Simple Prim Book

I just wanted to share a simple project with you - making a prim book or journal.

I bought this little book at Dollar General. You could also purchase a book from Goodwill or a thrift store.

I then hand sanded it with a piece of sand paper. I tried sanding one with a palm sander, but the spine came off. (After all, it wasn't top quality for $1.00!!)

I found images by doing a google image search on specific historical people. I also found a website that has old photos that you can print out. Go to Family Old Photos and on the left hand side you can click on Civil War photos or under United States you can click on your individual state and find photos from your area.

Once you print out your image, brush on a coffee solution (equal amounts of instant coffee and water) and place in a 170 degree oven for about 10 minutes - times may vary. I also brushed some on my book and all around the sides to age the paper. Repeat this procedure as many times needed to achieve the look you want.

Cut photo to fit your book. Brush Modge Podge on the back of the photo and place on the book. Brush Modge Podge over top of photo and entire top of book. Let dry and embellish however you choose.

I bought this journal at WalMart for 84 cents.

I painted the front and back black (not the binding).

If you want to make one just like mine, click on the picture below and print out. (That's Ben Franklin, in case you didn't recognize him without his infamous glasses!)


Brush on coffee solution and dry. Then cut to size (butting up to black binding) and Modge Podge onto journal. I sanded around the edges of the paper after it was glued on to fray the paper to make it look more worn. Brush Modge Podge over entire top of journal and let dry. Embelish however you like.