Palette Indigo Pocket Folio

Hello friends,

I am absolutely in love with this Pocket Folio project! It gave me the perfect excuse to dive into the Palette Indigo paper pack, which honestly contains some of my favorite designs of the entire Palette series.
To bring this piece to life, I layered in several idea-ology staples, including Portraits, Collage Frames, and Memoir Ephemera. At first glance, you might notice the "sewn" details throughout the journal—but here is the best part: this is a completely no-sew project. I didn’t touch a sewing machine or a needle for a single page! Proof that you can get that beautiful tailored look by picking the right products!

Here is a Pocket Folio in the package. You can see how the Folio unfolds so the "pockets" are at the bottom. Because the covers are independent from the center zig-zag, I'm going to turn it upside down (compared to the image on the cover). So instead of having pockets, I'll have flaps. 

Now lets get started!

I'm using the 8 x 8" Indigo paper pack for this project since the scale is perfect for a journal of this size. I've cut multiple papers to cover the inside of the Folio...and of course used Collage Medium to adhere the paper. I don't think it matters what paper goes where, but I will show you the papers I've chosen. Again, notice the flaps are at the TOP.

Section 1 and 2

Section 3 and 4

Section 5 and 6

I added the very important layer of Collage Medium over the flap paper to seal it, so I could add Walnut Stain Distress Crayon once it is dry. I like the crayon color and texture, which I think adds to the overall look of the journal.

While the flaps are drying, I started to gather a few products I thought might work in this journal. I've chosen Collage Frames, Paper Doll Portraits, and three transparencies from the Transparent Things pack.

NOTE: I had two packs of the Collage Frames so I used a total of 6 large frames from this project (one Collage Frames pack has 4 large frames).

So about the Paper Doll Portraits...they were tinted by me with Distress Crayons. Since these are going into a journal, I sprayed them with a Fixative once they were tinted. This keeps the crayon secure (when the pages rub together). You can find a can of Fixative in the Fine Art department of most craft stores - near the pastels.

Set one for the Collage Fames

And another set of three for the inside of the folio.

So now lets add the first set to three Collage Frames. I used a transparency in the background.

Then added more double sided tape to add a second Collage Frame on the back. If you only have 1 pack of frames you could always cut some cardstock to mimic the frame on the back.

Here it is with the second frame attached to the tape.

When the frame is placed on the flap, you can see that you'll need about 2" of tape to add the frame.

It should look just like this. I used the grid on my glass mat as a guide for the tape length.

Now add the frame to the flap. 

Here is the inside of the flap (we'll take care of decorating this area in a minute).

Now add two more of the Portraits to Collage Frames. 

This one will be added to section 3

And this one will go on section 5.

Section 2, 4 and 6 are blank pages (other than paper). Use Collage Medium to add Memoir Ephemera to each of the three sections. Also, it is very important to add a thin layer of Collage Medium over the top of the paper and ephemera to seal.

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Once the Collage Medium is completely dry, start adding embellishments like Cello Sticker Tape, vintage trims, vintage buttons and Stitched Scraps (the sewing is already done for you!).

I scribbled the crayon on the glass mat, then picked it up with an old brush. Admittedly, I went back and adding more crayon, scribbling directly on the page.

Here are the three ephemera sections once the Distress Crayon was added:

I LOVE how you can build up the crayon on and around the Cello Tape!

So lets swing back to the underside of the flaps! 

I have added Collage Paper to cover the blank side of the flap. Here are the steps to do it:

1. Cut or rip a piece to fit flap.

2. Cover flap with Collage Medium.

3. Lay the cut piece into the glue and smooth out with brush.

4. Add another layer of Collage Medium over the top.

5. Let dry, then sand away the excess paper and add crayon to the edges.

I decided to add more Ephemera from the Memoir pack + Clippings, Postmarked stamps and Cello Sticker Tape under each flap. Of course if you want to use crayon later like I did, you must seal the paper with Collage Medium before doing so. 

The three Portraits were added with Thin 3D Foam Squares on the top half, then glued at the bottom with Collage Medium.

Inside of Section 1

Inside of Section 3

Inside of Section 5

Outside of the front and back cover. I picked my favorite Indigo floral for the cover, then use 4 different scraps on the back cover.

Inside of the two covers. Front on the left, back on the right.

Notice that the back cover on the right has a flap? This book has a reversible cover - if you want the flap on the front, you can do that. I'm keeping it on the back and will make it a pocket.

I added Large Fasteners to the corners of the flap and smashed them with the Texture Hammer. The flap was ten secured with Scor-tape at the top and bottom to make the pocket. This gave the appearance the Fasteners were securing the flap, when in fact it was just double-sided tape that was doing the job.

I added Crayon to the cover to give it an aged appearance. I also inked the twill that comes with the Pocket Folio by making a puddle of gathered Twigs ink and a bit of Antique Linen (plus water) on the glass mat. I sprayed the twill with water, then dipped it into the ink puddle soaking up the ink. Once satisfied, I dried the twill with a heat tool. 

Once dry, you can wrap the Pocket Folio with the twill and add any embellishments. I added vintage buttons and a Snippets Number Strip with Collage Medium.

The only piece I added to the cover itself was the black strip from the Memoir pack.

Here are photos of the finished Pocket Folio:

Hoping you like this project as much as I do. Grateful for Tim and his idea to bring the Palette fabric series to life as paper! It has brought so much enjoyment reminiscing about all the great designs!

Now carry on,

paula

The Best is Yet to Come

Hello Friends,

I’m excited to share a new idea-ology project blooming with springtime florals. My inspiration for this panel actually came from a beautiful fabric bag created by my friend Richele Christensen. She used a Palette Orange fabric called Botanical—a long-time favorite of mine—and I couldn't get the print out of my head. I decided to translate Richele’s textile vision into a paper version, bringing a bit of her "fabric side" over to the paper side of the Palette.

I started with a large Etcetera Panel as my base. I used Collage Medium to cover the panel with a sheet of the Palette Orange Botanical print (12 x 12"). I added Collage Medium over the top to seal the paper.

Once dry, I added crayon to the edges of the panel.

I chose two pieces of coordinating ephemera from the Palette Ephemera pack. I stitched the edges on the machine. Since I used cream thread, I decided to ink the thread with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.

On the ends that were not stitched, I tore through the paper and also inked the torn edges. I always spritz the inked edges with water to make the ink wick into the paper. Dry with a heat tool before gluing to the panel.

I used Scor-tape to add the ephemera to the panel.

Next up, is the house shape from an Etcetera Facade pack. I left the pop out center in place and covered the entire front of the shape with a sheet of Backdrop paper that I thought really worked with the Botanical paper (Backdrops 4 - Neutral pack). 

I added multiple strips of Design Tape Trims to the house shape for decoration.

I did add Collage Medium over the tape to permanently secure it to the surface. Then set it aside to dry.

I chose a favorite Paper Doll from the groups pack and colored it with Distress Crayons in Saltwater Taffy, Aged Mahogany, Faded Jeans, and Rustic Wilderness. I used a Detailer Water Brush to add a plaid pattern to the mans pants.

I also combined an Optical Lens and a Date Dial with a bit of Collage Medium. Once dry, I tied string around the stem to cover the number that was upside down (with the stem on the left).

Now combine the house shape, the Optical Lens and the Paper Doll. I used three double-stacks of foam squares on the back of the Paper Dolls so they above the Optical Lens.

I also used 3D foam squares to add the house shape Facade to the panel covering the gap between the ephemera. 

Now I need a sentiment - I combined a Quote Chip Label and a Label Frame. Then I decided to use my cutting knife to shove shredded cheesecloth into the crack between label and the frame for added texture. I also needed to add a bingo chip to the back on the right side so it will sit level with the house shape.

Once I added the label to the panel, I added vintage buttons to the right end. No I didn't stitch them on. I collect vintage buttons with the thread still in them - they are like gold to me! So all I had to do was glue them in place and let them dry.

I also created a small collage of Palette ephemera in the top right corner. Just stuff I liked and thought would bring out the green in the paper. I did add thin foam squares under the butterfly so it sits slightly above the collage.

I guess I forgot to mention the vintage lace that run along the brown ephemera. It was just a piece that I had in my stash and thought it looked good with the theme.

Love this little cluster!

You can see that vintage lace much better here,

I hope you liked this one. The colors and vintage vibe are right in my wheelhouse so this makes me very happy. And we all could use a little reminder of good things to come, right?

Now carry on,

paula