e's a look at the front and back of the book, as well as the inside of the last page. I loved using recycled papers to make the book.
Here's a little bit about how I made this book. First, I saved papers for a few weeks. Anything that could be used to make a scrapbook, I saved. I used a girl scout cookies box, several paper shopping bags, a fabric bag and some cardboard coffee cozies.
Step 1: Trim all pages. I chose a 6x6 inch size for my book. The pages don't have to match exactly, but they will be easier to bind if they are nearly the same size. Step 2: Use masking tape to bind all the pages together on the inside of the book. Step 3: Continue adding more and more pages until you have 10 inside pages and 2 cover pieces attached. Trim excess tape from each page as you go. Step 4: Use as many pieces of masking tape as you need to to bind the outide spine of the book together.
There you go! This is a super simple way to make a journal or scrapbook from scratch with recycled items. After this just add the photos and journaling to your book!
A few tips for the highlighting.... I printed out my text and then highlighted it, but I had problems with smearing (seen above). To prevent this problem, I used the smeared version as a guide to highlight a blank sheet of paper (I held them together against a window) in the same spots. After the blank sheet was highlighted I let it dry for 5 minutes and was careful to put it into my printer in the exact same direction as the first pieces printed. Then I printed the same text over the highlighter areas and this took care of my smearing problem!
Have fun creating your own highlights book! xoxo, elsie
ELSIE'S SPRING ART JOURNAL
Hi friends! I wanted to share some photos and details about the process behind my spring art journal. This year I am making an effort to start a new art journal each season. Art journaling is one of the healthiest creative habits that I've found. I hope this post inspires some of you to start one too! 
Here are a few details behind my creative process... 1. Supplies I used... An old used journal (I went through it beforehand and ripped out any pages with ideas or lists I needed to keep) this is a great way to recycle a purse journal after it's filled with random lists and notes you don't need anymore... I would have normally tossed an old journal like this! I also used washi tape + colored masking tape from the art supply store, a pack of colored origami paper (best colors ever! i purchased this a Hobby Lobby), scissors plus some found paper and view master slides. 2. Paint the outside of the old journal to give it a new life. 3. Recover the front of the journal with a large photo, trim to size and add a new binding to the book with masking tape. I also added letter stickers to the front (see the photo below) for a bold title. 4. Choose your favorite colors from the origami paper pack. I loved this step because I got to create a palette that totally reflects my color instincts for this season. I cut it up and am carrying the scraps in an envelope for future art journal pages. 
Next, spend some time prepping the inside pages. I like to prep a lot of pages (at least 10) at one time and then carry it with me and write on the pages over time. Above are a few examples, but the possibilities are endless! Play with color, texture and photos you love to make pretty backgrounds for your journal entries.
And here are a few photos of my finished journal. I'll be carrying this around this season recording little bits of life! I have tons of art journals from the past ten years and they are truly one of my favorite keepsakes. 
That was fun! Are you in the mood to make your own art journal now? Start one today with random supplies you find in your home. xoxo
