tan, ivory paper (think junk mail, etc.)
• Dried/pressed oak leaves on a stem (I used the AG flower press)
• Tiny bit of dried spices (I used nutmeg)
• Spellbinders^TM Grand Calibur machine
• Die: Quiet Fire^TM/Elizabeth Crafts Designs™  “Believe”
• Scraps of Kraft colored heavy weight handmade paper or card stock for the die cut word
• Beacon ZipDry™ Adhesive, double sided foam tape
• Matt board

Instructions:

1. Follow the directions found in any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits to create light tan slurry.
2. Create a sheet of paper, and while the paper is still a bit wet, lay the leaf stem onto the wet paper.
3. Continue removing the water from the paper. Sprinkle the spice onto the damp paper.
4. When the paper is dry mount it onto the matt board with ZipDry™ adhesive.
5. Die cut “Believe”.
6. Attach the word to the bottom left corner of the handmade paper with tiny pieces of foam tape.

The finished pierce can be framed in a shadowbox-style frame, or displayed on an easel.

EXPLORE

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2015

As summer is winding down in many places, it is still warm here in Southern Arizona. I have had such fun with the wonderful paper casting molds from AG that I just had to make a new card for a friend who loves everything “fishy”. The castings are quick to create and it just takes a few extra minutes to make extras to use for later projects.

 

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• CP Nature’s Miniatures “Fish” (or mold of your choice)
• Scraps of blue and white paper (think junk mail)
• Blender, sponges & soft towels
• Microwave, heat gun or sunny window
• Scor-pal (LOVE the new 1/8” version)
• Scissors
• Die: CheeryLynn #B616 “Explore”
• Spellbinders’ Grande Calibur II™ machine
• Beacon QuickGrip™ and  ZipDry™ adhesive
• Small eyed needle and variegated embroidery floss, one clear seed bead
• Scrap of white handmade paper

Instructions:

1. Follow the instructions found in any of the AG paper making kits or books to create one sheet of blue handmade paper (think card stock weight).  
2. When the paper is dry, fold in half and tear to create two 5 ½ x 8 ½” pieces.
3. Score and fold to create two 4 ¼ x 5 ½” cards. Set one card aside for a future project.
4. Create white slurry and cast one of more fish.  
5. When the fish casting is dry, use the brush to apply a coat of ZipDry™. adhesive to the inside back of the casting.
6. When the adhesive is dry, use the needle to poke tiny holes in some or all of the “dots” on the fish.
7. Working from the back of the fish, create tiny French knots in each of the holes. Attach the seed bead to the eye area with floss or adhesive.
8. Die cut the word “Explore” from the scrap of white handmade paper.

Assemble the card:

1. Attach the fish to the lower portion of the card with QuickGrip™.
2. Attach the word with ZipDry™.
3. Add a message inside the card. Enjoy!

Enjoy!

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2015

I remember playing with “whirly gigs” as a child…… do you? They were fun and easy to obtain. It was such fun to run and run and watch the wind make them whirl. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be a kid again!

 

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• Scraps of pink  and white paper (think junk mail)
• Blender, sponges & soft towels
• Microwave, heat gun or sunny window
• Scor-pal™ (LOVE the new 1/8” version)
• Die: CheeryLynn # B413 “Enjoy”
• Spellbinders’ Grand Calibur II™ die cutting machine
• Westcott™ scissors
• Two pieces 2” square of patterned paper
• ColorBox™ light pink Chalk ink pad, Stylus™ handle & tip
• Beacon QuickGrip™  and ZipDry™ adhesive
• Scrap of white handmade paper
• Pencil, 1/8” round hole punch
• Two tiny white brads

Instruction:

1. Follow the instructions found in any of the AG paper making kits or books to create one sheet of pink handmade paper (think card stock weight). 
2. When the paper is dry, fold in half and tear to create two 5 ½ x 8 ½” pieces.
3. Score and fold to create two 4 ¼ x 5 ½” cards. Set one card aside for a future project.
4. Die cut the word “Enjoy” from the scrap of white handmade paper.
5. Use the pencil to lightly mark on the diagonal all 4 corners.
6. Cut on the lines leaving approx. ½” in the middle of the square.
7. Fold each section toward the middle and adhere them with the ZipDry™ adhesive.
8. Cut two thin strips of white for the handles.
9. Use the 1/8” hole punch to place a hole in the center of the whirly gig and the end of the paper handle
10. Assemble them with the tiny brad.
11. Attach the two whirly gigs to the upper portion of the card with QuickGrip™.
12. Attach the word to the lower portion of the card with ZipDry™.
13. Add a message inside the card. Enjoy!

Believe Fan Book

©Michele Emerson-Roberts 2014

Each of these little books is full of quotes related to the title on the cover of the book. Several friends are going through some rough patches in their lives and these books will perhaps give them some comfort. Join me in creating this fan book for Debbie.

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits
• A sunny window
• Blender, cello sponges and soft towels
• Personal paper cutter, scissors
• Beacon ZipDry™ Adhesive, double sided foam tape or dots
• Scraps of black paper (think junk mail, left over cardstock scrap, etc.)
• One or more of AG #2718 Mini Fan Book
• Verbiage stamps and black ink pad or computer generated quotes or sayings
• ColorBox™ Stylus™ handle and soft tip
• Small scrap of chip board
• Dies: CheeryLynn™ corner flourish
• Die cut machine: Spellbinders’ Grand Calibur

Instructions:

1. Follow the directions found in any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits to create black slurry.
2. Create a sheet of thick black paper.
3. When the paper is dry, die cut the corner flourish.
4. Remove the screw hinge and pages from the book.
5. Stamp “Believe” onto the scrap of chip board.
6. Us the Stylus handle and tip to apply ink the edges of the stamped chip board and the book cover.
7. Deconstruct the die to create small decretive pieces to be attached with Beacon ZipDry™ under the stamped chip board.
8. Stamp the saying onto the pages (or print out verbiage using your computer and printer, then cut and glue to the pages.)
   
   NOTE: make sure the verbiage is all oriented the same. (My book is landscape oriented and has the hinge on the top left.)
   
   I suggest that if you are making several of these books, stamp or print all of the sayings at once. (I will often do many different related saying at a time as well as die cutting the bits and pieces and save them to assemble the “Fan” book at a later time.)
   
   
9. Reassemble the fan book.
10. Decide on the placement of the deconstructed corner die pieces, and attach them onto the cover with ZipDry™ adhesive.
11. Center and attach the stamped chip board to the cover with double sided foam tape or dots.
12. Cut a small strip of the handmade black paper to be attached on the left side of the cover.

BEAUTIFUL

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2015

I just had to share one more summer card with you. This is another of the motifs from the CP Nature’s Miniatures molds. Remember that I always make extras to have for later projects. A friend who loves sea shells will receive this card for her birthday…..it would also be wonderful matted and framed. I think I will offer to do that after her birthday as an extra gift.

 

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• CP Nature’s Minitures Sea Shell (or mold of your choice)
• Scraps of blue and white paper (think junk mail)
• Blender, sponges & soft towels
• Microwave, heat gun or sunny window
• Scor-pal (LOVE the new 1/8” version)
• Scissors
• Die: CheeryLynn #B630  “Beautiful”
• Spellbinders’ Grande Calibur II™ machine
• Beacon QuickGrip™ and  ZipDry™ adhesive
• Small eyed needle and metallic variegated embroidery floss
• Scrap of white handmade paper

Instruction:

1. Follow the instructions found in any of the AG paper making kits or books to create white slurry and cast one or more sea shell.  Remember that I always make extra castings to use for later projects.
2. When the sea shell casting is dry, use the brush to apply a coat of ZipDry™ adhesive to the inside back of the casting.
3. Working from the front of the casting (when the adhesive is dry),  use the needle to poke tiny holes in some or all of the “dots” on the sea shell.
4. Working from the back of the sea shell create tiny French knots and/or “x” in each of the holes.
5. Create one sheet of blue handmade paper (think card stock weight). 
6. When the paper is dry, fold in half and tear to create two 5 ½ x 8 ½” pieces.
7. Score and fold to create two 4 ¼ x 5 ½” cards. Set one card aside for a future project.
8. Die cut the word “Beautiful” from the scrap of white handmade paper.

Assemble the card:

1. Attach the sea shell to the lower portion of the card with QuickGrip™.
2.  Attach the word with ZipDry™.
3. Add a quote about the sea or a message inside the card.

Enjoy!

Paper Cast Handmade Journal

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2015

You may know that I love journals and handmade books - any shape or size! I make them by the batch and always have a wonderful gift ready for whatever the occasion. Creating journals with handmade paper and castings makes them even more special. There are so many molds available from AG - pick one and follow along with the instructions below to create some of your own.

 Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• Blender, sponges and soft towels
• AG mold #711 Gingko Leaf (or mold of your choice)
• Scraps of tan and off -white paper (think junk mail)
• Roylco Rubbing Plates (texture sheets)
• Japanese screw punch & 1/8” bit, scissors
• Scor-Pal (LOVE the new 1/8” version)
• Beacon QuickGrip™ or ZipDry™ adhesive
• Stick for spine approx. 5 ½”
• Heavy thread to match the paper for the binding
• Piece of Palm frond or bark
• A small amount of old spices and/or tiny pieces of dried grasses etc.

Instruction:

1. Follow the instructions found in any of the AG paper making kits or books to create one sheet of tan handmade paper.
2. Place the damp sheet onto the Roylco RP/TS. Use sponges or soft towels to remove the rest of the water from the sheet. This cast paper will be the cover.
3. Create numerous sheets of different weights of tan, and off white handmade paper, adding spices or dried grasses to some of the sheets. (I created 5 sheets for this book).
4. Create one Gingko leaf casting from tan slurry.

Assemble the journal:

1. Fold and score the cover and all of the pages in half (Journal will be 5 ½ (high) x 4 ½” wide when assembled).
2. Place the pages inside of the covers, mark and use the Japanese Screw Punch to create holes approx. ½” from the spine.
3. Bind the journal by attaching the sticks with the heavy duty thread.
4. Attach the Palm frond or bark to the center of the cover with either of the adhesive.
5. Attach the Gingko leaf casting to the center of the Palm frond or bark piece.

Note: You can find a lot of videos on the internet showing how to create many different bindings.

Always Give Her Roses

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2015

Roses are one of the most beloved flowers in the world. They are not always available to give as a bouquet, but can always be created in any color you want as a paper casting. This little box is perfect for a gift for any occasion. I think it will make a great jewelry container for one of my sisters who loves roses!

 

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• CP Nature’s Miniatures Rose stem (or mold of your choice)
• Scraps of white paper (think junk mail)
• Blender, sponges & soft towels
• Microwave, heat gun or sunny window
• Scissors, BowEasy™
• ColorBox™ Stylus  handle & tips, and light pink and light green Chalk ink pads
• Beacon QuickGrip™ adhesive
• 3 ¼” round container
• 9” of pale green ½’ wide organdy ribbon.

Instruction:

1. Follow the instructions found in any of the AG paper making kits or books to create white slurry.
2. Create one or more rose stem casting. 
3. When the rose casting is dry, use the Stylus handle and tip to apply light pink Chalk ink to the rose and the edge of the casting.
4. Clean the tip, then apply light green chalk ink to the stem and leaves of the casting.
5. Use the BowEasy™ to tie a tiny box.
6. Attach the rose casting to the top of the round box and the bow to the lower area of the casting with QuickGrip™ adhesive.

Elegant Card Trio

©Michele Emerson-Roberts  2015

Creating elegant and beautiful cards is a snap! Adding handmade paper is like icing on the cupcake. These three cards went together so quickly – as in less than 5 minutes each, and are sure to be a hit with the recipients. They would be wonderful in any color scheme. I chose to save some time and used purchased cardstock in a soft warm cinnamon color for the card bases and die cuts.

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• A sunny window or traditional oven
• Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels
• Scraps of ivory paper (think junk mail, etc.)
• Tiny pieces of dried flower petals, spices or grasses
• Dies:  Quiet Fire words “Believe”, “Thanks and “Hello”
            Impression Obsession: DIE253-U
            Tonic Studios US: 77 E Butterfly Sprig & 76 E Dragonfly Brooch

• Spellbinders Grand Calibur™ Machine
• 2 pieces of 8 ½ x 11 cinnamon card stock
• Envelopes to fit cards
• Westcott™ paper trimmer & scissors
• Scor-Pal™ (LOVE the new 1/8^th version!)
• Beacon  ZipDry™ adhesive, Double side foam tape or dots

Instructions

1. Follow the direction for paper making and casting found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to make slurry from the ivory scraps.
2. Create one or more sheets of heavy weight ivory handmade paper.
3. When the sheets of paper are dry, tear them into 4 equal pieces. You want ragged edges. Save the 4^thpiece for another project.
4. Cut, score and fold the sheets of purchased card stock to create three 4 ¼ x 5 ½” card cards.
5. Die cut the words, both dragonflies and the butterfly from the other half sheet of purchased card stock.
6. Attach the torn pieces of ivory handmade paper to the front of the card with ZipDry™ adhesive.
7. Attach the words and “critters” to the handmade paper with tiny slivers of foam tape.

Handmade Journals

©Michele Emerson-Roberts 2015

I love journals and handmade books. The ones that will fit in your purse or tote are especially nice to have and to create. I had some scraps of wallpaper that was perfect for the covers and the right size too! The two “stick bound” journals are the same size, but orientated differently. I like to use handmade paper for the pages as it makes them even more special. You can make these any size - mine are 4 ¾ x 6”. The covers are made of mat board scrap pieces that I had on hand. The pages are ¼ sheets of handmade paper..

FYI - the stick bound book is one of the easiest books to create in multiples, and they make marvelous gifts!

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• A sunny window, heat gun or microwave oven
• Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels
• Scraps of off white or cream paper (think junk mail, etc.)
• Spellbinders Grand Calabur II cutting and embossing machine
• Dies: CherryLyn: Leaves          Fran The Frantic Stamper: Shrine
• Westcott™ paper trimmer
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Japanese screw punch & 1/8” bit
• Beacon QuickGrip™ and ZipDry™ adhesive
• Old credit card to use for spreading the ZipDry™ adhesive
• Double sided foam tape or dots
• Scrapes of wall paper for covers and die cuts
• Matching paper for inside of covers (even better if it is handmade paper) two pieces 4 ¼ x 5 ½”
• Mat board: Leaf journal (portrait orientation book): one piece 6 x 4 3/4” (back cover), one piece 6 x 1 1/8” (hinge), one piece 6 x 3 1/2”Shrine journal (landscape orientation): One piece 4 ¾ x 6 (back cover), one piece 4 ¾ x 1 1/8” (hinge), one piece 4 ¾ x 4 ¾”
• Sticks for spines
•  Heavy thread to match the wall paper for binding

Instruction:

1. Follow the direction for paper making found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to make slurry from the off white or cream scraps.
2. Create numerous sheets of medium weight handmade paper.
3. When the paper is dry cut or tear it into quarter sheets. Repeat for as many sheets as you want in your journal. Remember to always save the scraps.

To create the journals:

1. Cut the 2 pieces of wallpaper 1 ½” larger than the mat board.
2. Spread a thin coat of ZipDry™ adhesive onto the back side of one piece of the wallpaper.
3. Center the mat board piece for the back cover onto the wallpaper.
4. Miter the corners, leaving a tiny bit more than the thickness of the mat board.
5. Apply additional adhesive to the flaps if needed.
6. Secure the flaps to the other side of the mat board.
7. Apply the adhesive to the back side of the 2nd piece of wallpaper.
8. Place the two front cover pieces of mat board onto the wallpaper, leaving 1/8” between the two pieces.
9. Miter the corners and wrap the flaps to the back side.
10. Apply a thin coat of adhesive to the matching papers and place on the back side of the covers.
11. Measure one inch from the top and bottom hinge part of journal, use the Japanese screw Punch to create holes.
12. Place the pages inside of the covers, mark and create holes in all of the pages. (Remember the pages are a bit smaller than the covers.)
13. Bind the journal by attaching the sticks with the heavy duty thread.
14. Die cut the leaves and shrine.
15. Attach the die cuts with double side foam tape or dots.

Note: You can find a lot of videos on the internet showing how to create many different bindings.