Shabby French Journal

One of my new year's resolutions is to cutback on buying things I just don't need.  That includes clothes, home decor and yes, even craft supplies.  That's not to say I won't pop into an estate sale or two, or my favorite church thrift store - or Michael's! - from time to time.  I just want to de-clutter and use things I already have in the house - returning to my previous alter-ego: One Cheap B*tch. 

So when I spied this little journal that had been sitting in my craft bin, I knew I could set a good example for myself by using what I already have.

I had one sheet of the script paper leftover from god knows when, so I glued that onto the cover.  I printed off the Eiffel Tower image and Paris postmark from the Graphics Fairy and just randomly glued those onto the script paper - adding my own little red Paris postmark.

Then it was just a free-for-all with stamping 2012 on the front in red and black, adding the lace trim, key and random Paris stamps here and there.

I even used snippets of French book paper and leftover fabric.  The finishing touch was the frozen Charlotte and the twine.

I will probably never use this as an actual journal but it makes for a nice touch to the vintage school desk vignette that I change up from time to time. 

It feels good not spending any money and really using what I already have.  Hopefully this is one resolution I can actually keep!  ;)

Jeanine