You may have seen over on my Instagram or YouTube accounts that I managed to get my grubby little hands (literally - I've always got paint or ink somewhere) on some of the fabulous new Prima Traveler's Journals in the Lulu Art store - my current favourite is the Nomads set!  

Each travelers notebook set comes with some plain notebooks tucked inside and well you know me, I couldn't just leave the inserts undecorated!  So, I thought I'd show you 3 different ways to decorate your Traveler's Journal inserts to create 3 completely different looks.

I've grabbed 3 journal inserts to play with, a Prima Weekly Journal Insert (Black Cover), a Prima Journal Insert - Scribble Lines Floral (Blank Pages) and a plain Kraft cover blank insert.

You can see how each cover was created in the video clip below, I hope you find a style that suits you. 

Black Journal Insert | Bold and Bright

I thought I'd keep this journal reasonably simple and of course, flat so I can fit as much into my Traveler's Notebook as possible.  This weekly black journal from Prima has some really pretty foiled lettering which I'd like to match using Art Alchemy paints from Finnabair.  So grab a stencil, some metallic paints and let's make this cover sparkle and shine!

SUPPLIES

• Prima Weekly Journal Insert (Black Cover)
• Prima Planner Glue Pen
• Prima Finnabair Art Alchemy Metallique Acrylic Paints - Mermaid Teal, Pink Blush and Crocus Fields
• Pentel Water Brush
• Inka Gold Wax Paste or Prima Metallique Wax Paste (Aged Bronze)
• Gansai Tambi Starry Colors - Red Gold
• The Artist Cellar - Cathedral Series Stencil
• Lindy's Starburst Spray Set - Drop Dead Gorgeous
• Golden Light Molding Paste

The first look we are going to create is BRIGHT and BOLD using molding paste and paints. The plain black journal insert is getting a rather colourful upgrade!  

I've used Light Molding paste and a stencil, combined with some amazing art alchemy Metallique paints to really change the vibe of the journal cover.  Finish with a touch of gold wax and some splashes of Lindy's sprays and your journal cover will shine.  I've shown you exactly how to do this for yourself in the video clip.  

Now, this is a multi-step process, so you may need to have a few coffee breaks while decorating your cover like this.    Believe me adding the gold wax paste as the final step completely transforms the look and brings it to life, just use a light touch and don't add too much! 

Floral Journal Insert | Girly Collage

For the floral journal, it's already super pretty it just needs to be personalized a little, this is a great opportunity to play with 'pretty' things and create a collage on the front that works in with the journal cover.  For this pretty cover, I'm going to play with some collage papers and washi embellishments from Jane Davenport! 

SUPPLIES

• Jane Davenport Mixed Media Paper Pad
• Prima Journal Insert - Scribble Lines Floral (Blank Pages)
• Liquitex Acrylic Ink - Black
• Prima Art Alchemy Metallique Paint - Light Patina
• Jane Davenport Mixed Media Journal Tape Book
• Jane Davenport Washi Tape Rolls - Fantastical
• Glitter Washi - Pale Gold
• Prima Planner Glue Pen
• Sharpie Paint Pen - White
• Black Paint Pen or Sharpie Paint Pen - Black
• Tim Holtz Scissors
• Pentel Water Brush

I couldn't help myself - I've been itching to use some of my Jane Davenport collage papers and thought that this was the perfect way to start - doesn't it make the Prima journal insert look cool and fun!  

All it took was a little washi tape, a little cutting and a swish or two with a few paint pens and there you have it, custom cover!   Don't worry I've explained everything in the video step-by-step. If you are new to art or journals you might like to leave your cover right here. 

BUT, if you're feeling a little more adventurous and would like to customise your cover further try adding a soft halo of Light Patina Metallique paint and some drops of Liquitex ink, there are so many options when decorating your own covers!  In person the shimmer on the metallique paint is stunning! 

Kraft Journal Insert | Vintage

This is screaming vintage theme, so let's go with that!   There are so many fabulous vintage ephemera pieces available in the Lulu art shop that I'm kind of spoiled for choice but I've managed to narrow it down to some stamps, vintage papers and a whole lot of Tim Holtz!

SUPPLIES

• Vintage Book Paper Sheets - Collage Pack
• TCW - 6x6 Template - Ledger
• Tim Holtz Idea-ology Ephemera - Thrift Shop Pack
• Tim Holtz Idea-ology - Chit Chat or Small Talk Stickers
• Tim Holtz Mica Spray
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad - Black Soot and Vintage Photo
• Tim Holtz Scissors
• Pentel Water Brush

Oh, this was fun - though a little more challenging than my usual collages as I was trying to keep everything very flat.  All you really need to create this is some vintage papers, vintage ephemera, and a little distress ink.  

This cover is all about Tim - Tim Holtz products that is - and what a great way to finish my trio of decorated travelers notebook inserts!  The kraft coloured notebooks are perfect for vintage or travel themed layouts or styles.  

Up close you can see there is a hint of glitter.    Go grab your favourite supplies from Kylie over at Lulu Art and get decorating!