Sir Vagabond in Japan Travel Journal: Using Rice Papers for Covers

Hi crafty friends. It’s Kristine and I’m here today with one more journal project for you. Once again, I will be featuring the fabulous Sir Vagabond in Japan collection. However, today, I will show you how you can use the rice papers from the collection to make the base for a beautiful journal cover. For my project, I will be using the red texture rice paper for the covers and the lamps rice paper for the spine. Once finished, we will decorate the cover using images from the Sir Vagabond in Japan Collectables papers. Also, I will use some of the Sir Vagabond Wooden pieces to embellish the cover and spine.

Other supplies you will need for this project include an old book or chipboard. For my journal, I will be using an old book that I removed the pages from. An adhesive such as Mod Podge (or similar) will be needed for applying the rice papers. Also, I will use thin cording to create ridges in my spine and distress inks to give the cover a worn look. The journal will feature a ribbon closure using eyelets. Finally, on the cover and throughout the pages, I used the gears plate that comes with the Graphic 45 regular tag die set.

Preparing Your Journal Cover

The first step in preparing your journal cover is to remove the pages if you are using an old book like I am. Then, we will begin adding the cording to the spine. These pieces are best to be adhered using a fabric glue. First, cut sections of cording to the width of your spine. Then, measure where on your spine you want to place the pieces. As you can see in the second picture below, my cording pairs are spaced approximately 3/4” apart and 2” between each pair.

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Once the cording is dry, we will begin adding the rice papers to the cover. First, measure the size of your front and back covers. These will be two separate pieces cut from the red texture rice paper. We will be wrapping the rice papers around the edges and securing to the inside of the covers. So, when trimming your papers, make sure there is enough to wrap around the edges. Then, use the Mod Podge, or similar, to apply the rice papers. Line up the edge of the rice paper with the spine piece and wrap around the three remaining edges.

Covering the Spine with Rice Papers

In order to cover the spine, cut a piece of the lanterns rice paper wide enough to wrap onto the front and back covers slightly. Start by adding glue to the entire spine section, making sure there is enough glue over top the cording. From the top, form the rice paper around the cording and smooth flat. Then, work down the rest of the spine piece until fully covered.

Next, add your adhesive to the side pieces and secure the rice papers to the front and back covers. On my journal, I only have a small overlap on my front cover, but a larger piece on the back. While the edge on my front cover is straight, the one on my back is uneven due to how the rice paper covers the cording. We will cover this seam later.

Decorating the Inside

To cover the inside, use the two sheets from the Collectables papers. These will need to be trimmed to fit inside your covers. For my covers, I added a ribbon below the paper on the outer edges to add some metallic fibers inside. Then, I added glue to the entire backside of the papers and adhered to the covers. Next, cut a piece from one of your rice papers for the inside spine. Using rice papers here will add a bit of strength to the spine piece. Be sure the piece is wide enough to extend onto the front and back covers slightly (~ 1/2” is enough).

Apply adhesive to the entire spine piece to form a solid bond and add the rice papers.. Then, add a layer of adhesive over the top of the rice papers, making sure the edges are well adhered. Allow the cover to dry completely (overnight if possible) before you begin to bend the covers.

Add Embellishments to the Rice Papers

Now it’s time to embellish the journal cover. If you want your cover to look worn or vintage, use distress inks now. Then, select any images from the Collectables papers that you want to feature. I chose one of the Sir Vagabond images with the samurai sword. Next, select one of the sentiments from the Collectables sheets. Using the Graphic 45 gears plate that comes with the regular tag die, cut gears from metallic paper. Then, snip apart the gears so you have a few pieces in small clusters. Select a few of the gears from the Wooden shapes and the Travel Journal piece. Begin arranging the embellishments on the cover.

To apply your embellishments to the rice papers, you can use Mod Podge or another strong adhesive. Start with one section at a time and add each layer to the front cover. For the wooden pieces, press them firmly to the rice papers until they adhere completely.

For the back cover, cut one strip of the Collectables paper with all of the circles. Attach it to the righthand side to cover the seam in the rice papers.

Optional: Spine Dangle

Once the cover is dry, you can add a spine dangle like mine if you choose. To do this, first poke two holes into your cover. I pierced my holes between the pair of cording at the top, approximately 1/2” apart. Then, cut a length of twine approximately 6” long. From the inside, insert the cording through the two holes and pull through to the outer spine.

Next, cut two more lengths of twine approximately 7-8” each. Lay the two piece of twine down the spine so they fall between the two ends poked through the spine. Then, tie a knot in the two end pieces to secure the other twine pieces to the spine. One at a time, add a knot in the two longer twine pieces over the knot securing them to the spine.

Finally, use the Sir Vagabond Wooden gears and tie one gear onto the end of each piece of twine. You will have to pierce a small hole into each piece first to be able to attach them.

Bonus: Two More Journal Inserts

As a little extra, I want to share two more inserts I made for my Sir Vagabond journal. One insert is a trifold wallet with pockets for tags to journal. The second is a pocket and tag that I made with my Graphic 45 regular tag die and square tag die. Throughout the journal, I also used the gears from the regular tag die as page embellishments.

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I hope you have found this tutorial helpful. If you are new to using rice papers, I recommend trying them! They’re surprisingly easy to use and Stamperia offers several rice papers for each of their collections. Check out the FotoBella online store today to see all of the great options available to purchase.

Until next time, happy crafting!

~Kristine, FotoBella Design Team Member

Graphic 45 Monthly Series: February Tag Tutorial features Dies, Diecuts

Tag created with the February Fashion Forward Paper Collection

Dies & Diecuts are once again the stars of today’s tutorial. Hi Crafty Friends! ReNae here with the Fototbella.com Design Team bringing you Part 2 of my February Card & Tag series. Last week we utilized dies & diecuts to create a beautiful card, and today we will complete this set with a beautiful tag! This tag is a perfect compliment to the card we made in my last post! These two lovelies are perfect for a birthday card and gift tag, or any other special occasion where. you just want the recipient to know you love them and you care.

The Paper Collection

For today’s tag tutorial we are once again using the February papers from the Graphic 45 “Fashion Forward” paper collection. The papers are stunning, bright and subtle pinks, with a touch of green, and those gorgeous snow drops! These beautiful flowers bloom in February, reminding us that Spring is not far away!

This Month’s Focus: Dies & Diecuts

I am highlighting the use of Graphic 45’s Dies & Diecuts in both of this month’s tutorials. Two Graphic 45 dies and one diecut are used for this month’s tag. Using dies & diecuts in combination with the design papers can create beautiful results!

Dies & Diecuts: What You’ll Need

First of all you will need the stars of the show, the Graphic 45 Dies & Diecuts. We will use both the Graphic 45 Regular Tag & Gears die, and the Graphic 45 Square Tag & Clock Dies. Secondly, you will need the Fashion Forward diecut assortment. Note: If you prefer to make your own flowers from the design paper, I recommend the Graphic 45 Large Tag, ATC Tag and Flower Dies which come all together in one pack!

Supplies List for Tag Tutorial

• 1” x 4” Pink Scalloped paper from Fashion Forward Patterns & Solids pad
• 1 1/4” x 4 1/2” Snowdrop patterned paper (B side of February paper)
• Sentiments strip from February paper
• Graphic 45 Regular Tag & Gears Die
• Graphic 45 Large Tag Die and Clock Die
• Shiny black paper measuring 3” x 4 “ (for diecuts)
• Graphic 45 Diecuts
• 4 Flowers 2 in Pink and 2 in Green ( Or Large Tag, ATC, Flowers Dies)
• 4 buttons
• Embroidery floss in pink, green
• Picked Raspberry Distress Oxide Ink
• Twisted Citron Distress Oxide Ink
• Graphic 45 Classic Black Ink Pad
• Ink applicator blending tool
• Shimmer Sparkle Spray
• Wet Glue or Scor-Tape
• Embossing Folders (optional)
• Regular Graphic 45 tag (black)
• Coordinating Ribbons in Pink, Green.

Here’s what you’ll need to create the tag

Embossing tag diecut

Ink edges of tag with Distress Ink

Ink edges of flags and flowers

Create rounded corner on flag.

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The February Tag Tutorial: Dies & Diecuts

Continuing our focus On Dies & Diecuts, our cute tag is made exactly the same way that the February Card was made with the following exceptions:

• Instead of black panel, cut a tag diecut using the regular tag die from the Pink paper from Patterns & Solids, then emboss it using embossing folder of your choice.
• Cut the two strips for flags to measure 1 1/4“ and 1” x 4”.
• Instead of using frame die, select clock dies and cut from shiny black paper and adhere to tag.
• Select round sticker of the same girl image from sticker sheet then adhere to center of clock die.
• Tie coordinating ribbons to tag as shown.

Cut out clock die then adhere to front of tag

Remove round sticker of a girl and powder in the back to create a diecut

Yes pop darts to adhere image to tag in center of clock

Add flowers and sentiment to tag

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Journal Inserts: Four Easy Ideas Featuring Vagabond in Japan

Hi crafty friends. It’s Kristine and I’m back today with another project featuring Sir Vagabond. For my last project, I used the original Sir Vagabond papers from Stamperia to create a folio. Today, we will be working with the Sir Vagabond in Japan collection to create inserts for a journal. However, these inserts could also be tucked inside pockets of a mini album. With the Japanese inspired images, these papers are ideal for a travel journal. The color palate consists of vintage red, purple, and blue hues. Images of Vagabond, old maps, and waves give the collection an “Old World” vibe.

Supplies Needed

Our journal inserts will feature papers from the Sir Vagabond in Japan Collectables pack and the Background papers. However, I will use a metallic gold and Kraft cardstock to create the base of my inserts. In this post, I will also use the Large Tag die from Graphic 45 to make one of the inserts. If you don’t own this die set, you can use a corner rounder or scissors instead. A file folder die or an envelope punch board will help create one insert for your journal. However, you can use scissors just as easily. Finally, you will need a few brads or eyelets and twine for two inserts.

Journal Inserts 1 & 2: Booklet and Pocket

To make the first two inserts, cut two pieces of cardstock to the size to 3 1/2” x 12”. Next, score at 2” and 7 1/2”, round the top corners, and fold to make two trifolds.

Then, cut two pieces of Vagabond paper to 1 3/4” x 3 1/4” and round the bottom two corners of each piece. Cut two circles from the Collectables paper. Next, place an eyelet or a brad through the center of each circle and 1/2” from the top edge of the decorative paper. Glue one piece to the top of the inserts.

The Booklet

Using one of the inserts, cut a piece of Vagabond paper to 3 1/4” x 4 1/4”. Then, cut another circle from the Collectables paper. Pierce a hole through the center, insert a brad, and place the circle 1 3/4” from the bottom of the paper. Next, tie twine to the brad underneath the circle closure and glue to the bottom of the insert. Cut pieces of plain paper to 3 1/4” x 10 1/2”, scoring at 5 1/4” to make a journal booklet. Pierce two holes in the papers and through the 7 1/2” score line and stitch the papers into the insert. Finally, add a fussy cut piece to the back side. The booklet is ready for your journal.

The Pocket

Start by rounding the bottom two corners and fold on the score lines of the second insert. Then, cut a piece of Vagabond paper to 3 1/4” x 4 1/4”. Next, cut a circle from the Collectables paper. Pierce a hole through the center, insert a brad, and place the circle 1 3/4” from the bottom of the paper. Tie twine to the brad underneath the circle and glue to the bottom of the insert. Cut a piece of the Vagabond paper to 1 1/2” x 3 1/4”. Glue inside the insert under the 2” score line. Then, add glue to each side of the bottom flap and fold up to form the pocket. Finally, cut a piece of Vagabond paper to 1 3/4” x 3 1/4”, round the top corners, and glue to the inside top flap. This pocket can be removable or glued onto a journal page.

Journal Insert 3: Gatefold Pocket

First, cut two pieces of cardstock using the Graphic 45 large die. Then, turn the die around and use on the bottom edge of the die cut. Each piece should be approximately 8 1/2” long. Next, score both pieces at 2 3/8” from each end and fold inward on each score line to create a gatefold.

Next, cut 1/4” past the score line on one of the inserts to create a long and short piece. Cut a piece of Vagabond paper to 3 1/2” x 3 3/4” and glue to the center of the gatefold piece. Then, glue the 1/4” tab of the short piece to the bottom edge of the gatefold piece. Add glue to the sides and flip up to create a pocket.

Next, cut two pieces of Vagabond paper to 2 1/4” x 3 3/4”. Then, use the top of the tag die to cut the shape to fit and glue to the outside of each flap. Next, cut a piece of cardstock to 2” x 4 3/4” and score at 1/2” and 4 1/4”. Fold on the score lines and glue the 1/2” flaps to the back side of the gatefold piece.

Using the remaining section of the second gatefold, cut a piece of Vagabond paper for the top using the steps above and glue to the top section. Add 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” decorative papers to the front and back square sections to create a journaling tag. Next, slide this entire piece down the back of the gatefold and into the band on the backside. Then, attach a 20” piece of twine to the back of the piece to tie the entire insert closed. When adding to your journal, only add glue to the 2” band on the backside of the insert.

Journal Insert 4: File Folder

If you have a file folder die, such as the one from Graphic 45, you can use it here. However, I will use my envelope punch board to create my file folder. First, cut a piece of cardstock to 5” x 6 3/4” and score at 3 1/4” on the 6 3/4” side. Measuring 1 3/4” from one edge and use the punch board to create a notch, or use scissors. Then, create a second notch close to the edge of the piece. Use scissors or a knife to cut from the bottom of the notch to the edges of the piece and use a corner rounder on all corners.

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Now, to decorate the folder, cut a piece of Vagabond paper to 3 1/2” x 4 3/4”. Use the punch board to cut the tab using the steps above. Round the top corners and glue the piece to the back of the folder. Next, cut a strip of paper to 5” and glue toward the bottom front of the folder. Finally add a fussy cut piece over the border to create a focal point. You may choose to add decorative paper to the inside of your folder, too.

I hope that you have enjoyed making these four inserts for your own journal. In my next post, I will show you how to use Stamperia rice papers to make a journal cover. And as a bonus, I will share two more fun inserts for your journal. Don’t forget to head over to the FotoBella online store to pick up all of the Sir Vagabond supplies today.

Until next time, happy crafting!

~Kristine, FotoBella Design Team Member

Graphic 45 Monthly Series: February Card Tutorial features Dies, Diecuts

February Card

Hi Crafty peeps! ReNae here with the FotoBella Design Team! I’m here with another card tutorial for our year-long Graphic 45 Card & Tag series. The focus of this tutorial will be making a card using Dies & Diecuts from Graphic 45.

The Collection

For this card tutorial we are using the February papers from Graphic 45’s “Fashion Forward” paper collection. The papers are just stunning-- both the bright and subtle pinks with just a touch of green and black. They highlight the darling white snowdrops, which bloom in Febuary . These three-petal white flowers are so pretty, with a single drooping blossom on each stem. They remind us that Spring is just around the corner!

Let the fun begin!

The Focus is on Dies & Diecuts for this Card Tutorial

This month I am highlighting the use of dies & diecuts in card making. Why? Well, first of all, I love the Graphic 45 dies! They cut the prettiest frames, borders, words and images for your projects! The diecuts, which come in a pack of 51, coordinate perfectly with the Graphic 45 paper. They give us an embellishment with no fussy cutting required! Pairing a die with a diecut can create a beautiful and unique embellishment to your card!

Pairing Dies & Diecuts to create a unique embellishment

A perfect pair

What You’ll Need for the Card Tutorial

Here are the products and tools you will need to complete this card:

• One 5” x 6 1/2” Card base in Ivory or White
• Fashion Forward February Papers
• 5” x 6 1/2” Pink Scalloped paper from Fashion Forward Patterns & Solids pad
• Apple green card stock measuring 4 3/4” x 6 1/4”
• 4 5/8” x 6 1/8 Black paper from Fashion Forward Patterns & Solids pad
• snowdrop patterned paper (B side of February paper) cut at 4 3/4 “ x 1 1/4”
• 4” x 7/8” strip Pink Scalloped paper from Fashion Forward Patterns & Solids
• Sentiments strip from February paper
• Graphic 45 Policy & Decorative Dies Frame
• Shiny black paper measuring 3” x 4 “ (for frame)
• Graphic 45 Diecuts
• 4 Flowers 2 in Pink and 2 in Green
• 4 buttons
• Embroidery floss in pink, green
• Picked Raspberry Distress Oxide Ink
• Twisted Citron Distress Oxide Ink
• Graphic 45 Classic Black Ink Pad
• Ink applicator blending tool
• Shimmer Sparkle Spray
• Wet Glue or Scor-Tape
• Embossing Folders (optional)
• Pink doily

What you will need to create this card

Dies & Diecuts: The February Card Tutorial

Note: Below you will see a series of dots below a photograph. These dots indicate that there are more than one photo. Just click on the arrow located halfway down either side of the photo, and you will see the next photo. Now, let’s get started!

Gather supplies for cardmaking including paper, frame, buttons and flowers

Cut frame and diecut from frame die

Emboss black panel

Ink edges and raised areas of panel

Embossed black panel

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Part 1

1. Before assembling card, cut out all 3 panels, including pink scalloped, green and black according to specs above. Ink all edges with Distress Oxide Ink.
2. Using Graphic 45 frame die, cut out black frame as shown.
3. Emboss black panel as shown (optional).

The flags will look like this

Cut 1/2 " in center of strip, then cut at diagonal to create flags

Place doily on black panel slightly off edge

Select girl image, cut to fit using Graphic 45 frame die

Adhere flags to panel on top of doily lining the floral flag up with the side of the black panel. Ink edges. Trim doily on left side of panel.

Using pop dots, adhere image to center of doily

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Part 2

1. Cut strips for banners using specs above, then create flags by cutting a 1/2 inch cut in the center of each flag. Cut at a diagonal to create flags.
2. Adhere pink doily to black panel, with left side slightly off edge.
3. Select girl image and cut image to fit frame using the Graphic 45 frame die.
4. Adhere flags to panel on top of doily, lining the floral flag up with the side of the black panel, and the pink scalloped flag halfway on top of the floral flag. Make sure the tops of the flags line up with the top of the black panel.
5. Using pop dots, adhere the diecut girl image to the center of the pink doily.

Place black frame over diecut image and adhere with wet glue. Use Scor Tape to layer pink and green panels to card base. Adhere black panel to card base.

Sew an X in button holes with embroidery floss.

Finished flowers

Adhere flowers to card front as desired Select a sentiment and ink edges. Adhere to card.

I finished off my card with two sentiments. I sprayed a shimmer spray over the card, masking the focal image. In real life, this card shines!

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Part 3

1. Adhere the large pink panel to card base with Scor Tape.
2. Next, adhere green panel to card base on top of pink panel.
3. Finally, adhere black panel (doily and flags) to card base using Scor Tape.
4. Using wet glue, adhere black frame to card base directly over the top of the girl image.
5. Using embroidery floss, sew an x into all buttons. Use opposite color for thread. ( Pink on green buttons, green on pink buttons).
6. Glue the buttons to the corresponding flower bases. Let dry.
7. Adhere flowers to card front as shown, or as desired!
8. Cut the sentiment (s) of your choice from the sentiment strips.
9. Use black dye ink to distress edges of strip if desired.
10. Adhere sentiment strip to card front as shown.
11. Spray card with Shimmer Sparkle spray if desired, making sure to mask image of girl before spraying.
12. Adhere or stamp a sentiment to inside of card if desired.

February Card & Tag “Dies & Diecuts”

More Dies and Diecuts Coming Soon!

Be sure to check back for the February “Tag “Tutorial! Coming Soon to the FotoBella.com Blog!

Happy Cardmaking!

ReNae