Original Altered Journals

Encrusted and Embellished

Life is full of special memories giving us opportunity to record in unique, altered journals or scrapbooks to revisit and remember every detail. So, why would we want to house these personal mementos in an impersonal, mass-produced, album or scrapbook? If it's important enough to record, then it's important enough to own a beautiful piece that speaks to you and your sacred experience.

I love using vintage bits to give a sense of nostalgia and heirloom quality that will last many more years. To be sure, there will never be another piece exactly like this one again.

We'll give you lots of ideas and step-by-step instructions on how to make your own altered journal here, or you may allow us the pleasure to present a one-of-a kind design to honor your special day with symbolism and sentiment. You may send us your own mementos for a custom journal in just the right style to fit your need.

Altered journals, scrapbooks, or albums are just a few of many ideas for recording a wedding or special anniversary. I designed this album with a formal but, yet vintage appeal. Attached to the front are velvet posies taken from a vintage wedding hat and tied with silk ribbons and pearls. A window was designed with an image of a bride and groom that can be easily removed to place another happy couple. The inside of the album was made especially to show a sentimental poem. Then, a gift tag was included that matches the theme of "Promise". A sprinkling of diamond dust was scattered over its entirety for a bit of magic and luck.

I find myself wondering about the bride that proudly wore the hat on her special day so long ago.

Click here for enlarged images and details of Altered Journals.

There are 100 lined pages waiting for your written thoughts. To remind you of your uniqueness is a message written inside.

"Shells are residues or remains washed out by the sea.I am such a shell, with an inner strength that survived and defied the sea storms of life.There are so many shells in the ocean, but not one like me."

A silk ribbon with a pearl and shell is attached to mark your place. I actually found this shell while walking the beach in Virginia. I knew it would tell me where it would be needed to deliver its message. Click here to see enlarged images and details of Altered Journals.