Easy Mixed Media Art : How to Make a Vintage Book Art Journal

In this video, I demonstrate how to convert a hardback book into an art journal. This is a great option for creating a one-of-a-kind book that you can use to paint, sketch, collage, and write in. I hope you give it a try and if you do be sure and let me know how it turns out.
If you have any thoughts, questions, or comments I'd love to hear them. And if you enjoyed this video please like and subscribe. Thanks so much for watching.
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LINKS TO PRODUCTS:
Vintage Book Art Journal (pre-made) - pamhemmerling.com/other
Vintage Ephemera: Sewing Patterns, Maps, Paper - pamhemmerling.com/other
Catalyst Wedge - amzn.to/3Vo7iPr
Silicone Color Shaper - amzn.to/3MGH73W
Simply Simmons Brush Set - amzn.to/3NA9O3m
Liquitex Matte Medium - amzn.to/3qoGXoW
Liquitex Clear Gesso - amzn.to/3IWFNrk
Handy Art White Gesso - amzn.to/3qq2Rbu
Deli Paper (similar) - amzn.to/3N8GBfa
Mark Making Tools for Pottery (similar) - amzn.to/3IjbZVt
Plastic Artist Tray (similar) - amzn.to/43aAiNa
Please note that products may contain affiliate links. When you buy using one of the links, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you and helps to support my channel.

[@pambuike4587]

What a great idea...paint the covers! I have spent a lot of time in thrift stores looking for a certain color book cover...what an easy solution.....paint, and then I would distress and add a little grunge.....now why didn't I think of that?! Thanks Pam.....my brain is now in overdrive creating that perfect journal cover......

[@pamhemmerling]

I only had the idea when I needed a lot of books in a similar color palette for my daughter's wedding. I used craft paint not artist's grade so it wasn't quite as opaque. Let me know if you give it a try.

[@lifewithpatti9531]

Omgosh I’m going to our used book store on my lunch break today to look for a book to do this.

[@pamhemmerling]

Oh, I hope you do--I love using an old book as an art journal! Let me know if you make one Patti.

[@freezo244]

That is a wonderful old hardback you found!

[@pamhemmerling]

I agree! I love the size and paper of the book. I've had it for a while--I'm a bit of a book hoarder!

[@andreaharley4047]

Hi Pam, there is something very special about these old books. In my.opinion they.make the nicest art journals.👍👍👍

[@pamhemmerling]

I agree Andrea. They are wonky and imperfect which is a space that is easier for me to create in! I admire the expensive and beautiful sketchbooks and art journals that other artists work in but I think I'd have a hard time actually using them.

[@chrismahieu5352]

Because the remains of the removed pages do bother me, I make sure that they fit in between the pages I glue together. Just been prepping a small vintage journal to take with me on holiday in the peace and quiet of the French countryside.

[@pamhemmerling]

I totally understand what you are saying Chris -- the removed pages can visually change the look and create an unevenness in the book. I bet your journal is lovely though. And the idea of a holiday in the French countryside sounds amazing!

[@recreepy]

This piece is a visual treasure, a testament to the boundless possibilities of art.big like!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for your kind words and enthusiasm! I love the idea of boundless possibilities!

[@maryanneharris6815]

You are a wonderful teacher !! Best video I’ve seen about this subject. Thank you so much.

[@pamhemmerling]

Maryanne, you made my day! So glad you found the video helpful!

[@lynlyn567]

Love your videos .. thank you❤😊

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you are enjoying them--hope they are inspiring you!

[@caroldurst2834]

Thank you

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for watching Carol! Glad you found the video helpful.

[@sundancemom6143]

May I make a suggestion? If a book is made with signatures, tearing out pages will only result in the other half of the pages falling out. It’s best to use a book with glued-in pages. OR, if you are using a book that has signatures, you can take a ruler, line it up against the attached end of the page, and tear out the rest of the page. This way, about one inch of the signature page that is sewn-in, is still intact. See… kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5O2mHycprqSgrcsi=msn_XMzmeV8r2jxH

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for sharing all that info Leah--such a great idea for anyone have issues with pages coming out. Your channel seems filled with fun and helpful journal tutorials.

[@sharonromer6606]

👍❤🇺🇸

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks!

[@pambuike4587]

Although not used in this video, I have been wanting to ask what soft pastels would you suggest? So may different ones and just want a small set or a few to begin with.......

[@pamhemmerling]

My favorites are Sennelier & Unison Soft Pastels because they are so soft but unfortunately, they are also on the pricey side. I also like Rembrandt which is a harder pastel but more affordable. I know it's hard to decide when you don't know how, if, or when you will use them.

[@pambuike4587]

@@pamhemmerling thanks for the suggestions, I will definately look into them. You are such a bad influence on me lol. I keep checking your subscriber numbers......you are getting so close to that 1000! Well earned and I am so happy for you.

[@pambuike4587]

@@pamhemmerling update on the Chalk pastels....just ordered a small set of 6 by Sennelier!

[@pamhemmerling]

@@pambuike4587 Glad to have you tracking me! It is exciting but I also need the 4000 watch hours and I'm only halfway there.

[@pamhemmerling]

@@pambuike4587 Fingers crossed that you like them! I don't mean to be a bad influence!! Or, well maybe I do!

[@beritbranch2436]

I like you

[@pamhemmerling]

That's sweet of you to say.