DIY Ombre Journals

The last two week’s have been jam packed with bookbinding know-how, and if you’ve followed along, you are a pro by now.We only have two bookbinding posts left and today’s features a little eye-candy and a mini-tutorial.

If you watched “How to Create a Text Block” and “How to Create a Hard Journal Cover” you know the technique of assembling your handmade journals. For me – the hardest part of creating  journal is deciding what I will use to cover the bookboard. I usually spend about 25 minutes waffling about which patterned paper will look the best…it’s really pretty comical. And let’s not forget all the other options beyond patterned paper! There’s wrapping paper, fabric…and in the case of today’s mini tutorial: handmade gelato ombre paper.

DIY Ombre Journals | Damask Love Blog

DIY Ombre Journals | Damask Love BlogEver since I got my package of gelatos, I’ve been addicted to the beautiful ombre effect you can create with them. I’ve created ombre stationery with them and today I’m creating on a bigger scale by using 11×17 Natural White Cardstock from Paper Presentation. This particular cardstock is thick and has a bit of texture to it, both of which work well for blending the colors together with a baby wipe.

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Once you’ve created your ombre paper, just use it as you would patterned paper to cover your journal. Easy enough! Now for some ombre eye candy…

DIY Ombre Journals | Damask Love Blog

DIY Ombre Journals | Damask Love Blog

DIY Ombre Journals | Damask Love Blog

SUPPLIES

Gelato Gift Pack 

MORE  BOOKBINDING TUTORIALS

How to Make a Text Block | How to Make a Hardcover | How to Make a Composition Style Notebook | How to Make Your Own Bookcloth | How to Make Elastic Closures & Headbands | Perfect Binding

Keep on crafting with these other posts

About the Blog

Hey, I’m Amber Kemp-Gerstel - the crafty brain behind Damask Love, where creativity, color, and a little chaos come together. I’m a suburban mom of two, known for turning up the volume on everyday DIYs and showing up like your colorful, crafty BFF. Over the years, I’ve gone from psychologist to full-time content creator, TV host, and brand partner, with appearances on Making It, Today, and HGTV. When I’m not making stuff or on set, I’m chasing around my two boys, Markus and Maxwell, and laughing my way through the mess.

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95 Comments

  1. 8.22.13
    June K said:

    Thanks for sharing. Love this technique.

  2. 8.22.13

    Love this, such a neat idea!

  3. 8.22.13
    janet said:

    Beautiful, Amber – I have just done some cards, similar to the ones you did in “Damask Live” – really enjoyed working with gelatos – they are wonderful! Thank you 🙂

  4. 8.24.13

    I’ve never heard of gelatos. They look like a lot of fun. These turned out just beautifully!

  5. 8.26.13

    Just beautiful, Amber! I’ve done some projects with Gelatos too… they are so addictive and fun to use.

  6. 8.29.13
    Emily said:

    Wow! Those are beautiful! I need go to watch your videos.

    Emily
    eageremily.blogspot.com

  7. 8.31.13
    SaraTH said:

    What a great idea!! I love it 🙂

  8. 10.22.13
    Brenda said:

    They turned out beautifully!

  9. 3.26.14

    Lovely tutorial! This would be great for bookcase styling!

  10. 4.26.14
    Madi said:

    These look fab! I was wondering if you could use another type of colouring device- such as a crayon?

  11. 10.1.14
    McClain said:

    Your blog is SUPER CUTE! I literally feel like making 50 of these crafts at once, you’re so awesome at explaining at great specifics on products.

  12. 5.24.15
    Nana Chu said:

    Waaww look so cute and simple! Thanks for the tutorial Amber 🙂

  13. 6.2.15
    Anonymous said:

    Instead of using the special colors, are we able to use oil pastels instead on a certain piece of material on the notebook and then put another material on top of it so it doesn’t smear?

    • 6.2.15
      amber said:

      Hmmm – great question, but I’m not sure that oils would work since it might be tough to find another material that will adhere well over top to avoid smearing. The gelatos are great because once they are dry, they stay put.

  14. 6.2.15
    Anonymous said:

    Thanks in advance! 🙂

  15. 7.12.15
    Maria said:

    Hi!! I’m sorry, but my english is not the best :(, I didnt understand too much this tutorial, Do I have to use Gelato? Gelato gelato that one that we eat?? thanksxx

  16. 1.5.16

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  17. 1.14.16
    Raya said:

    Cute design but what size book is that??

  18. 5.28.16

    Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me
    of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this.
    I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read.
    Many thanks for sharing!

  19. 1.25.17
    Emy said:

    Can we use anything else instead of gelatos in this tutorial

  20. 1.31.17
    Jennafer... yes it's with an "a" said:

    Ok so this is probably the weirdest question on this stream, but can it work for guys? Because I loveeeee this idea.. but I want to do it for a presentation at school and have to get the guys interested too.

  21. 7.4.17
    Suci said:

    so cuteee. but i know i’m not well like you do T-T

  22. 7.6.17
    azeri said:

    great ideai did it and it came out great !!!!!!

  23. 7.6.17
    azeri said:

    great idea i tryed it and it came out great !!!!!!!