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I am making journals for a couple of friend's birthdays. They will be give to them at the same time. Do these two look comparable? The reciepients are very different people (though friends). I want them to be different, but look like equal amount of effort went into them.
Thank you.
They are just composition notebooks from Wal-Mart. They are 50 cents now, but will go up to 1.50-2.50 after "Back to School". I have left the spines uncovered, though I often cover them--but I am out of sticky strip.
Please forgive my insecurity, but I am the only one in the group that makes handmade gifts (partly out of financial necessity partly out of passion). So it is hard for me to judge.
The journal for Becky definitely looks like more work went into it. The other journal could use some more layers and embellishments or something in order to look on the same par. Personally, I love the colors of Becky's journal and the stitching down the side is such a nice touch. The composition (no pun intended) of the elements is also more balanced. It could be just the scan, but the turquoise of Dawn's journal needs something to balance it against the red, KWIM? The contrast is very stark especially with the turquoise piece being so wide. (I hope I don't come across as too critical, because that's not my intention at all.) You have a great idea going, it just could use some more stuff, that's all! ;) OK, I just looked at the pic again and I think what makes it seem off balance is the left side is all black (on my computer screen, anyway). Maybe you have a turquoise ribbon or something to run down the left side?
I think your friends will really appreciate all the work you're putting into their gifts. I know you didn't really ask for any advice in the form of constructive criticism, so just ignore me if I've overstepped my bounds here!
I personally like them both. I understand they are for 2 different people and that shows with your styles and colors you have chosen. I think they are both nice and would love to recieve one. Good job.
Well it's like you said different personalities will be attracted to different things for sure. I still love both of them and it does'nt look like you skimped anywhere on these. The contasting colors are great for both. The one for Becky seems to have a more relaxed feel and the other one seems a little more mysterious. You know your friends better than anyone so I'm sure your on the right path.
I like both of them and they probably show the different personalities of your 2 friends very well. Would you share the instructions with me? I'll have to get to Wal-mart before the school sale is over. I was there earlier today and everything is already very picked over. Are these the notebooks that are a little smaller than a normal spiral bound notebook?
Wow! Those are both really pretty. My first impression was that Becky's looked like more "effort", but in looking further I'm thinking that the silver on the other one probably makes it look more "dressy" and "finished" in person which really doesn't show in a scan. The previous poster's idea of a ribbon down the side - I'd say a thin silver ribbon- might make a nice additional touch. It's great the way you made them for the different personalities.
I'm working on a similar project - 5 prayer journals for members of my prayer group. I keep putting it aside because I feel overwhelmed by having 5 to do. Yours are great inspiration!
I think that your friends will be very happy just knowing that you thought enough of each one to PERSONALIZE her gift. The styles are quite different so the number of layers or embellishments is inconsequential to the TENDER LOVING CARE you have put into your creations. They are both lovely.
P.S. When I have been the recipient of "I didn't know what you all liked, so I just got everyone the same thing" gifts, I have felt somehow cheated.
I've made lots of journal books but none as beautiful as these. I don't think that you should worry about them being equal. Shame on your friends if they don't simply appreciate the effort and the fact that you designed them specifically for them.
I think they're wonderful!
Beth
I need a stamper's opinion...
Cool
