Mixed Media Notebook Cover

So here's a simple tutorial on the cover of a notebook which I have posted recently.

Below are the backbone materials I have used for the notebook. 

1) Left: Notepad from Daiso which only cost $2

2) Right: Front and Back cover of notebook cut from a 12x12 chipboard

** I have used distress Ink to color the border of the chipboard to match the papers and decor better.

I tried to take as many pictures as possible for a visual understanding. So here goes...

Step 1: Cut 4 pieces of paper to the size of the front and back covers. 1 white cardstock and 3 pieces of pattern papers. White for the front cover which I will be altering.
**apologize that I'm missing one piece of pattern paper in the picture.

Step 2: Paste all the papers onto the chipboard and punch binding holes. It's better to punch the holes in this early stage than risk having the embellishment getting in the way. (I used Zutter Bind It All).

Step 3: Apply a thick layer of gel medium or adhesive and fill it up with your embellishments. There is no restrictions on what embellishment to use as long as you have a good layer of gel medium or adhesive, anything should stay on good.

Step 4: Apply a generous layer of Gesso over the embellishment and let dry. 

Refer to the left side of the picture below.

Step 5: You can either paint or mist over the gesso. For me, I choose to go with my favourite Prima Bloom Sprays. A point to note...to create the rows of colors; I have used a cardboard to block off the next row so that the color does not run over. Oh yes, nearly forgot to mention that you might want to dap the colors off a little to give it a softer look.

Step 6: Once the paint or mist has dried, Lightly dust over some of the embellishments with Prima Marketing's chalk ink in Dusty Attic to create a dimension.

Step 7: Time for some royal touch. Added touches of Gold (from Staz On Delicata Ink Pad) and flat pearls.

Final Step: Bind it!! 

Hope the steps are clear and not too difficult to follow :)

Tip: If you encounter some tacky feel to the completed cover, just dust on some talcum (perfumed) powder. It will decrease the tackiness and also leave a nice mild scent on the notebook!

Hope this tutorial has inspired you to have some fun with mediums and do feel free to leave a comment :)

Medium Supplies:

Inkssentials Glue and Seal

Dayler Rowney Gesso

Prima Marketing Bloom Sprays

Prima Marketing Chalk Ink

Staz On Delicata Ink Pad

Thanks for looking!