Welcome September! I am grateful for cooler temperatures. I am sad that summer went by so quickly (it always does) but look forward to fall as it is my favorite season.

I have been in limbo for a week with my web site. After 14 years with Go Daddy, there has been ongoing problems with it. I have been waiting since last Thursday to log in and keeping my fingers crossed they may have finally “fixed” it correctly.

Today, I want to share with you this Pumpkin Tea Stained Journal I made and how to make one.

Mixed Media Paper: First I pre-cut the papers using my trimmer. My journal today measures 9 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide. I held back one sheet for my cover and trimmed that just a tad bit larger then the inserts that will go inside.

Tea Staining: I started out by tea staining papers in my oven. The paper is mixed media sheets you can find in a pad at the craft section in Walmart. I use a 9 x 13 dish that has strong brewed tea. The papers I dip into the mixture and let them sit for a few mins. Then I bring them out and allow the access to drip off in the glass pan. Next, I place them on a cookie sheet. You can over lap them a wee bit if need be. My oven is on 200 degrees. I place them in the oven for 20 minute intervals. For this project, I also included a tea stained envelope.

Drying: Sometimes it may take a longer amount of time for your papers to dry. If that is the case you can take them outside, hang them from a clothesline etc. Once they are dry, often I iron them to make them lay flat. I always use a pressing towel.

Digital Tags: In my project, I used these wonderful pumpkin tags from CompassandInk that were found on Etsy here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CompassandInk

I also printed postcards from this shop (vintagebyme): https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagebyme

I printed them at home using Microsoft Word and my printer.

Ephemera: I used a reproduction Sears Catalog (reprinted in the early 1970’s) and the pages to make inserts. I also have old music sheets.

Assemblage: To assemble the journal I compiled the tea stained papers and ephemera pages alternating them. Once I was pleased with it, I hand stitched the signature on to the cover. There are many Youtube videos on how to make a signature.

I made pockets on the interior of the journal to tuck little items inside.

Decoration: I then started the process on decorating the journal with the tags, postcards, lace, etc. I also decorated the cover using book pages, laces, buttons, tag and ribbon to close the journal. I used Fabric Tac to glue down the lace and buttons. I also inserted some vanilla cardstock that was embossed into pockets.

I hope you enjoy learning about the process of creating a handmade journal and attempt making your own!