Winter Stag Journal

Hey there, Crafty Friends!

Do you make gifts during the holidays? There's nothing quite like a handmade gift. Sure, buying gifts still take time and consideration to select and purchase. Navigating stores, fighting crowds, and waiting in long lines can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting.  That is why I like to handmake gifts and avoid some of the hustle and bustle. 

Journals have been on a hot streak and it doesn't seem like it's going to cool down anytime soon. And I absolutely LOVE making them. I pour lots of love and thought into each one. Today, I created this gorgeous Shabby Chic Winter Stag Journal with the help of my Xyron Creative Station Lite. This little machine has been a HUGE timesaver... Move over decoupage, Xyron adhesive has a permanent place in this crafty girl's heart!!

Supplies Used

Creative Station Lite (Xyron)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

Big Shot (Sizzix)

Eileen Hull Pocket Notebook Die (Sizzix)

Tim Holtz Dashing Dear Die (Sizzix)

Printed Corrugate Cardstock (DCWV) 

Patterned Paper (DCWV)

Chipboard

 White Peony,  (I Am Roses)

Small Spring Cottage Flower (I Am Roses)

Achillea Cottage Flowers (I Am Roses)

Cherry Blossoms (I Am Roses)

White Maple Leaves (I Am Roses)

Elastic Cording

4" x 6" Notebooks

Jeweled Brads

Guillotine Trimmer (Swingline)

Crop-a-dile (We R Memory Keepers)

Hemp Twine

Self-adhesive Iridescent Flowers 

Liquid Glue

Clothes Pins (Optional)

I started by die-cutting my journal covers. I used the Eileen Hull Pocket Notebook Die and my Sizzix Big Shot to die-cut two pieces of medium weight chipboard.

Then added a small amount of liquid glue to the spine and attached the two covers together, I made sure to line up the holes on the spine so that the covers were straight and laid properly when closed.

To ensure the covers dried in the correct position, I clamped them together using mini clothespins- but regular-sized ones would work too.

I usually cover my chipboard entirely with patterned paper, but this time I opted against it. Instead, I opted to make "card-front" like panels. Again, I wanted this to be "Shabby Chic" so by leaving the chipboard somewhat exposed it gives it a more rustic feel.

I cut two panels each of white cardstock and patterned paper. 

White Cardstock- 3 7/8"x 6 1/2"

Patterned Paper- 3 3/4" x 6 1/4"

 I layered and attached the patterned paper over the white card stock using my Xyron Mega Runner. Then attached them onto the outside flaps of my cover.

I ran a 5.5" x 8 " piece chipboard through my Xyron Creative Station, then flipped it over and ran it through a second time to add adhesive to both sides. I left the protective film on and cranked it through my Big Shot machine using the Tim Holtz Dashing Deer Die.

Then, I die cut another deer from corrugated cardstock and adhered the two pieces together to give my deer more bulk and dimension.

Then I attached the deer onto the front of my book cover. and attached a multi-looped bow made from hemp twine.

 I created a swag of flowers and leaves under the deer. I curled the leaf stems before I attached them for a bit of interest. Then surrounded the bow with an assortment of flowers.

I made sure to use muted tones throughout to keep with the Shabby Chic feel.

I used my Crop-a-dile tool to punch holes through the thick chipboard on both the front and back covers lined up on both flaps and looped a piece of elastic through it for a closure that hooked onto a jeweled brad on the front cover.

Lastly, I threaded elastic strands through the pre-cut holes and inserted four premade notebook inserts. 

And here is my finished journal...

I covered all pre-cut holes with jeweled brads to give a more finished look.

I hope you enjoyed today's project and that it inspired you to create your own beautiful handmade gifts... there really isn't anything like giving a piece of your heart to your loved ones this holiday season!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Mitsyana