Have you been inspired by the Dear America diarists and journalists to start keeping your own? Below are some recommendations for personalizing your diary or journal. You can collage a brand new journal or one that's already full! MATERIALS: Scissors, glue or paste. Stacks of photos, magazines and newspapers. DIRECTIONS: If you are planning on making a collage for a blank journal, here are some things you might want to think about when planning the design: Season you are starting your diary/journal Favorite animals Photos of family and friends Clippings from newspapers and magazines of recent events Pictures of favorite actresses, actors, musicians, artists, favorite animals For a diary/journal that you've already filled, try these ideas: Flip through and take a look at anything significant that happened during the course of keeping that diary/journal. Look for images that remind you of those events. Look through magazines and newspapers for words that recurred in your diary/journal, or remind you of certain moods or events. When you've got all your images lined up, it's time to collage! Start by placing different pictures and words on the front, to give you an idea of what you want to be the central image. Try all the different combinations you can think of. Even the most bizarre picture can sometimes make the best cover. Then, after trimming pictures down a bit so they'll fit and not hang over the edge, start gluing. You'll want to use a nice non-acid paste or rubber cement. Glue sticks will work, but sometimes are not permanent enough. You can protect your collage by taking a trip to your local arts and crafts store and picking up some contact paper to cover your designs, or archival mist to spray on. Have fun! Arts & Crafts Home