For the last two years, I have hand painted these leather journals to give as prizes for our costume contest at my Riverside Paint Retreats. They make the best gifts.....and you can totally do this DIY painted journal project that I am about to share with you!
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My Favorite Journals to Paint
These journals are hand crafted and filled with the most amazing torn edged paper.
I buy these journals on Amazon and I will list the link for you in the shop section!
Supplies Used
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DIY Hand Painted Leather Journal
Applying Silk Screen on Journal
I chose to cover the entire cover with metallic gold in an all over pattern.
I used three different silk screen stencils....one for each journal.....so they would be completely unique.
Have you tried a silk screen stencil before?
They are crazy fun to use and really great on small projects or on small areas of furniture that you'd like to add details!
You simply press the sticky stencil in place.....
brush on your paint of choice......
rub over your paint really well....
and peel away the stencil!
It's that easy!
I will say.....thin paint will bleed through which I did have happen here...but I like the aged look it offered and was totally ok with it.
If your paint is too thick, it is difficult to push through the screens.
PRO TIP: A mid bodied paint is perfect and will give you perfectly crisp lines every time!
Adding Angel Details on Hand Painted Leather Journal
Once dry....I drew out my angel design in sharpie marker.
I intend for this to be very folk-art-ish which is a really safe zone if you are worried about your drawing skills.
Folk art is funky and anything goes!
Big head....lopsided eyes....no eyes.....long necks.....crooked smiles....really....anything goes!
I used a very thinned down version of Drop Cloth to paint in my angel wings.....leaving them sheer.....as you'd imagine a fairy/angel wing to be.
I LOVE how this looks!!!
Next....I painted in the dress on each angel.
Easy Peasy!
I then moved onto their sweet little faces using a mix of Apricot and Drop Cloth.
PRO TIP: If you are worried about doing faces....only do HALF a face! AND.....choose a closed eye! BOOM!
I just continued to sort of doodle.
I painted rosy cheeks, rosebud lips, gold halos and even pulled out my Posca Black pen to outline it all.
I'm not sure what happened next but that Posca pen just started drawing the checkerboard pattern all over the dresses!!!
Finishing Details on Hand Painted Leather Journals
I enhanced their wings with added trim!
And then I finished it off with the words......But what if you fly?
I added cute little red hearts over the angels hearts!
The Finished Look
I absolutely love these hand painted leather journals....and I hope the winners of our costume contest do too!
I know this is something you can do....and I hope you are completely inspired to try!
More Inspiration: How to Paint Leather
I have painted all things leather! Here are more of my unique styles for your inspiration:
Leather Boots - how to prep and paint on leather (step-by-step guide)
Leather Chair - leather chair with a soft smooth surface...without the crunch!
Leather Bed - gorgeous bed as part of a budget room makeover
Faux Leather Jacket - it might not be leather but it sure looks like it
Here are more Hand Painted Gift Ideas that you should definitely check out!
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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