Friday, July 24, 2009

Simple Prim Book


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

Ben Franklin Journal 005

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

Ben Franklin Journal 001

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.


20 comments:

  1. Another fabulous project idea! I love how these turned out...

    Have a terrific weekend!

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  2. I love it, Kris! Thanks for sharing. I have an old journal that I'm going to try that with. Have a wonderful weekend.
    Pam

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  3. I love it thanks for sharing it with us...

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  4. Ok, I must say that you are one VERY clever gal and like all of your other projects... I LOVE IT!!

    Thanks for sharing.

    Hugs,
    Lisa

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  5. Great project and so easy. Thanks for sharing.
    ~Melissa~

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  6. Hi Kris,you come up with the best ideas.I will have to add this to my list of to do projects.
    :0)Sherri

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  7. I'm certainly going to do this...great project!
    Rondell

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  8. Love your project..easy and very prim. Thanks for such a easy to do. Thanks, I love your ideas.

    Hugs,
    Wanda

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  9. Kris...thanks for sharing another great idea. I will go to the dollar store over the weekend and make myself one or two!

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  10. Cute idea! Thanks for the website! Natalie,

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  11. Great idea Kris, thanks for sharing!

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  12. Wow! I just have to do this! Thanks, Kris, for sharing with all of us out here.

    Susannah

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  13. Bravo Kris!!!! I love this one!! I love all your tutorials, but this one is right up my alley. I love Early American History, and these will be perfect for the desk I am working on!!
    Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us.
    Enjoy your weekend.

    Prim Blessings,
    Kim

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  14. Kris: What a great project!
    I share a birth date with Ben, so thanks for the fun idea.Love your blog and your home. Kim

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  15. I love it, thanks so much for sharing!!

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  16. What a great idea. I love to journal in composition notebooks but the black and white on the front can give me a headache!

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  17. My first visit to your blog,its beautiful..........thanks for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Lynn

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  18. HI Kris, As always I loved your tutorials. So easy and awesomes. Nice job !

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  19. Great project Kris!
    Thanks for sharing!
    :)Shan

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  20. Just stumbled across your blog and this fun project. I am now a follower. Thanks so much for sharing your secrets for making these prim books. Tina

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