Pretty Peacock Journal Cover- easy DIY with free pattern!

A few weeks ago, I showed you how to create your own Bullet Journal.  It is a great way to keep yourself organized and be creative at the same time.  This week, I want to show you how to make your own cover for your journal.

pretty peacock diy journal cover

This unique cover made with polymer clay is not only fun and easy to make, but it will make your journal all the more unique to you!  Polymer clay is an easy to use oven baked clay that is incredibly versatile.  It can be used to create not only book covers, but ornaments, jewelry, art and much more.  It is limited only by your imagination!

how to make a bullet journal

My journal not only includes daily tasks, but doodles and craft ideas for future posts.  Since creativity is throughout the journal, it seemed right to continue onto the front cover.  So with that in mind, I created a fun peacock cover using polymer clay.

And I am including a free pattern for you!

pretty peacock diy journal cover

For this project I used:

8 oz. Polymer Clay (Black)
Laser Cut Wood Birdcage
Powdered Pigments
E6000 Craft Glue
Flat Back Rhinestones
Sculpey Glaze- Satin Finish

peacock-pattern

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Soften the polymer clay in your hands and then roll it out on a flat surface about 1/4″ thick.  Use a ruler and knife to cut to the size of your book cover.  (Make it about a little smaller than your cover to allow for easy opening of your journal).

Sitcom 2 step option

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Place the flat piece of clay onto a piece of aluminum foil.  Use a brush or your finger to add the powdered pigments to the clay, creating the background colors.  I used bright gold and blue, mixing in the middle for a bit of movement.

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Using the peacock pattern as a guide, place the bird cage in place and then begin to form the peacock using bits of polymer clay pressed into the cage and background.

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Use a pencil or sharp point to add details around the bird.

Sitcom 2 step option

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Use the pencil to also draw in the tree branch.  Add polymer clay leaves, pressing them into the background.

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Use the pencil or sharp point to draw in details on the bird and veins in the leaves.

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Use your fingers or a brush to add pigment colors to the bird and leaves.  I found that fingers work best to push the color into the clay and leave the details the color of the black clay.  For the bird, I used blue, purple and green pigment colors.  The leaves are green and gold pigment.

Once all the color is added, move the entire project and foil that it is sitting on to a cookie sheet.  Bake at 250 degrees for about 45 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before going to the next step.

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Now that the piece is completely cool, it is time to go to the next step.

Sitcom 2 step option

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Using E6000 glue, add rhinestones.  Check for any loose pieces and glue in place.  I had to add a bit of glue to the left side of the birdcage and to a few of the feathers.  The final step is to brush on a protective coating of Sculpey Glaze.

pretty peacock diy journal cover

The peacock can be used a a pretty piece of art, perched in an easel frame.

pretty peacock diy journal cover

Or… it makes a fabulous journal cover!  Use E6000 glue to adhere the clay piece to the cover of your journal.

Your journal is now uniquely yours!

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