Friday 10 July 2009

Paper Bag Journal

Ever since reading about paper bag journals on Judy Wise's blog I have had it in the back of my mind. However I had not actually watched the tutorial so did not realise it is those American big brown paper bags that are used. Then the other day Candace mentioned that she had been making some and it reminded me. So I googled and found this which showcases a lovely video of a brown paper bag journal being made. I love the part wher the man talks about the book he lent his friend! I also looked at Judy's post and then a coptic binding tutorial which I did not understand. The other video was much better! So, from all these sources and using my collection of paper bags (the kind we get here!) I set to work.Paper bags waiting for me!Trim the edges off.Put into water.Squeeze gently. Dry. Iron on a low iron. I was not sure about this part as there is ink on some of the bags and after the thing in Kelly's post about drying acrylics with heat tools-well-I did it very quickly, used a low iron and used paper towels to sandwich the paper.
I didn't take photos of the next parts. I got groups of six sheets, folded in the middle and placed them together like pages (signatures of six sheets-that is the official term) Then I sewed these.
One of the journals is made up of three signatures and one of four. I made covers from packaging. I punched holes in the cover then punched through these into the signatures to get the placing. I just did it by eye-no measuring was involved! Then I used thin ribbon to sew in and out of the holes then back again, tie it up and Bob's your uncle! I have gessoed the covers and will decorate but they are ready to use. I am going to start collecting my next lot of paper bags now! Two of my favourites are the mushroom bag and the French bread bag. I also have some tiny chop stick paper bags in there!


14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you know that you can print onto fabric using the heavyweight printed paper bags that you get in 'posh' shops? It works best on synthetic fabric - sandwich the fabric and paper bag between sheets of non-stick baking parchment (to protect the iron and your ironing board cover) and iron with a hot iron.

Anne said...

Hi, Sarah! What a fabulous book you made! So impressive! :-)

amanda said...

the last photo, i spot a french bread bag. i love their bread. great journals. i never heard of this but now im curious.

Unknown said...

Sarah ...
You are so multi talented...How funny..never heard of it...And most americans dont ue paper bags any longer unless actually asked...which is hardly ever..Its plastic or reusuable bag...

Love it...now I want to try...hmmm who has paper bags...whole foods and central market...

Hugs..
Sonia ;)

love said...

Sherrlyn of http://www.lovesimplyhappens.blogspot.com says...This is new and fabulous to me. I have not had time to do such fun stuff since I began my latest photography into weddings but ahhhh how I love creating.
thanks for sharing.

Candace said...

Oh Sarah, this is just fantastic. And believe it or not, I don't use only the brown paper bags -- I do make only brown paper journals, but often I like to put a bit of other colour and texture in. In one, I popped in a Victoria's Secret bag. LOL. Very PINK and glossy. THAT was a challenge.

Your own tutorial is very nice. Maybe next you should attempt a video. Cool!
Candace in Athens. x

Lynne said...

This is inspiring Sarah. I've seen the journals before and have been interested, but that's all. Your post, makes me want to get up and make one myself. You make it very clear for an absolute beginner. I think I'll take a look at some of your links.
Don't forget to show us more if you make some.

Anonymous said...

very impressive!

Sarah said...

That sounds like fun Anne-I will try it sometime!
Thanks Anne!
Thanks Amanda. I love French bread too and a shop near where I work sells it in these lovely bags!
Thanks Sonia! That's interesting info about the bags. I have this romantic picture of carrying shopping home in a brown paper bag! A lot of people here use reusable bags now too.
Thanks Sherrlyn!
Thanks Candace! Thats funny about the bag! I don't think I have the technical know how for videos!
Thanks Lynne-it is really fun to make and very quick which satisfied my impatient side!
Thanks Kamana!

Katie Jeanne Wood said...

I love seeing the different style bags you have. We mostly only have plastic here, which is rather disturbing.

I love how your book came out.

GalleryJuana said...

Great idea! I might try this out someday. Nice tutorial - clear and easy to understand.

Anonymous said...

You did great! Your journal is so pretty!

ELK said...

you inspired me ...now to find the time!

eb said...

oh Sarah - what a wonderful journal - love the variety of papers - loving all your entries - the shadow play is so cool!

xox - eb.