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Time Required :
About an hour
Intermediate
Intermediate
You're somewhat experienced with the skills necessary to complete this project, but you haven't mastered all the elements, yet.

butterfly leather journal cover

Use your Cricut® machine to create a beautiful leather journal cover! Use the machine to draw an outline around your intricate cut-out shape to complete your design.
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Print Project

Step 1

Click here for the design in Cricut® Design Space™.

Step 2

Re-size, if needed, to fit your journal.
TIP: The overall dimensions of your journal cover should be at least ½" [1.3 cm] taller and 1" [2.5 cm] wide (when open) than your journal.

Step 3

If you want a different design, un-attach the design in the link and add your design.
TIP: Be sure to re-attach and cut the negative so you do not end up with just a large hole in the shape of your design. If you like the outline, duplicate your design, click ‘Contour’ and remove the intricate cut-outs of your design, then place the outline over your cut-out. Then attach. Use the design in the link as a guide.

Step 4

Now, click ‘Make It’ and follow the prompts to draw the outline and cut the pieces for your journal cover.
TIP: The material type for this leather piece is ‘Genuine Leather'. Run it through the process twice for best results. Have a craft knife handy in case you need to cut a few areas within the intricate pieces from your design.

Step 5

Add the bottom snap piece to the hole in the front of your cover and top piece to one of the holes in the closing strap.

Step 6

Align the remaining hole in your closing strap to the hole in the back cover piece, then attach with a rivet.

Step 7

Adhere the two flaps to the back edges of your leather cover so you can slide in your journal with high-strength cement. Let dry.
TIP: Read instructions for the cement included on the bottle.

Step 8

Add high-strength cement to the back section from the score line to the edge of your cover. Add more cement to the front section from the score line to the edge of the back cover. Press the sections together so they overlap to assemble your journal cover. Set aside to dry.

Step 9

Create a paint pour cover for your journal so it can be seen through the intricate cut-out of your design on your journal cover. Pour ready-pour paint into a disposable cup, in layers, then pour over your cover.
TIP: Add a piece of palette paper between the cover and the first page of your journal and place your journal over another piece of palette paper. Also, protect your working surface with a disposable tablecloth.

Step 10

Tilt and move the paint to cover your journal front.

Step 11

Turn your disposable cup upside-down onto the middle of a piece of palette paper and balance your journal on top to allow the excess paint to run off the sides as it dries. Let dry completely before inserting into your journal cover.

Share your project photos with #MakeItWithMichaels

Supplies
Materials
Materials
 
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Medium Rivets by ArtMinds®

    Item # 10249765 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 300126240 - Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program, clearance; doorbusters and buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; OttLite; sewing machines; craft technology & accessories; Cricut, Silhouette; Christmas trees, The Elf on the Shelf. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for detail
    $11.99
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Cricut® Black Pen & Marker Set

    Item # 10471345 
    $18.99
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Kraft & Ivory Journal By Recollections™

    Item # 10467054 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 300126240 - Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program, clearance; doorbusters and buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; OttLite; sewing machines; craft technology & accessories; Cricut, Silhouette; Christmas trees, The Elf on the Shelf. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for detail
    $11.99
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Paper Palette Pad by Artist's Loft®, 9" x 12"

    Item # 10552994 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 300126240 - Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program, clearance; doorbusters and buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; OttLite; sewing machines; craft technology & accessories; Cricut, Silhouette; Christmas trees, The Elf on the Shelf. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for detail
    $7.99
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Cricut® Stronggrip Cutting Mat

    Item # 10579743 
    $27.99
  • img
    926203319
    You’ll Need: 1

    DecoArt® Fluid Art Ready-to-Pour Acrylic™ Paint, 8oz.

    Item # 10622532 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 300126240 - Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program, clearance; doorbusters and buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; OttLite; sewing machines; craft technology & accessories; Cricut, Silhouette; Christmas trees, The Elf on the Shelf. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for detail
    $9.49
    • Color: White
    • Size: 8 oz
    • Color: White
    • Size: 8 oz
    +More Colors
    • Color: White
    • Size: 8 oz
    +More Colors
    +More Options
 
Tools
Tools
 
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Bead Landing™ Ball Peen Hammer

    Item # 10149647 
    Save 30% off One Regular Price Item with code 300126240 - Exclusions apply See Details See Details
    Limit one coupon per product. Limit one coupon of each type per day. Limited to stock on hand. Void where prohibited. Valid only in Canada. EXCLUSIONS: Everyday Value program, clearance; doorbusters and buy & get items; custom framing; beverages & candy; books & magazines; gift cards; OttLite; sewing machines; craft technology & accessories; Cricut, Silhouette; Christmas trees, The Elf on the Shelf. Exclusions subject to change. See Team Member for detail
    $9.99
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Cricut® Explore® Deep Cut Blade & Housing

    Item # 10307856 
    $44.99
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Cricut® Single Scoring Wheel Tip + Housing

    Item # 10565148 
    $59.99
  • img
    You’ll Need: 1

    Cricut Maker® 3 - Ultimate Smart Cutting Machine with Adaptive Tool System™

    Item # 10669040 
    $549.99
 
You’ll Also Need
  • Computer
  • Disposable Cups
  • Disposable Tablecloth
Instructions
Step 1

Click here for the design in Cricut® Design Space™.

Step 2

Re-size, if needed, to fit your journal.
TIP: The overall dimensions of your journal cover should be at least ½" [1.3 cm] taller and 1" [2.5 cm] wide (when open) than your journal.

Step 3

If you want a different design, un-attach the design in the link and add your design.
TIP: Be sure to re-attach and cut the negative so you do not end up with just a large hole in the shape of your design. If you like the outline, duplicate your design, click ‘Contour’ and remove the intricate cut-outs of your design, then place the outline over your cut-out. Then attach. Use the design in the link as a guide.

Step 4

Now, click ‘Make It’ and follow the prompts to draw the outline and cut the pieces for your journal cover.
TIP: The material type for this leather piece is ‘Genuine Leather'. Run it through the process twice for best results. Have a craft knife handy in case you need to cut a few areas within the intricate pieces from your design.

Step 5

Add the bottom snap piece to the hole in the front of your cover and top piece to one of the holes in the closing strap.

Step 6

Align the remaining hole in your closing strap to the hole in the back cover piece, then attach with a rivet.

Step 7

Adhere the two flaps to the back edges of your leather cover so you can slide in your journal with high-strength cement. Let dry.
TIP: Read instructions for the cement included on the bottle.

Step 8

Add high-strength cement to the back section from the score line to the edge of your cover. Add more cement to the front section from the score line to the edge of the back cover. Press the sections together so they overlap to assemble your journal cover. Set aside to dry.

Step 9

Create a paint pour cover for your journal so it can be seen through the intricate cut-out of your design on your journal cover. Pour ready-pour paint into a disposable cup, in layers, then pour over your cover.
TIP: Add a piece of palette paper between the cover and the first page of your journal and place your journal over another piece of palette paper. Also, protect your working surface with a disposable tablecloth.

Step 10

Tilt and move the paint to cover your journal front.

Step 11

Turn your disposable cup upside-down onto the middle of a piece of palette paper and balance your journal on top to allow the excess paint to run off the sides as it dries. Let dry completely before inserting into your journal cover.

Share your project photos with #MakeItWithMichaels

Project Reviews