Creating a journal front to back, inside and out is an expression of art both visual and written. Tear paper into abstract shapes, landscapes, portraits to develop a one of a kind design.

Students K-12 acquire skills in measuring, assembling and painting with their fingers as tools. The cover plus the content is totally subjective. Design in this project can be simple and beautiful. This journal is a superb language arts exercise.

Grade Levels

Elementary through High School

Time Required

1-2 Class Sessions (45-60 minutes)

Procedure

Step 1: Preparation

1. Cut canvas sheet to 7¼" × 10¼"
2. Lay canvas flat and work the design.

Step 2: Tear and Glue Paper for Cover

1. Each book cover will use about 1/2 cup of the polymer. It is used as both the glue and also as a seal on the top of the design cover. Polymer goes on white but will dry clear and flexible.
2. Tear paper and apply as design requires.
3. To apply, brush polymer onto the canvas. Add Paper. Brush additional polymer over the paper. Work in layers overlapping areas. Cover canvas to the edge.
4. Use fingers to smooth paper at the edge.
5. Allow cover to dry about 15 minutes.
6. Finish with edge strip or corner covers if desired.
7. If an edge is desired, cut a strip 1" by 7¼". Fold it in half long way. Apply polymer to the inside of the fold. Slide it on and press. Trim excess.
8. For corners, cut a 1½" square. Draw a line on a diagonal and cut. The resulting triangle will fit each corner. Glue with polymer.

Step 3: Inside Pages

1. Put 3 cards inside each other.
2. Cut a 20" length of carpet warp, ribbon or raffia, or other material for tie.
3. Fold cover in half.
4. Slip cards inside cover.
5. Put carpet warp inside the middle of the cards. Leave a length of the warp at the top and bottom. Bring it around to the fold at back and tie a knot or bow if desired.

Extended Lesson

• Inside front and back cover can be covered as well.
• Additional card pages can easily be inserted. For more pages, add additional width to your cover to accommodate additional bulk.