Some art projects make you go “Hmm.”
Awhile back at a yard sale, I picked up a bag of ethnic-looking fabric scraps that the owner had almost tossed in the trash. The horror! My vision was to make my own East Indian-inspired journal with the help of a hardback book and a jar of decoupage medium.
I made it and loved it, but when I showed it off, everyone had a different take.
“It looks African.” “No, it looks Indonesian!”
Now that I look at it again, I’m feeling a Moroccan vibe. Regardless, this fabric collage is far from the beautiful exotic artwork from any of those places, but it sure is fun to assemble. Use this process to embellish a blank journal or travel diary, or to add an exotic spike to an altered book. Either way, remember – beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Moroccan-inspired Journal or Altered Book Cover
Supplies
1 large hardcover book
Assorted scrap pieces of dark printed fabrics
Decoupage medium and brush
Shiny ribbon/trim, sequins, small mirrors
Silver glitter squeeze paint
Hot glue
Scissors
Directions: Lay the pieces of fabric on the book and arrange them in an eye-appealing manner. Cut into shapes if desired. Paint the entire surface of the book’s cover with a generous layer of decoupage medium. Apply the pieces. Rub your fingers over the surface to smooth out any bubbles. Apply a topcoat of the Mod Podge over the fabric. Let dry. Use hot glue to add trim and/or ribbon, sequins, mirrors, etc.
TIP: You can use this on any kind of smooth surface, like boxes, maybe a blank canvas, a lamp shade, etc…
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* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2008.
