DIY Network

Nature Lover's Journal Create the perfect scrapbooking journal for the nature lover in your life. From "Scrap" episode DSCD-103

Host Scott Petti shows his friend Adjani how to make a journal that is perfect for any nature lover. While camping, simply collect samples of plant life, pine cones, etc. and press into a book. In addition, take photos of the habitat area, make an aerial view map, or a journal to document each day. Scott will put it all together in a Habitat Almanac!

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	Host Scott Petti shows his friend how to make this unique Nature Lover's Journal.

Nature Lover's Journal

Project designed by Scott Petti.

Materials:

field guides to insect, rocks and birds
natural artifacts (leaves, flowers, small rocks, sticks, pods, etc.)
map of habitat
large inexpensive artist portfolio
blank notebooks
specialty papers in various colors and textures
gel medium
epoxy

1. Start with a 20 x 20 area of habitat, i.e. wooded area.

2. Collect plant life and tree leaves and then press them in a book.

3. Collect other rocks and textured items.

4. Draw an aerial map of your location or get an aerial shot from the internet.

5. Take pictures, journal your thoughts, and sketch the environment.

6. After your study is complete you are ready to create your study for all to enjoy.

7. Begin with an inexpensive artist portfolio with side flaps. To create your own flaps simple adhere heavy cardstock to the sides of the portfolio.

8. Cover the entire portfolio with various earthy, natural papers. With the scraps cover your sketchbook, photo album, and journal.

9. Adhere these mini-albums with a strong adhesive to the inside cover of the portfolio.

10. On the facing page adhere the natural artifacts you found (leaves, flowers, mini pine cones).

11. Start with a small square of paper, brush with gel medium.

12. The place the flower and cover with additional gel medium. It will dry clear and seal the flower.

13. Then matte the square on another piece of natural paper using gel medium as you adhesive.

14. Attach to the portfolio. When choosing location be sure that the bulky artifacts will not be crushed by the mini albums when the portfolio is closed.

15. Attach additional photos and the map onto the flaps.

16. For the outside cover, use a real bark based paper and tear a window for a cover photo. Beware that this is not acid-free and should not be used with valuable photos.

17. To make the handle, use a stick. Then wrap a natural pod for more texture. Then tear small holes in the paper to epoxy the handle directly to the portfolio for added strength.

Next: Suitcase Pocket Page

RESOURCES :

General Scrapbook Supplies and Tools
EK Success
Website: www.eksuccess.com

Specialty Papers
Art Store
Website: www/dickblick.com