Deciding which paper to use for the inside covers of my journals is probably my favorite part of the creative process. For reasons I can't quite explain, it is just so much fun for me. For some covers, it's an easy choice. For others, I have to spend a bit more time debating; like with this cover from a 1930 Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, which I scored on ebay. (
Book police, please note: this book is possibly a first edition, true. However, it was already in pieces when it was put up for auction on ebay, so I didn't destroy a valuable artifact. Thank you.) The cover is simple, just silver with black text, so theoretically lots of papers would "match" it. But I had the book for about ten days before I made a commitment, and I'm glad I waited until my most recent order from Paper Source arrived, because this fan-tab-ulous red floral paper was perfect. I love red. I love the contrast between the plain cover and the floral inside. I love that it won't be too matchy-matchy. The finished journal looks like this:
I have made a few journals out of old BH&G books, inspired by a special order from a customer, and I love working with them. They are a nice size and just perfect for upcycling. And since Meredith Corporation is located right here in Des Moines, I like to think of it as not just repurposing these old books, but repurposing
locally.
